The source of the Meuse lies in Pouilly-en-Bassigny, a village in the French département of Haute-Marne. This is also the start of the International Meuse Cycle Route. The route initially passes through the foothills of the Vosges region where you can visit the birthplace of Joan of Arc, the French national heroine. Further downstream is Verdun, famous for the Battle of Verdun during the First World War. Moving further north, the Meuse flows into the French Ardennes. Here, you pass through Sedan which has the largest mediaeval castle in Europe; Charleville-Mézières with its 17th-century Place Ducale square; and, on the border with Belgium, Givet with its Fort of Charlemont.
Download here the full GPS tracks of EuroVelo 19 - Meuse Cycle Route in France and start planning your next cycling holidays!
Public transport and bicycles in France
You can reach “La Meuse à Vélo” by train from the stations of the main towns: Langres, Neufchâteau, Verdun, Sedan, Charleville-Mézières or Givet. Bicycle transport is free and without reservation within the limits of available places in the TER. Intercity or TGV national trains are submitted to different conditions, so be sure to check this possibility beforehand.
“La Meuse à Vélo” is not served by a single line. You’ll need to organise connections for journeys between the stations of the towns you’re travelling through. Prepare your journey on: www.fluo.eu or www.sncf.com.
Countries
Legend
Development status
Certified
Section of at least 300 km that has successfully undergone the
certification process in line with ECF’s European Certification Standard.
It is the highest quality level on the EuroVelo network
Developed with EuroVelo signs
Developed route (see category below) with continuous signing along the
route, incorporating EuroVelo route information panels.
Developed
Route developed for cyclists and signed in line with the respective
national standard (i.e. it is part of a local, regional or national cycle
network). There must also be a website providing information to users.
Developed route can be heterogeneous in terms of infrastructure: type of
cycling infrastructure, surface, width, gradients, etc
Under development
Route containing sections that require further development
(e.g. stretches on public highways with high levels of traffic). Cyclists are
advised to use public transportation to skip these non-developed stretches.
Planning
Undeveloped route with no detailed information publicly available on
the Internet. The itinerary communicated is a proposal for the best possible
option currently available. It may also contain dangerous sections. Cyclists are
advised to use public transportation to skip these non-developed stretches.
Public transport link
Markers
Natural Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cultural Heritage
Culinary Delights
Maritime Heritage / The Rhine / The Meuse
Other Point of Interest
Bus station
Train station
Mobility info center
National & Regional Information
France Vélo Tourisme
National EuroVelo Coordination Centre
France Vélo Tourisme platform offers many major cycling routes and destinations in France, including mountain bike routes, practical advices for traveling by bike, a route calculator with a map, as well as contact details for Accueil Vélo service providers throughout the country.
"Accueil Velo" is a national accreditation scheme guaranteeing a high quality of services for cyclists using French cycle routes. You will find accommodations, bike rental and repair companies, restaurants, tourist offices and places to visit.
International route of more than 1000 km, the Meuse by bike, EuroVelo 19, follows the river from its source near Langres to its mouth in the Netherlands where it joins the Rhine delta. Over its 36 stages, the Meuse reveals itself in all its facets, it extends over a landscape that changes and accompanies it. Discovering the oldest river in Europe by bike, that's what awaits you!
Discover Eastern France destinations : Alsace, Champage, Lorraine, Vosges and Ardenne. Wide open natural spaces ideal for relaxing and active holidays alike, prestigious heritage and cultural sites, age-old knowhow, world-famous cuisine… the Grand Est promises you a complete getaway right in the heart of Europe.
With over one hectare of forest per inhabitant, the Haute-Marne is a rambler’s paradise. On foot, horseback or mountain bike, head deep into the heart of the forests, follow the canal or go round lakes to discover the wildlife. But you can also learn about the history of the region, and taste some of the many local products: cheeses, truffles, game, wine and, of course, champagne!
A rural destination steeped in history, where the silence lets you listen to the musicality of nature, of the Meuse River and of the other watercourses that weave their way through the landscape. A nature characterized by the presence of limestone grasslands with a southern feel, where orchids and butterflies flutter about. Discover the land of Joan of Arc, the heroine of an extraordinary destiny, and the town of Neufchâteau, with over 1000 years of history.
Let's discover the Meuse along EuroVelo 19?
Start your journey in the footsteps of Joan of Arc in Vaucouleurs before stopping off in Commercy to taste some delicious madeleines.
On your way, walk through the exceptional forest of Verdun, which will take you back to the heart of the battlefield and the history of the First World War.
A saving foam, with local flavours, will be waiting for you in Stenay to end this Meuse journey.
When we mention the Ardennes, thoughts obviously turn to the poet Rimbaud, to puppets and the world famous festival held at Charleville-Mézières and to the Meuse river which passes through the Ardennes mountains, the magnificent green tracks which run alongside it and the view points that are dotted along its length. What's more, in this region the food is very good and fun is always just around the corner… Discover the unmissable sights and events of the Ardennes !
Over 31 km from Maxey-sur-Meuse to Neufchâteau, the Vosges section of the «Meuse à vélo» offers a historic discovery: pass by the birthplace of Joan of Arc in Domremy-la-Pucelle, do not miss the Bois Chenu Basilica and end with a visit to the historic town centre of Neufchâteau.