The best MTB trails around Touquin

Centuries ago, our ancestors discovered how to harness the power of the elements – which, while helpful and useful, could also be a threat as untamed natural forces – for various purposes, thus eliminating the need for human or animal muscle power. A good example of the engineering skills of earlier generations are mills like these: the heavy millstones, used for grinding grain or pressing oil, could be powered by wind or – as in this case – water.

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Treat yourself to a well-deserved break at the picnic area near the Montcet washhouse, on the banks of the Aubetin. With its three tables set in a calm and natural setting, this space is the ideal place to eat in complete tranquility. Enjoy the serenity of the place, between the murmur of the water and the freshness of the environment, to regain your strength before continuing on your way.

Menhir of Pierrefitte 3 m high is known under the name of Saint-Aubierge gable or Saint Flodoberthe. These names testify to the Christianization of pagan sacred places during the early Middle Ages. According to the legend Saint FlodoBerthe, a nun from Faremoutiers Abbey in the 7th century decided to establish a chapel between Faremoutiers and Saintes. Not finding a stone to carry out her project, she shared her wish with her sister Sainte Aubierge, the latter brought back the menhir in her apron, the shape of which evokes a church gable, she let go of the corner of her apron and the stone stuck. in the Maillard pond in its current place.

The menhir is made up of a large sandstone slab 3.50 m high with a width at the base of 2.40 m and an average thickness of 0.50 m. It has an oblique groove approximately 2 m long by 4 cm wide on its face and obtained by staking to a depth of 1 cm. An excavation carried out at the foot of the menhir did not yield any archaeological material2. Sainte-Flodoberthe and her sister Sainte-Aubierge both built their respective chapels in Amillis and Saint-Augustin. Sainte-Flodoberthe having finished building hers wanted to offer a beautiful stone to her sister but on the way she met the latter who came to tell her that she had also completed her project. Sainte-Flodoberthe then abandoned the stone on the spot. As for the groove, it would have been made by the handle of Sainte-Flodoberthe's distaff which spun while walking with the stone under her arm2. Source: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre-Fitte_(Beautheil)

This “cave” is in reality nothing natural since it is a reproduction of that of Massabielle, called the “Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes” cave in which Bernadette Soubirous says she saw her mother appear to her. Jesus. It is located south of the village on the heights of the Aubetin valley. It took place on land donated by Robert Olivier, a farmer from the town. This grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes was built in 1958, the centenary year of the apparitions of Our Lady in Lourdes. Created and built by Father Jean Fabing, parish priest of Amillis, it was built by workers from Moselle with the help of the parishioners of Amillis, Chevru and Dagny and many friends and benefactors on this land in the Bois de la Croix . Inauguration and blessing on July 13, 1958 by Monsignor Georges Romain, Vicar General. In 1962 Pope John XXIII granted the plenary indulgence to all those who helped with the construction of the building and to all those who come to make pilgrimage there. From this day on, the cave has enjoyed real local success, demonstrated by the crowds that flocked to it during the procession on August 15. Carefully maintained by the faithful of the village and surrounding areas, the Notre-Dame-de Lourdes cave is open daily to all those who wish to stop there. Pilgrimage on August 15. Source: https://www.amillis.fr/amillis/histoire/