Attractions and Places To See around Villers-Lès-Mangiennes - Top 13

Ornes was a real city, larger than the other destroyed villages, but which eventually found itself, after the First World War, on the same site, or almost, under their stones. In the course of its history, its lord's castle suffered the same fate, when it was taken in February 1653 and then destroyed by the Catholic troops of Lorraine, while he, like his ancestors since 1563, vigorously defended Protestantism. As early as 1587, a very bloody battle took place between his troops and the Catholic troops of the Duke of Lorraine. In the mid-19th century, the city had 1,367 inhabitants, but in 1914 the number of inhabitants fell again to 750. This was mainly due to the rural exodus, which provided labour for the large industrial centres that were growing rapidly at the end of the 19th century. However, this city has an industrial textile and processing factory that is well suited to local agricultural production and textiles from the neighbouring Woëvre plain. But its geographical location, close to the border with the annexed Moselle and then on the front that had been stabilised after the Battle of the Marne, was not favourable for the area. In the event of an enemy offensive, the area would quickly find itself on the front line. For this reason, on 25 August 1914, the population was asked to leave the village. But not everyone left, at their own risk, because the bombardments and German patrols in the village became increasingly intense. In September 1914, two children were killed by shrapnel. In October 1914, several villagers who were about to leave were taken prisoner by the Germans... In 1915 and until February 1916, French troops held the village where units were positioned, in the second line opposite the front, at the beginning of the great German offensive. But from 21 to 24 February, the German advance was so strong that the village of Ornes was taken by their infantry on 24 February 1916, after heavy bombardments that destroyed all the houses and buildings in the village. It was not until 23 August 1917 that the area was retaken by our soldiers. At the end of the war, the area was classified as a 'red zone' and could never be rebuilt. Source: Tourism Verdun

Marville is a charming village dating back to the 12th century. You can explore its medieval streets, admire its Renaissance architecture, and visit the impressive Saint-Hilaire cemetery, which contains over 40,000 graves from different eras. You can also appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside, with its rolling hills, vineyards, and forests. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a challenging adventure, Marville has something for everyone.

What makes Marville special is that some of the houses in the Spanish Renaissance style were built when the city was part of the Spanish Netherlands in the 16th century.

The cemetery, located two kilometers outside Marville, is known for its 'ossuary', a so-called charnel house where more than 40,000 skulls and bones lie.

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)

Very old cemetery in Saint Hilaire (Jerusalem) with graves from the 16th century to the 21st century. Beautiful church in Romanesque style. Well worth a visit .

The village of Marville is characterized by a particular architecture, namely its Renaissance facades, its fortifications and posterns. In the 16th century, the village experienced a prosperous period. The most beautiful facades of the village are born from the establishment of noble, bourgeois or business families attracted by this prosperity. A remarkable 13th-16th century Gothic church deserves a break with its very rich interior. see https://torgny.be/1677/dans-les-environs-marville/

Hidden within the cemetery you will find this impressive ossuary. It says “we were like you, you will become like us, pray for us”