The best traffic-free bike rides around Belrain

A historic building with three elegant round arches on the front, dating from the 16th century. Originally, an inn called À la Couronne, later known as À l'Écu de France, stood here as early as 1447. This inn provided shelter for travellers arriving after the city gates had closed. 🏛️ Architecture: The arcaded façade is a rare remnant of the old buildings of the faubourg Saint-Thiébaut. The current structure was rebuilt in the second half of the 16th century. 📍 Address: 30 Rue Porte à Nancy, 55300 Saint-Mihiel 🏷️ Status: Listed as a Historic Monument since 1984. Private property, but clearly visible from the street.

A beautiful late 16th century mansion located in the heart of Saint-Mihiel. Once owned by the noble Gondrecourt family, this building was later modified in the 18th century. The Renaissance-style facade and U-shaped courtyard are evidence of the wealth of the time. 🕰️ Historical fact: In 1424, Duke René I of Anjou and Isabella of Lorraine stayed here. Duke Leopold of Lorraine also stayed there in 1698. 📍 Location: 16 rue Larzillière-Beudant, Saint-Mihiel 🏷️ Status: Private property, but the exterior is visible from the street. Occasionally accessible during European Heritage Days.

Founded around 708 by Count Wulfoalde, this Benedictine abbey became an important religious and cultural centre in Lorraine. The abbey was under the protection of Charlemagne and flourished under Abbot Smaragdus in the 9th century. Today, you can still visit the abbey church of Saint-Michel, home to the masterpiece La Pâmoison de la Vierge by Ligier Richier. The 18th-century monastery library houses thousands of ancient works and is one of the most beautiful in the region.

This monumental pediment is the remains of the former Colson-Blaise cavalry barracks, built from 1777 and extended in 1842. The pediment, with its sculpted motifs, once adorned the main façade of the complex. Since 1929, it has been protected as a historical monument. Today, the pediment lies loose on the ground, as a silent witness to the military history of Saint-Mihiel.

This former abbey church forms the historic heart of Saint-Mihiel. Originally built in the 9th century, it took on its current form during major renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries. Inside, you can admire a magnificent baroque organ (1679–1681), colourful stained glass windows and the masterpiece La Pâmoison de la Vierge by sculptor Ligier Richier. A place where art, history and spirituality come together.

2 rue Notre-Dame 55300 Saint-Mihiel One of the oldest civil buildings in the Meuse, built around 1350 and bought in 1428 by René I, Duke of Bar, later known as “Le bon Roi René”. This stately home with four wings around a courtyard served as a residence and courthouse. The facade is a beautiful example of late medieval architecture. Today it is privately owned, but the exterior can be freely admired.

Saint-Mihiel is picturesquely situated on the Meuse, on the edge of the Lorraine Regional Nature Park. The town grew around a Benedictine abbey, founded in the 8th century, and flourished during the Renaissance. Visit the abbey with its impressive library, the Museum of Sacred Art, and the Saint-Michel church. Wander the charming streets, admire the sculptures of Ligier Richier, and taste local specialities such as the “croquets” and “rochers de Saint-Mihiel”. A town full of history, culture and character.

Built between 1883 and 1885 as part of the “Rideau des Hauts de Meuse”, this fort is the only one of the line located on the left bank of the Meuse. It guarded the Spada passage, a strategic access to Saint-Mihiel. In September 1914, this passage was breached by German troops. The fort is a reminder of the early defensive efforts before the trench warfare and is today hidden in the greenery.