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Motorhoming in Meuse
If you’re hiring a motorhome in France, the department of Meuse is in the west of the region of Lorraine at the north eastern extremity of France and borders Belgium. This department has a rich and varied historical past and a warm and welcoming population. Happy to share the wealth of Meuse, whether it be historical, cultural or gastronomic, with its visitors, this is an ideal place for motorhome travel in France.
Joan of Arc was born in the village of Domrémy-la-Pucelle so not surprisingly the area boasts many vestiges to the pious Joan. At Vaucouleurs is the Porte de France, where in 1429, disguised as a man, Joan presented herself to King Charles Vll asking him for his help in her crusade. This monument is in virtually perfect condition and just next door is the Crypt of Notre Dame and the stone statue of the Vierge à l’Enfant where Joan prayed. There are numerous ways to discover the period of Joan of Arc and all about the myth that surrounded this famous warrior including a very good museum.
Verdun is another town that has witnessed heroic battles not least of all the battle of 1916 during the First World War. This strategic town is host to a large number of historical monuments which bear witness to its tormented past. Whilst wandering through its picturesque streets you will see the 18th century Saint Paul’s Abbey, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the 14th century twin towers, La Porte Chaussée, which are to be found one on each side of the River Meuse and the Episcopal Palace which is today the World Centre of Peace. There is also an underground citadel, 7kms of tunnels used by the soldiers during the war which is visited using little electric wagons. Take a break in the Aires de Service in Meuse while you’re travelling around.
The impressive Château Stanislas of Commercy was built in the 18th century and later bought back to its former glory by Stanislas the ex-king of Poland who had much influence in France at the time. Voltaire was a guest there for several months and it is also said to be the birthplace of the favourite little cake of the French, the Madeleine. The Madeleine of Commercy is flavoured with orange water which distinguishes it today from other Madeleines and is said to have been made for Stanislas by a maid of the same name in the absence of the cook. The French eat Madeleines for breakfast or afternoon tea and they are a real regional favourite.
Other specialities of Meuse are sugared almonds from Verdun, the origins of which go back to the middle ages; a French favourite for weddings and baptisms. The beautiful little city of Bar-Le-Duc is home to another favourite in Meuse. This very picturesque town has sumptuous Renaissance architecture, half timbered little medieval houses and a 13th century market hall. It is home to the ‘Caviar de Bar’, exported around the world. Counting amongst its fans Alfred Hitchcock and Victor Hugo, it is in fact redcurrant jelly, reputed to have the pips removed from the redcurrants with a goose feather and apparently very, very good!
Take in some more of France. Go motorhoming in Champagne Ardenne, motorhoming in Meurthe et Moselle or motorhoming in Vosges.
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