Essey-et-Maizerais: Culture, History and Nature

Essey-et-Maizerais combines architectural and commemorative history with landscapes and hiking. If you are looking for a hotel in Essey-et-Maizerais, these different themes can help you choose the focus of your trip: a protected church, historic memorial sites, Lac de Madine or a longer hike.

Culture and Religious History

The Église Saint-Martin appears to date from the 13th century. The entire building is protected as a French historic monument; this protection has been in place since 10 January 1920. The church is open by prior arrangement. To arrange a visit, call 06 84 38 07 02. Concerts are also held in the protected church.

In Maizerais, the Oratoire Saint Gibrien stands on the site of the sacristy of an old chapel dedicated to Saint Gibrien. The oratory was established in 1933 in a former bunker built underground. The former chapel was a much-visited pilgrimage site. In the 12th century, clergy from Saint-Rémi de Reims brought important relics of Gibrien to Maizerais. Thus, the site of the oratory brings together a later establishment and an older religious history.

Memorial Sites

The stele commemorating civilian victims stands in the cemetery of Essey-et-Maizerais. It bears a numbered list of about thirty names. The account associated with the stele reports that nine people died as a result of ill-treatment and lack of food. It also reports a full 27-day internment during which those affected were not allowed to leave the grounds. The cemetery also has an ornate metal gate.

Another local monument commemorates a different historical event: the Monument to the Heroes of MF 44 commemorates the crash of the MF 699 aircraft near Essey on 15 June 1915. The monument names the crew as Adjutant Jean Sismanoglou and Second Lieutenant Eugène Virolet.

Lac de Madine and a Circular Hike

Lac de Madine lies within the territory of Essey-et-Maizerais and is designated a Natura 2000 site. The Rupt-de-Mad runs through the commune. The fishing spots on the lakeshore at the level of the village of Essey-et-Maizerais are accessible only during the summer period. The designation places the lake within the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas.

The Circuit du Rupt de Mad & Madine circular hiking trail is 18 kilometres long and takes about five hours. At the Croix de Charpentier picnic area, turn left to return to Essey-et-Maizerais. Check trail conditions before setting out. The approximate duration and distance help with planning your time; trail conditions should be checked separately before the hike.

Discover more destinations: Bréhain-La-Ville, Moncel-Lès-Lunéville, Tellancourt, Rouves, Choloy-Ménillot, Longuyon, Ancy-Sur-Moselle, Jaulny.

For the broader travel overview: Meurthe-Et-Moselle.