Fontaine-lès-Luxeuil walks

Founded by the first Christian missionaries from Ireland, Fontaine-lès-Luxeuil has preserved the memory of time in the stones of its built heritage. These snippets of history can be discovered along this walking route, which is dotted with information boards. As you read them, you will learn about the history of the heritage, the distinctive features of the local flora and fauna, as well as certain events that have taken place within the local area.

Luxeuil-les-Bains is one of the many spa towns in the Haute-Saône. This route allows you to discover all its heritage, such as the abbey, the Basilica of Saint-Pierre, the Tour des Échevins and the thermal baths of Luxeuil. Many of the buildings are constructed from local stone sourced from the Vosges. This charming route allows you to wander around this spa town for several hours. You might even return with some Luxeuil ham. This walk is classified as ‘moderate’ as it is over 10 kilometres long and may not be suitable for younger children.

On the outskirts of the spa town of Luxeuil-les-Bains, the Forêt des Sept Chevaux and its two lakes invite you to enjoy a walk in the heart of nature, in a preserved environment. Well-shaded and easily accessible, this route offers lovely views all year round. For those wishing to shorten the route, the Circuit des Deux Lacs, 2.5 km long, allows you to walk around the site in about an hour.

The Banney Forest marks the transition between the beech-rich forests of the Vosges Saônoises and the varied species of the Haute-Saône plains. This ancient forest, once owned by the monks of Luxeuil Abbey, has many treasures: springs, fountains, an old Roman road and the Route Napoléon.

Starting from the Banney animal park, where you can admire wild boar and deer, and close to the Luxeuil-les-Bains spa centre, you will walk through woods to admire Gallo-Roman remains such as the pretty Vosges sandstone fountains. You can refresh yourself, rest or have a picnic on the wooden and stone tables provided.

Every spring, cherry trees cover the Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert area with millions of white flowers. The town also reveals its well-preserved architectural heritage to attentive and curious hikers at every turn of the trail. A succession of streams, orchards, calvaries and farms typical of the Pays de la Vôge will reveal themselves as you wander along the paths. Explore the Pierres-de-Roûge site and admire its imposing blocks of purple sandstone. Route Anneaux Bleus marked.

This short family-friendly route allows you to stop off at the Écomusée du Pays de la Cerise. Set amongst cherry trees, the eco-museum – the starting point of the Route des Chalots – invites you to discover a passion that has become an industry: the production of kirsch. Combining tradition and modernity, come and see, hear and smell the history of Fougerolles cherry brandy.

White cherry trees, red stones and the pearlescent building of the eco-museum – you’ll see a whole spectrum of colours, always a delight.

This route takes you along country lanes to discover some of the most beautiful hamlets in Fougerolles. Marked by 23 discovery points, you’ll discover the architectural and historical richness through religious buildings, Fougerolles Castle, fountains, mills, chalots... as well as the geological and landscape context, explored through the observation of underground rocks and exceptional panoramic views.

Near the village of Anjeux, this route allows you to explore the mysterious Source du Planey and its turquoise waters. This resurgence of the Semouse features crystal-clear water whose colour changes with the hours and seasons. Throughout the route, information boards and reading panels will help you gain a better understanding of this remarkable site.

At the curious turquoise Planey spring, "witches" with supposed evil powers used to gather for their sabbaths.

This route revisits, refines and extends northwards the original“Route of Stones and Ponds starting from Raddon-et-Chapendu” proposed by the Luxeuil-les-Bains and Southern Vosges Tourist Office, adding two remarkable “stones” and offering a well-equipped picnic area, conveniently situated halfway along the route.Discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Saône Vosges: traditional dwellings (lava-tiled roofs), chalots, lavière (dry-stone huts), forest, ponds and erratic boulders.

A lovely walk through the woods, passing four ponds: Trésurier, Sommepey, la Remoulure and la Cubette.

Hike in the hills above the village of Breuchotte, passing through the heart of the forest, then near ponds and the Breuchin river. Some beautiful views to discover. A steep climb at the start.

A short circular walk to discover two megaliths in Franche-Comté.

This circuit invites you to discover the natural and human heritage of the Vosges Saônoises. Scattered dwellings, crosses, fountains, chalots, lava roofs, typical farms, lavière and bread ovens line the route. Majestic forests, magical ponds, erratic boulders and cherry orchards transport you to a world where nature reigns supreme. Take the time to explore and soak up this unique atmosphere, perfect for meditation.

With an accessible 11 km route, the Bruyères circular path offers an immersion in a preserved and diverse natural heritage. The trail winds through landscapes alternating between shady forests, meadows, ponds, streams and memorials. There are two variants to shorten the route: 5.5 km and 9 km. At the start, a path descends from the car park to the ponds and the communal orchard, running alongside the river through meadows where you can enjoy the rich diversity of flora and trees. Depending on the season, take the time to observe the multitude of habitats and the astonishing variety of flowers, frogs, mosses and mushrooms in the undergrowth.

A hilly route in the countryside, without any major difficulties.

A circular loop to discover one of the megaliths recorded in Franche-Comté. Expect a steep climb from the start to point 1 and then between points 2 and 3.

Come and explore the village of Le Clerjus, just a few kilometres from Bains-les-Bains, and enjoy the fresh air amidst streams, ponds and magnificent forests. Le Clerjus, a small rural village where you’ll be surprised by its authentic heritage (crosses, calvaries, historic sites, viewpoints, etc.) and discover a preserved haven of peace.

