Naix-aux-Forges

Naix-aux-Forges brings together church history dating back to the 15th century, the history of the Forges de Naix and the archaeological context of Nasium. Architecture, industrial development and the Gallo-Roman past represent different historical themes. The routes also have different focuses: one explores Nasium thematically, while the other is described as a cycling route of a specified length.

Église Saint-Martin and Forges de Naix

The first Église Saint-Martin was built in the 15th century and included several fortification features. In the 19th century, the church was restored, and the nave was completely redesigned in the process.

The forges known as the “Forges de Naix” were founded by Nicolas Bailly. Between 1702 and 1704, he acquired land in Naix and built facilities to optimize operations. The church and the forges also represent different historical chapters in the history of the town. The first Église Saint-Martin was built in the 15th century; between 1702 and 1704, Nicolas Bailly acquired land in Naix and built facilities to optimize the operation of the forges. In the 19th century, the nave was completely redesigned during the restoration. Bailly’s acquisition of the land and construction of the facilities therefore took place between the two church-building phases.

Nasium and the Boucle de la Cité des Leuques

The archaeological site of Nasium covers 200 hectares and consists of an oppidum, a lower town and a monumental quarter. The area extends across the communes of Boviolles, Naix-aux-Forges and Saint-Amand-sur-Ornain.

The Boucle de la Cité des Leuques offers a way to explore Nasium’s Gallic and Roman past. It features information panels and illustrations explaining the scale of Nasium. If you are particularly interested in archaeological history, Nasium’s past and spatial layout are the focus of this route.

Cycling route and archaeological stop

The Circuit cyclotouristique Ligny-en-Barrois (court) is a moderately difficult, 23-kilometre cycling route. It recommends an archaeological stop in Naix-aux-Forges. In Naix-aux-Forges, the route follows the low-traffic D29 at lock 14. Its length and difficulty give you specific information about the route; the recommended stop adds an archaeological focus.

The two routes can be distinguished by their stated focus: the Boucle de la Cité des Leuques is dedicated to Nasium’s Gallic and Roman past and explains its scale with panels and illustrations. The Circuit cyclotouristique, by contrast, focuses on the moderately difficult cycling route, its 23-kilometre length and the recommended stop in Naix-aux-Forges. This lets you choose between a thematic approach focused on archaeology and a clearly described cycling route, without treating the two offerings as equivalent.

Discover more destinations: Quincy-Landzécourt, Cousances-Les-Forges, Heudicourt-Sous-Les-Côtes, Bras-sur-Meuse, Mauvages, Velosnes, Revigny-Sur-Ornain, Saint-Maurice-Sous-Les-Côtes.

For the broader travel overview: Meuse.