Montsec American Monument
Montsec, France
A round colonnade on an isolated hill honouring the 1918 Saint-Mihiel offensive. The view reaches across the Woëvre plain to the Lac de Madine.
The American monument on the Butte de Montsec commemorates the US troops who fought in this sector, the Saint-Mihiel salient, in 1918. It was built in the early 1930s (dedicated in 1932, according to Land of Memory) and is made of Euville limestone: an open colonnade of fluted Doric columns around a bronze relief map showing the front lines of the salient. Place names are carved into the entablature. The butte itself is an isolated hill.
A very wide staircase leads up. From the top there is a broad panorama over Lac de Madine and the Meuse valley. According to the sources, access is free and possible all year. Allow about half an hour for the stairs, the monument and the view; clear days are best because of the long-distance visibility. Access arrangements can change, so check with the commune of Montsec if needed (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Montsec, France
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 48.8886, 5.7156
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Aire camping-car NonsardMotorhome stopover5 km from Montsec American Monument · 23 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Aire classique de HeudicourtMotorhome stopover6 km from Montsec American Monument · 30 pitchesMotorhomesShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping d'HeudicourtCampsite6 km from Montsec American MonumentElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- L'Orée de la ReineCampsite9 km from Montsec American MonumentTentsCaravansDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping de la PelouseCampsite15 km from Montsec American Monument · 80 pitchesTentsCaravansToiletsDogs allowed
- Aire de service CommercyMotorhome stopover16 km from Montsec American Monument · 4 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Montsec American Monument?
Montsec American Monument is in Montsec, France, at GPS 48.8886, 5.7156. It is about 4 km from Lac de Madine.
Can you camp near Montsec American Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Aire camping-car Nonsard, about 5 km away; within 25 km there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Montsec American Monument?
Montsec American Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lorraine: Metz, Nancy and Verdun.
What is there to see near Montsec American Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Place Stanislas (41 km), Douaumont Ossuary (41 km), Metz Cathedral (42 km) and European Museum Schengen (80 km).
When is the best time to visit Montsec American Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)