Saint-Maurice-sous-les-Côtes: Forest, Wine and Trails

Saint-Maurice-sous-les-Côtes combines a history of wine and fruit growing with forested trails and cultural sites. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in the municipality, you can plan your outings around the landscape, trail length and local history. The trails vary considerably: some run entirely through the forest, while others also pass through the village and orchards.

Trails through forests and orchards

The C09 Le Liat hiking trail is 11.0 kilometres long and lies in the municipality of Saint-Maurice-sous-les-Côtes. It runs entirely through the forest. Along the trail are limestone grasslands with orchids; flowering is seasonal. The Balade des Côtes de Meuse is considerably longer at 46.4 kilometres and is also associated with the municipality. At 11.0 kilometres compared with 46.4 kilometres, C09 Le Liat is clearly the shorter route, providing a straightforward guide when choosing a hike.

The Bois le Chapitre circular trail has a different character: this easy hike runs entirely through the forest on a plateau. The Circuit du Paul passes partly through the village and partly through orchards. It takes you through an area shaped by forests and fruit growing. This means there is a choice of routes through forest alone as well as trails connected to the village and orchards. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The location of the Chapelle Sainte-Geneviève adds to this perspective on the landscape: it is in the Parc naturel régional de Lorraine, in a wooded natural setting near a hiking trail that crosses the Côtes de Meuse area.

Wine history and local produce

The development of wine growing is also part of the history of Saint-Maurice-sous-les-Côtes. The vineyard area grew from 75 hectares in 1787 to almost 180 hectares in 1880. After the vineyards were affected by phylloxera, they were replaced by orchards. This change is connected with fruit growing, which also features in the description of the Circuit du Paul: the trail passes partly through orchards and through an area shaped by both forests and fruit growing.

Domaine de la Goulotte produces wines with the IGP Côtes de Meuse classification. Cellar tours and wine tastings are available there; the estate also sells its products on site. As visiting and sales arrangements may change, it is advisable to contact the estate in advance. This lets you plan a visit to the producer as part of your stay without assuming that tours, tastings or sales are always available.

Chapel, local history and crafts

The Chapelle Sainte-Geneviève was destroyed during the First World War and rebuilt after 1918. Its history is therefore also connected with post-war reconstruction. A planned renovation will turn the chapel into a cultural venue and create a shelter for hikers. Both are part of the proposed renovation programme.

Another cultural facet is the Atelier fer et céramique of Patrick Domenicone. There, he works with ceramics and metal and also makes pieces assembled freely from natural elements. The studio welcomes visitors by appointment. If you would like to plan a visit, contact the studio in advance to arrange an appointment. Together with the hiking trails, the history of wine and fruit growing, and the chapel, this offers a range of different themes for your stay in Saint-Maurice-sous-les-Côtes.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vauquois, Gercourt-Et-Drillancourt, Thillombois, Stenay, Chaumont-Sur-Aire, Le Neufour, Ménil-La-Horgne, Les Trois-Domaines.

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