For nature lovers, Sarrebourg Moselle Sud offers a number of cycle routes with breathtaking views over the Moselle Vosges. The sporting itinerary we suggest will take you to some of the most emblematic places in our region, such as the Donon and Walscheid. Let yourself be tempted by a 2-day getaway with guaranteed thrills!
Day 1: The Donon Pass; 50 km - 3 hours
Get your body moving in the heart of nature!A real sporting challenge, the Col du Donon has been crossed several times by the peloton in the history of the Tour de France. Get on your mountain bike or your Gravel and set off to conquer the pass by following the "Donon circuit".
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Leave your vehicle at the car park, and your journey begins at the Train Forestier d'Abreschviller site, where you can take a ride on an old locomotive. As the train travels along the edge of the forest, you'll be amazed by the beauty of the picturesque landscapes it passes through - a unique experience in the Sarre Rouge valley! Once you arrive at the Grand Soldat site, you can explore the high-iron sawmill, the paddle wheel and Alexandre Chatrian's birthplace, a place steeped in history and culture.
Now it's time to step up a gear and tackle the biggest part of the route, with the ascent of the Col du Donon, which has a positive vertical drop of 1,375 metres. The Donon valley is full of particularly interesting caves and pink sandstone rocks. Put in a few more hard pedal strokes to reach the summit and take the time to admire the panoramic view of the Vosges and the Alsace plain from the orientation table. Behind you you'll find a cultural mecca combining Celtic traditions and Gallo-Roman cults: the Temple du Donon. Near the summit, keep your eyes peeled for the stone block bearing the inscription "Here Victor Hugo was conceived".
On the way back down the pass, stop in front of the Notre-Dame de la Délivrance chapel in Turquestein-Blancrupt and continue towards the ruins of Turquestein castle at the bottom of the pass.
To round off a day full of thrills, head for Saint-Quirin, listed as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages. You'll pass through a variety of landscapes, from leafy forests to lush green meadows, before arriving in this charming village typical of Lorraine. Here you can admire the Prioral church with its three bulbous towers and stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional houses.
Reward yourself with a fine meal in an exceptional setting, worthy of a Mosl Quality-labelled establishment, at the Hostellerie du Prieuré. You can also choose the "soirée étape" package, which includes a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at the Hôtel-Restaurant.
Day 2: Tour of the two valleys via the Col Saint-Léon; 32 km - 2 hours
After a good night's sleep, don't let up on your efforts and set off in the direction of Vasperviller, where you can admire the magnificent stained glass windows of the contemporary church of Sainte Thérèse.
On your second day, return to Abreschviller to begin your second sporting challenge, the ascent of the Col de Saint-Léon ! From the village, take the "deux vallées par le Col Saint-Léon" trail. The beauty of the scenery combined with the technical routes make this route a real treat for mountain bikers.
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Pedal on towards Walscheid, a charming village tucked away in a valley at the foot of the Vosges mountains. Surrounded by nature, the hamlet of Saint-Léon awaits you for a meditative break. Here you'll discover the chapel and grotto of Saint-Léon, the deepest natural cavity in the Vosges, formed by erosion and a place of prayer and reflection for Pope Saint-Léon IX.
Take a deep breath of fresh air from the summit of Peugstein, the ideal spot to admire the Rocher de Dabo, the Massif du Donon and the Sarre Valley, set in the forest landscape and offering exceptional views.
Finish your loop on the return journey with a well-deserved meal at the "Les Cigognes" restaurant, 450 metres from the Train Forestier d'Abreschviller, where the chef offers traditional cuisine. You'll enjoy home-cooked, local dishes!
Another busy day! Treat yourself to one last night in the area before getting out of your nature bath. Come and stay at the "Ma Cab'Âne" tourist accommodation in Vasperviller, which has the "Accueil Vélo" label, for a soothing interlude in a green setting right in the heart of the Lorraine countryside.
This itinerary is reserved for experienced cyclists due to the difficulty of the terrain. The effort you put in will be rewarded with exceptional discoveries and unforgettable memories.
This sporty cycling route in the Sarrebourg Moselle Sud area promises a unique and memorable experience, combining unspoilt nature and an exceptional cultural heritage. So, are you ready to get on your bike and set off to discover our beautiful region?