The best cycling routes around Viviers-Sur-Chiers

In 1577, Henri le Clercq built a powder mill on the banks of the Ton in the lower town of Virton, which became a sawmill a hundred years later. In 1797, the buildings were redeveloped by the new owners, a fact clearly reflected in the first land registry of the town of Virton, dated 1850. In 1875, the sawmill was converted into a bark mill and tannery. In 1928, these buildings were purchased by Jean Naisse. He modernized the equipment to operate a sawmill that remained in operation until 1970. The small building to the east has preserved its mill and waterwheel from the early 19th century. The large western building houses the old tannery. It is recognizable by the nine rectangular openings that were necessary for drying the hides. In 1930, a traditional living area of the same size was added to form the current building. All buildings and the surrounding area have been listed as historic monuments since November 9, 1990. (Information board on site)

🏰 **Château de Cons-la-Grandville – A Journey Through the Centuries** The imposing castle of **Cons-la-Grandville**, near the border with Luxembourg, combines Romanesque origins with Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Built on the foundations of a Gallo-Roman villa, it was expanded and remodeled several times from the 11th century onwards. Particularly worth seeing: the Romanesque cloister, the elegant façade, and the magnificent courtyard. 🕰️ The château was the residence of the noble de Cons family, later also a monastery, and has been lovingly restored. Today it is a listed monument and open to visitors. **Tip:** Be sure to visit the cloister – one of the oldest preserved of its kind in Lorraine. Ideal as a stopover on the way between France and Luxembourg.

Charming little historic town with an excellent restaurant Le Gras Q

From there, you have a breathtaking view of the bell tower of Saint-Mard on the banks of the Ton.

If you like heritage and history, don't miss visiting the Naisse mill in Virton, an old water mill dating from 1578. You will discover its restored mechanism, its eventful history and its different functions over the centuries: gunpowder factory, sawmill, tannery, etc. You can also admire the neighboring tannery, an 18th century building classified as a historic monument, as well as the Cathedral of Light, the work of Bernard Tirtiaux symbolizing the geographical center of the Europe of the Fifteen. The Naisse mill is open to the public every year during Heritage Days.

The Gros oeuvre de Fermont is a fortified complex on the Maginot Line in northeastern France. You can explore the underground galleries, artillery bunkers, barracks and power station of this impressive structure, which withstood German attacks in June 1940. You can also enjoy the open-air museum, which displays various weapons and equipment of the Maginot line. Don't miss this unique opportunity to discover a part of French history and military engineering.

The castle of Cons-la-Grandville is a castle which dates from the 11th century and which has been transformed and restored over the centuries. You can admire the architecture and sculptures of the castle, which combine Romanesque, Renaissance and classical styles. You can also explore the park and village of Cons-la-Grandville, surrounded by hills and woods.

Stationed in Longuyon in 1954, with an air base in Marville, the Canadians left our region in 1966/1967 following General DE GAULLE's decision in 1966 to no longer belong to NATO. The Canadians, in thanks for the welcome received by the French, proposed to the municipality, chaired by Robert DRAPIER, to build a totem characteristic of the Canadian nation. It was inaugurated on March 11, 1967 by the Indian chief KHUT LA CHA and his squaw "Princess of Peace", in the presence of the mayor and the city council, as well as the 4 colonels who had succeeded each other at the base. After many Indian dances and songs to the accompaniment of a tambourine, the chief gave his headdress to Colonel CHRISTIE, the last base commander, who unveiled the plaque affixed to the Totem's base. As a testimony to the warm welcome given by the French people to all Canadian personnel of the First Wing, Royal Canadian Air Force, who stayed at Marville Base from 1954 to 1967. Worn out over the years, our unusual Totem was replaced thanks to Canadians from the LAHR base in Germany. Renovated and carved from larch, 5.40 meters high, the new brand new totem was re-inaugurated by Pierre MERSCH, Mayor, on June 8, 1986. It is regularly maintained and some parts have been refurbished. weather and pollution would soon have overcome this memory of the past. In 2005, the second Totem, which still retained the original sculptures and designs, had to be replaced. It is now in resin, which should make it more resistant to the test of time. (https://www.longuyon.fr/Patrimoine/Totem.html)