Attractions and Places To See around Crézilles - Top 20

The fort was built around the existing village of Villey-le-Sec, partly because this strategically located location was also the only water supply in the vicinity at the time, and therefore it was not easy to relocate the residents. The design of the fort was the model for later defensive structures, such as those built in the Maginot Line. The fort was outside of any significant fighting in the world wars, so that although it remained virtually intact, it became increasingly less important strategically. It was therefore no longer maintained after the First World War. In the Second World War, many of the metal parts used were dismantled by the Germans. Today, guided tours organized by an association are offered between May and September. [Michelin Guide Vert]

One of Vauban's designs for the town of Toul consisted of demolishing the already existing fortifications and enlarging the surface of the town by inserting all the nearby suburbs within a single bastioned enclosure. This project was chosen by the king and work began on May 12, 1700, but, contrary to Vauban's wishes, inside the city and not outside. The work progressed only slowly, the city having lost all interest after the signing of the peace treaties. The ramparts and parapet were completed in 1722. In the first half of the 1740s, the canal locks were completed and the only complete peninsula was completed. But the work stopped there and the project was not completed. [https://sites-vauban.org/ressources/site-vauban/toul] An aerial view allows you to clearly see the contours of the fortifications, and you can also easily walk around them.

Toul Cathedral celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2021 (although it was not completed until after 1500). The monumental building dominates the cityscape from afar?

The fortification of Toul goes back to a plan by Vauban from 1697. However, the fortification was never completed.

Fort Villey-le-sec, built between 1875 and 1879 in the south-east of Toul on a 345 m high hill, represents a unique ensemble in the fortifications of the Serè des Rivières era the hill was excellently suited to observe and combat a possible deployment of enemy troops. Since a wealthy landowner had already resisted expropriation during the construction of Fort de Bourlèmont and the location of Bourlèmont had to be shifted as a result, the French military also feared fierce resistance in the case of Villey-le-sec. In general, expropriation procedures could be carried out expeditiously when required by national security and when the land was vacant. But here it was a complete village with church and cemetery, which made things considerably more difficult. And so it was decided to surround the village with defenses instead of tearing it down. Source: http://www.festungsbauten.de/F/Toul_Villeylesec.htm

The town hall building

Even if the turnoff to Nancy on the Moselle cycle path is worth it, you shouldn't miss this loop of the Moselle. From Maron to Toul, the Moselle shows different landscapes. The most beautiful part for me is the swamp through which the bike path leads along a dam. Camping in Villey-le-Sec on the other bank of the Moselle is definitely recommended as a stopover with a tent. Access is via the large lock.

Impressive Gothic cathedral of Toul, which houses one of the largest cloisters in France! It was stripped of its statues during the French Revolution but kept its superb. Also worth seeing: its two cloisters and the adjoining garden, very pleasant for taking a break in the shade.