Moncel-lès-Lunéville lies between the Meurthe and the Forêt domaniale de Mondon. The area combines traces of its abbey history, industry and the Second World War with forest paths, ponds and signposted activities. For planning, it is worth distinguishing between the different features: access to the Beaupré grounds is restricted, while the paths, cycling route and bodies of water each have their own conditions and information.
Cultural history and access to Beaupré
La petite Pologne has been partially protected as a Monument historique since 9 October 2024. It is located on the grounds of the former Abbaye de Beaupré and was originally built as a maison de plaisance, that is, a country retreat and residence. Its Palladian-inspired layout comprises a residence, sheepfold and stable. The Abbaye de Beaupré was founded in 1135 for reformed Bernardine monks of the Cistercian Order. For La petite Pologne, Nicolas-François Mathieu purchased materials from the convent buildings, which had been destroyed in the 1796 fire.
Access restrictions are important when planning a visit: La petite Pologne is privately owned. The owner does not permit access to the Beaupré grounds; a barrier blocks the access road. The site's historical significance should therefore not be taken to mean that a walk around the grounds is possible.
The Église de Moncel-lès-Lunéville is also part of the area's history: it was built in 1837 and is dedicated to Saint Martin. The earlier church had been destroyed during the Thirty Years' War and rebuilt around 1700. Another monument commemorates the crossing of the Meurthe from 20 to 23 September 1944: the Monument dedicated to the 314th Regiment of the 79th Infantry Division and the 749th Tank Destroyer Battalion preserves the memory of these events in the area. The industrial history is reflected in Les Wagons, which began as an industrial site in 1879 and was long associated with the manufacture of railway and automotive vehicles.
Forest paths, navigation and cycling
The Forêt domaniale de Mondon offers numerous flat paths on wide trails; this description does not apply near the Grand Étang. For an activity with stations, the Parcours de santé winds through the forest paths: the fitness trail starts in the Forêt de Mondon, has 20 stations and takes approximately 40 minutes. Those who prefer an orienteering course will find three difficulty levels on the Parcours d'orientation à Mondon: green for beginners, blue for intermediate participants and yellow for experts.
The Circuit vélo boucle de Mondon, by contrast, is defined by its approximate length of 10 km. It starts at the Forêt de Mondon in Moncel-lès-Lunéville, can be ridden on mountain bikes and trekking bikes, and is considered a family-friendly cycling route. Signs along the loop direct cyclists to the Grand Étang. There are therefore different ways to get active: a fitness trail with an approximate duration, a route with graded orienteering levels, or a cycling loop with a stated distance.
Ponds and fishing
The Étang Communal can be reached via the N59 towards Saint-Dié, taking the “Sablière” exit, or via the path behind the Zone de l’Ecosseuse along the Meurthe. Tables and benches are available at the pond. The Étangs fédéraux René Boury offer a different option for anglers: they consist of a large pond of 11.5 ha and a smaller one of 3.5 ha. Fishing there is permitted to members of an AAPPMA in Meurthe-et-Moselle or an AAPPMA affiliated with the URNE. Membership is therefore an important part of planning if fishing is one of your interests.
Transport links for planning your trip
LUNEO public transport operates two regular urban routes from Monday to Saturday, connecting Lunéville, Chanteheux, Moncel-lès-Lunéville and Jolivet. If you plan to use this connection, check the timetable before setting off. In addition, Moncel-lès-Lunéville has an electric vehicle for car sharing through Voiture Lulu. Alongside the cultural and natural attractions, these transport options are another factor to consider when choosing where to stay.
Discover more destinations: Pulney, Froville, Bulligny, Mont-Le-Vignoble, Essey-Lès-Nancy, Longuyon, Essey-et-Maizerais, Thiaucourt-Regniéville.
Return to the broader travel overview: Meurthe-Et-Moselle.
