Fresnes-en-Woëvre. The territory of Fresnes between nature and legend

Not far from the alluvial valleys of the Meuse, the Côtes de Meuse and a fringe of the Woëvre plain unfold forest paths and footpaths where it is pleasant to walk or set off on a bicycle to meet the inhabitants and their little corner of the world: a territory steeped in history and exceptional environmental richness.

Leaving Fresnes, after paying a few silent tribute to the memory of those who died in the two wars, it is a good idea to go for a swim at the Colvert base, or to cool off by crossing its wetland near Longeau.

There, 80 plant and animal species have been listed thanks to the CPIE restoration program.

Further on, in Bonzée and Trésauvaux, two ponds classified as Sensitive Natural Areas offer a green break that deserves respect and admiration.

In Bonzée at the end of August, the AMAP (Association for the Promotion of Agriculture) offers its annual market of local, artisanal and organic products, exuding a mille-feuille of aromas and flavors. Heading back up towards the Crète des Éparges, with its cruel and tormented history, you should stop for a few moments, taking the Genevoix passage or the path that runs along the craters caused by the collapse of the mines in the winter of 1915.

A signposted route allows you to fully understand the dramas that played out on these heights from Les Éparges to Point X. And from there, take in the immense panorama that unfolds before your eyes. While understanding the tragic history of these places, spring allows you to appreciate the magnificence of numerous orchids and lush nature.

Then join Saint-Remy-la-Calonne and the tomb of Alain Fournier and finally Combres and its belvedere which overlooks the cultivation of vines and orchards.

From Combres to Marchéville, where the memory of Louis Pergaud lingers, you only have to pass Saulx and then go up to Saint-Hilaire-en-Woëvre, and gaze upon the recently restored frescoes of Donzelli.

From Saint-Hilaire across the Woëvre plain, it's just a short walk to admire the fortified church of Pareid. Finally, continue on to Watronville, where the Orchard Round takes place every year amidst the flowering orchards.

Finally, the route ends at Haudiomont, with its church with decorations painted by Donzelli and its proximity to the Calonne, a forest road which leads to the historic sites, witnesses to the fighting of 14/18.

This plain of the Wöevre is also a major migration site for common cranes, a place where forests, wet meadows, cultivated lands, and marshes intermingle, taking their name from the Vouivre, this dragon inhabiting the woods and marshes, whose legend still haunts certain spirits and which gave it its name of Wöevre.

From Combres to Marchéville, where the memory of Louis Pergaud floats, you only have to pass Saulx and then go up to Saint-Hilaire-en-Woëvre, and gaze upon the recently restored frescoes of Donzelli. From Saint-Hilaire across the Woëvre plain, it's only a short walk to admire the fortified church of Pareid. And finally, push on to Watronville where the Orchard Round takes place every year in the heart of the flowering orchards. Finally, close the route at Haudiomont, with its church decorated with decorations by Donzelli and its proximity to the Calonne, a forest road that leads to the historic sites, witnesses of the fighting of 14/18.