Itinerary Tourist Route of the Coasts of Toul

Over around thirty kilometers, the Côtes de Toul Tourist Route takes you to discover a confidential vineyard. But not only that! orchard landscapes succeed the landscapes of vines, et heritage discoveries and leisure activities will perfectly complement your wine exploration.

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

The village of Boucq and its castle

Boucq is your starting point. The village seduces with its small heritage made up of wash houses and fountains. Even if it is not open to visitors, the 14th century fortified house can be seen from a little height.

The history of the Côtes de Toul

The clay-limestone soils around Toul have been planted with vines by the Romans since ancient times. Wine production continued under the Dukes of Lorraine and the Bishops of Toul until the 19th century. Phylloxera almost wiped out this winemaking heritage. The resilience and dedication of local winegrowers allowed the Côtes de Toul to revive in the 20th century, with the award of the AOC label in 1998. In 2024, it is theIGP Lorraine which recognizes the quality of the sparkling wines of this territory.

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 building, the house of mixed farming traces the agricultural activities on the hillsides of Toul since the 18th century. In the museum space, a beautiful collection of old objects allows you to understand the different activities that were practiced in the past: livestock farming, cultivation of vines, cereals, hops, etc. Outside, discover a educational vineyard where old and modern grape varieties are planted. A wine interpretation trail traced in the vines and decorated with information panels, allows a better understanding of the plant cycle and the work of the winegrower. 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 counts 16 areas which produce on 120 hectares approximately 4000 hectoliters per year, of which two thirds are labeled organicAll the AOC Côtes de Toul estates are committed to protecting soil and biodiversity and are part of the Zero Herbicide operation implemented by the Grand Est Region.

The Rosary Chapel in Bruley

Just outside Lucey, Bruley is a true "street village" typical of Lorraine. The houses here are arranged along the main road. Go up into the village to reach the Saint-Martin chapel which overlooks the vineyard. Below, don't miss the replica of the Lourdes grotto and the Rosary ChapelThe site offers an exceptional panorama of the vineyard and Mont Saint-Michel which rises opposite.

The Côtes de Toul Tourist Route in slow mode

Two hiking trails, one starting from Bruley, the other from Lucey, allow for a pleasant stroll between vineyards and orchards. The Little Linotte Trail (10 km) and the Vineyard circuit (5 km) can be found on the Balades 54 application.

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 3 main grape varieties cultivated. With its pretty pink color, the gray of Toul is a true emblem of its terroir! It is obtained with a blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir. It goes wonderfully with our culinary specialties: quiche Lorraine, pâté Lorraine, terrines and charcuterie.

Toul

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

La Saint-Etienne cathedral recalls the city's episcopal past. Stroll through its cloister, one of the largest in France! At its feet, stroll through the garden of the Episcopal Palace, now the town hall. In the city center, venture into the maze of streets and alleys. Your steps lead you to the discreet Saint-Gengoult collegiate church and its cloister with such a special atmosphere.

A city fortified by Vauban and then Séré de Rivières, Toul retains many vestiges such as the ramparts which 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, stop at Choloy-Ménillot. A visit to the Franco-British military cemetery and its 2000 graves recall the deadly battles that took place in Lorraine and in the East of 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 designed by General Séré de Rivières, of which Toul was the stronghold. Today a recreational site, the Fort Escape provides underground labyrinths, a western village, escape game rooms and laser tag. The strong paint is also the largest paintball field in France !

The lodges of Blénod-les-Toul

Built in the 16th century, the “lodges” were intended for storage of crops and wine. From the Revolution onwards, they were inhabited by modest families. Of the 40 lodges built, 5 are today restored and furnished like Lorraine interiors from the early 19th century. Two are also dedicated to the presentation of old trade tools or instruments for working the land. Today, they constitute an exceptional rural heritage.

The Cerfav gallery│workshop in Vannes-le-Châtel

To round off your getaway on the Côtes de Toul Tourist Route, a visit to European Center for Research and Training in Glass Arts (Cerfav) is essential. Located in Vannes-le-Châtel, it is an important site dedicated to professional training and innovation, but also an exhibition space around contemporary glass art. Of demonstrations and even animations, to slip into the shoes of a glass craftsman, are offered throughout the year.