Essey-et-Maizerais brings together cultural history and a landscape shaped by Lac de Madine and the Rupt-de-Mad. Notable landmarks include the Église Saint-Martin, the Oratoire Saint Gibrien in Maizerais and several memorial sites. Lac de Madine lies within the municipal area, and the Rupt-de-Mad flows through it. For an active outing, consider the Circuit du Rupt de Mad & Madine: it is 18 kilometres long and takes about five hours. When planning, bear in mind the difference between a visit by prior arrangement and a clearly measured circular route lasting several hours.

Église Saint-Martin: historic monument and planning your visit

The Église Saint-Martin is protected in its entirety as a French historic monument; this protection has been in place since 10 January 1920. It appears to date from the 13th century. Concerts are also held in the church. Visits must be arranged in advance; call 06 84 38 07 02 to make arrangements.

Oratoire Saint Gibrien and the history of the pilgrimage site

In Maizerais, the Oratoire Saint Gibrien was established in 1933 in a former underground bunker. It stands on the site of the sacristy of an old chapel dedicated to Saint Gibrien. This former chapel was a much-visited pilgrimage site. In the 12th century, clerics from Saint-Rémi de Reims brought important relics of Gibrien to Maizerais. The site’s history therefore stretches from the 12th-century relic tradition to the establishment of the oratory in 1933.

Memorial sites in Essey-et-Maizerais

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

The Monument to the Heroes of the MF 44 commemorates the crash of aircraft MF 699 near Essey on 15 June 1915. The monument names Adjutant Jean Sismanoglou and Second Lieutenant Eugène Virolet as the aircraft’s crew. This memorial site marks a different historical moment from the cemetery stele: here, the focus is on a specific plane crash in 1915.

Lac de Madine, Rupt-de-Mad and the circular walk

Lac de Madine is designated a Natura 2000 site. The lakeside fishing spots at Lac de Madine in the direction of the village of Essey-et-Maizerais are accessible only during the summer season. The Rupt-de-Mad also flows through the municipal area. The Circuit du Rupt de Mad & Madine circular trail is 18 kilometres long and is listed as taking about five hours. At the Croix de Charpentier picnic area, turn left to return to Essey-et-Maizerais. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Pierre-Percée, Favières, Jarny, Richardménil, Pulney, Villers-Lès-Nancy, Puxe, Toul.

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