As its name suggests, the GR 5G connects to the famous GR 5, which it joins in Metz. Its unique history sets it apart from other routes. The route is waymarked by the red and white mark of long-distance footpaths and the famous scallop shell of the Camino de Compostela.

The GR 5G is part of a historical network of routes once travelled by pilgrims across Europe. It follows the Via Regia, designated a 'Cultural Itinerary of the Council of Europe'. This route is the longest and oldest on the continent, with evidence of its use dating back to the Stone Age. It peaked during the Middle Ages when it connected Kyiv to Paris. Several initiatives have brought this ancient route back to life.

In 2004, a German group sought the assistance of the Moselle department for the French section of the Speyer-Metz link. Ultimately, a school hiking club marked the route from Saarbrücken to Metz, giving birth to the GR 5G – a 100-kilometre (62 mi) route that crosses the Moselle from east to west.

The Collection has five stages, each exploring a different era of the department's history, from the Hérapel hill, inhabited 200,000 years ago, to 20th-century battlefields like the Hauteurs de Spicheren site and the Bambesch defences of the Maginot Line. The Middle Ages are still alive in the towns of Hombourg-Haut and Forbach. Several castles along the way take visitors on a journey through the French Revolution and the German occupation of the 19th century.

The Moselle's landscapes are characterised by open, gently undulating terrain and beautiful vistas. The forests of Forbach and Saint-Avold lie en route. Your journey concludes on the banks of the Moselle River, with its branches and canals in Metz.

Both Saarbrücken and Metz are well-connected cities with excellent transport options. They are easily accessible thanks to their railway stations, where this route begins and ends.

You should generally be able to find food and accommodation along the way. The only exception is Raville, where the fourth stage concludes, as it has limited accommodation and food options. Make sure you read the stage descriptions carefully before setting off. You can find additional details in the description of stage 4. Otherwise, wild camping is an option.

The route is accessible throughout the year, although spring and autumn are best. As the terrain is not consistently wooded, finding shade during the summer can be challenging.