Itinerary Tourist Route of the Coasts of Toul

Stretching for about thirty kilometers, the Côtes de Toul Tourist Route takes you on a journey to discover a hidden gem of a vineyard. But that's not all! Orchard landscapes alternate with vineyards , and heritage sites and leisure activities perfectly complement your wine exploration.

On a north-south axis around the city of Toul, set off to discover a terroir, a history and exceptional know-how!

The village of Boucq and its castle

Boucq is your starting point. The village charms visitors with its small heritage of wash houses and fountains . Although not open to the public, the 14th-century fortified house can be glimpsed from a slightly higher vantage point.

The history of the Côtes de Toul

The clay-limestone soils around Toul were planted with vines by the Romans as early as Antiquity. Wine production continued under the Dukes of Lorraine and the Bishops of Toul until the 19th century. Phylloxera nearly wiped out this winemaking heritage. The resilience and dedication of local winegrowers allowed the Côtes de Toul appellation to be reborn in the 20th century, with the granting of the AOC label in 1998. In 2024, the IGP Lorraine designation recognized the quality of the sparkling wines from this region.

The Roises water garden in Lucey

A few kilometers further, take a stop in the wine village of Lucey.
Le Roises water garden is a real curiosity linked to the hemp cultivationThis plant was particularly appreciated for making linens and ropes. After its harvest, it was soaked in water holes, the roises, to "ret" (clean the fibers). Today, around thirty roises can be discovered in Lucey, along a trail decorated with educational panels.

The house of mixed farming in Lucey

In this old, typically Lorraine-style building, the Maison de la Polyculture (House of Mixed Farming) traces the agricultural activities of the Toul hillsides since the 18th century. In the museum space , a fine collection of antique objects helps visitors understand the various activities that were practiced in the past: livestock farming, viticulture, cereal cultivation, hop growing, and more. Outside, discover an educational vineyard planted with both old and new grape varieties. A vineyard interpretation trail , marked with information panels, provides a better understanding of the plant's life cycle and the work of the winemaker. A hop field, a hemp field, and an arboretum complete the visit.

The AOC Côtes de Toul

It's one of the smallest vineyards in France! The appellation comprises 16 estates producing approximately 4000 hectoliters per year across 120 hectares, two-thirds of which are certified organic . All the estates within the Côtes de Toul AOC are committed to protecting the soil and biodiversity and participate in the Zero Herbicide initiative implemented by the Grand Est Region.

The Rosary Chapel in Bruley

Right next to Lucey, Bruley is a true "street village," typical of the Lorraine region. The houses are arranged along the main street. Walk up into the village to reach the Saint-Martin chapel, which overlooks the vineyards. Below it, don't miss the replica of the Lourdes grotto , as well as the Rosary chapel . The site offers an exceptional panoramic view of the vineyards and Mont Saint-Michel rising opposite.

The Côtes de Toul Tourist Route in slow mode

Two hiking trails, one starting in Bruley and the other in Lucey, offer a pleasant walk among vineyards and orchards. The Sentier de la Petite Linotte (10 km) and the Circuit des Vignes (5 km) can be found on the Balades 54 app.

Are you a two-wheel enthusiast? From the village of Pagney-behind-Barine, a route of 12 km round trip largely follows the route of a railway line which linked Toul to Thiaucourt along the vineyards.
A Lucey, Maison Lelièvre offers a mountain bike ride Electric bike made in Lorraine. Whether you're on your own or accompanied by a guide, you'll explore paths and trails, ending your excursion with a wine tasting!

Discover the areas north of Toul

Grape varieties and wines

Pinot Noir, Auxerrois, and Gamay are the three main grape varieties cultivated. With its lovely pink color, Gris de Toul is a true emblem of its terroir! It is made from a blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir. It pairs wonderfully with our culinary specialties: quiche Lorraine, pâté Lorrain, terrines, and charcuterie.

Toul

Your discovery of the Côtes de Toul Tourist Route would not be complete without a trip to Toul!

Saint-Étienne Cathedral is a reminder of the city's episcopal past. Stroll through its cloister, one of the largest in France! At its foot, wander through the garden of the Episcopal Palace, now the town hall. In the city center, explore the maze of streets and alleyways. Your steps will lead you to the discreet Collegiate Church of Saint-Gengoult and its cloister with its unique atmosphere.

A fortified city by Vauban and then Séré de Rivières, Toul retains many vestiges such as the ramparts that still surround the city.

The tasting area in Toul

All year round, the Terres Touloises Tourist Office welcomes you to discover the grape varieties of the Côtes de Toul appellation. The tasting area is equipped with a wine-by-the-glass dispensing system that guarantees and optimizes tasting conditions. The wines offered are available for purchase on site.

The national necropolis of Choloy-Ménillot

Heading south from Toul, make a stop at Choloy-Ménillot. A visit to the Franco-British military cemetery and its 2000 graves serves as a reminder of the deadly battles that took place in Lorraine and eastern France during the First and Second World Wars.

Discover the areas south of Toul

Fort Escape in Blénod-les-Toul

Blénod-les-Toul was once part of the defensive system devised by General Séré de Rivières, with Toul as its stronghold. Now a leisure destination, Fort Escape offers underground labyrinths, a western village, escape rooms, and laser tag . Fort Paint is also the largest paintball field in France!

The lodges of Blénod-les-Toul

Built in the 16th century, the "loges" (small stone huts) were originally intended for storing harvests and wine . From the French Revolution onwards, they were inhabited by modest families. Of the 40 loges built, 5 have now been restored and furnished in the style of early 19th-century Lorraine interiors. Two are also dedicated to displaying tools of traditional trades and agricultural implements. Today, they constitute an exceptional rural heritage.

The Cerfav gallery│workshop in Vannes-le-Châtel

To conclude your getaway along the Côtes de Toul Tourist Route, a visit to the European Center for Research and Training in Glass Arts (Cerfav) is a must. Located in Vannes-le-Châtel, it's an important site dedicated to professional training and innovation, as well as an exhibition space showcasing contemporary glass art . Demonstrations and even hands-on activities , allowing you to experience what it's like to be a glass artisan, are offered throughout the year.