In the Footsteps of the Marsouins

Alex Fabing Production

Discover a 13 km hiking trail in the heart of Sarreguemines Confluences, starting from the villages of Hilsprich or Holving.

The route takes you through the area where, at the start of the Second World War, the 'Marsouins' of the 41st Régiment de Mitrailleurs d'Infanterie Coloniale were stationed and fought. In these now peaceful surroundings, he takes you on a tour of the small village of Hilsprich and its hamlets. As you make your way along the cycle path towards the Hirbach pond, you'll pass by the Castviller chapel, surrounded by rural landscapes. Originally a simple covered calvary, it was transformed in 1815 into a chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin.

The tour then takes you to the water's edge, to the 46-hectare Hirbach pond. Located in the Hilsprich and Holving districts, it is part of the aquatic Maginot Line designed before the Second World War to form a natural barrier against the enemy.

Today, it's a haven of peace, surrounded by a beautiful natural environment where the great Honnert oak flourishes, a tree of remarkable size (approx. 25 m), a lovely treasure of nature on the edge of the forest.

The route continues to two other points of interest: the mysterious "Couvent Noir" (Black Convent) at the southern end of the loop. Steeped in local legend, this mystical spot was once home to a convent. According to legend, the nuns who lived there abandoned their vows to sink into debauchery. As punishment, the Lord swallowed the convent, which became known as the "Black Convent", buried with its inhabitants. You won't find any remnants of the place today, but you may feel a special atmosphere. The Morsbronn chapel, built in 1860 on the edge of the Buchenhuebel forest and dedicated to Saint Anne, concludes this stage of the tour.

Practical information
The course
Contacts

Practical information

Fitness / outdoor trails from HOLVING, mode of transport / activity : Walking-related.

Variation: several loops are possible around the pond, including the shorter 6.5 km "Balade autour de l'étang de Hirbach", which runs entirely along the banks of the pond. The distance is ideal for a family outing. Connections: at the southern tip, at the "Le Couvent Noir" sign, to the "Colchiques et Marais" trail in Val-de-Guéblange, and at the "Les Abreuvoirs" sign, to the "De la ferme aux pâturages" trail, a 3.2 km link. Markings: yellow rectangle Geographical area: Along the ponds of the aquatic Maginot Line Starting points: Hilsprich > 20 rue de l'Église - Stade / Holving > rue de Lorraine - Étang