Meuse. Discover the Meuse coast by trekking: head to the Chemin du Tacot (Trail of the Tacot)
For this first hike certified by the Meuse committee of the Federation, head to the Chemin du Tacot, named after the railway line that enabled the reconstruction of villages destroyed during the Great War. It's about a two-hour walk in the Watronville area.
A preamble is in order. Yes, words have meaning, so let's say it right away: we're talking about hiking here. But you can very well be in your forties, want to get back into regular physical activity, and not take yourself too seriously, right?
Full of self-deprecation and awareness of our abilities, we started going on treks last summer. Initially, just the two of us. But the idea of "trek" was intriguing for many, and it caught on. So much so that we kept the term for our weekly get-together, and who cares if it provokes mockery from the grumpy crowd?
The goal of the game, as you've probably guessed, is to not take yourself too seriously, get out there, and discover a land full of wonders that's inaccessible by car. This "us"? A group of friends who take you on a backpacking trip with one promise: to get away from it all at a fraction of the cost.
We're starting this Friday with a "little trek": 8.5 km in the Watronville area, along part of the Ronde des vergers trails, an event organized in April by the town's leisure association. Last year, the event brought together more than 1,200 people, and it goes without saying that we highly recommend it!
For this big start, meet in front of the Watronville church. A few meters higher, you'll find a sign for the circuit called "Chemin du Tacot." Walk along the church to the left and enter the plain.
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After turning right after 700 meters, you'll walk along orchards for over 1.5 km before heading deeper into the plain. There's also a variation that will take you through the village of Ronvaux to discover a stained-glass window by Jacques Gruber in its church. At kilometer 4, you'll follow the D903, the only slightly risky part of this hike... but the rest is worth it!
As you climb up Haudiomont, the trail curves to the right, then you enter the forest. On your right, a few conifers provide welcome shade on a well-maintained dirt path. Enough to soothe your feet and ankles. Take a look to your right as well to enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Woëvre plain. Here and there, the light plays with the shadows, on a path that has become flat again. You are at the highest point of this walk at 335 meters. Then, it's time to descend, via the Saint-Simon hill, on a paved road, before returning to Watronville via a small street. If you see the church, it means you're there, and don't hesitate to stroll through the town to the castle. And if you enjoyed it, see you next Friday!
To go further… cafes, fruits and a lake!
Once you've finished your hike, there are plenty of places to eat nearby or just wander around... In Fresnes-en-Woëvre, the Matcha Café and the local Vida await you. In Haudiomont, you'll find a pop-up shop, Jardins de Lorraine, as well as a greengrocer. Don't hesitate to stop by the Jardins de Villers or go for a swim at the Colvert leisure center...
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