Built on a hillside, Dampierre-lès-Conflans, a former enclave of the Duchy of Bar, is the starting point for this lovely walk through meadows and forests of hundred-year-old oak trees. It will guide you to the village of Jasney with its remarkable historical and architectural heritage and end with a magnificent panorama of the foothills and the Vosges mountains. At the end of the route, you can extend the itinerary to reach the superb Fontaine du Bois fountain.

With a thousand years of history and remarkable architectural heritage (castles, wash houses, fountains, mills, etc.), Jasney also enjoys a preserved natural environment. You will walk to the charming village of Anjeux and its magnificent church built inthe 15th century. On the way back, you will pass by the Carrefour des Anges, where you can enjoy a superb view of the green landscapes of Jasney and the surrounding hills.

Follow in the footsteps of Saint Columbanus, a monk from Ireland and founder of the Abbey of Luxeuil-les-Bains, and discover the religious heritage of Sainte-Marie-en-Chanois. From the top of the Saint-Colomban Chapel, take a break and admire the view over the Breuchin Valley. Next to the chapel is the cave, whose ceiling has now collapsed, where the monk liked to retreat to pray in solitude.

A walk that takes you mainly through magnificent beech and fir forests, with lovely views and several crosses.

This eight-kilometre route will introduce you to all the attractions of the Saint-Bresson valley through nine information panels covering the themes of geology, water, wood and farms of yesteryear. After a stretch along a small tarmac road, you’ll walk along the hillside on either side of the valley to reach a plateau dotted with ponds.

A pleasant, easy walk in a typical area of the Vosges Saônoise, through meadows and forests with streams and ponds. The route takes you past some of the area’s religious heritage, notably nineteen crosses or calvaries and two chapels, as well as the ruins of several farms and several viewpoints over the Vosges mountains.

From the church in Saint-Bresson, the route takes a small road and then winds its way up a shaded hill to reach a plateau. The route passes through numerous hamlets typical of the Vosges region. Traditional farms and small religious heritage sites punctuate this walk, which offers some very pretty views. This hike offers a wide variety of landscapes with numerous ponds.

Starting from the church of Saint-Bresson with its glazed tile bell tower, this route invites you to discover the rural heritage of this small village nestled at the foot of the Vosges mountains. Chalot, chapels, wayside crosses, calvaries, boundary stones, fountains and carved stones punctuate this route, which is full of surprises. The natural heritage is also in the spotlight with some superb views.

This route starts at the municipal campsite on Route de la Vierge. It will take you to the Chapel of Saint-Georges, built in the middle of the forest on the site of a deadly fratricidal battle. This route passes near the Arpero bar (a surprising log cabin between the canal and the Coney), the Carrières Volle quarries, the Tour des Lombards tower, the listed church, the castle ruins and the Embroidery Museum.

This route will take you through the Saint-Georges woodland, past a forest picnic shelter, then the ruins of Bellevue, before reaching the village where you can visit the Embroidery Museum, the ‘Vieux Fontenoy’ and the listed church. It then heads back up to the campsite, running alongside the castle ruins.

This marked pedestrian route (blue square) starts at the municipal campsite (car park, bar and restaurant open in the evening from May to October). You will pass through magnificent forests known for their high-quality oak trees. You may occasionally be surprised by deer crossing the path. This route takes in the splendid Arsondieux and Breuillots lakes, passes through veritable "cathedral" forests and goes near the Chapel of the Virgin of Bois Bani (a place of pilgrimage).

This short discovery route offers views of the spa resort from the hillside. It features information panels on architecture, thermal baths and the water system. Views of the church steeple, the town's rooftops, the Vierge hillside and Saint-Joseph Chapel.

This fairly shaded hiking route will allow you to discover the historical heritage of the villages of Belmont and La Lanterne-et-les-Armonts, as well as the surrounding ponds such as the Grand Pas Saint-Martin, not to mention the La Lanterne river, which rises in the village and flows into the Saône at Conflandey.

A lovely family bike ride to explore the village of Ruaux in Plombières-les-Bains. This route follows forest paths and small local roads, presents no particular difficulties and offers the chance to discover magnificent rural landscapes as well as a viewpoint over the Jura and, weather permitting, a view of Mont Blanc.

A lovely family walk through a rural, wooded landscape. The path is marked by little elves pointing the way.

Located in the Vosges department, Plombière-les-Bains is often regarded as a gem. With a history closely linked to thermal spas, its streets are picturesque and possess a certain charm. Surrounded by low mountains, the town was built on the Augronne river, which flows underground through the town. To round off your visit to this charming town, you can explore its miniature park. Of course, before you leave, you must try the ‘plombière’ (an ice cream) in one of the town’s restaurants.

An easy circular route visiting the Canal des Vosges and the “La Colosse” sandstone quarry.

This walk combines exploring historical and natural heritage with a wooded route running alongside the Canal des Vosges, before finally skirting the site of the Manufacture Royale de Bains-les-Bains (see practical information). 03/08/2023 Moderator’s note: hike modified at point 6.

Starting from the Manufacture Royale in La Vôge-les-Bains, this trail marked with orange fleurs-de-lis first runs alongside the Coney and the Canal de l’Est, then through Fontenoy-le-Château, before making a wide circular route across the plateau to reach the Maison Forestière de la Pipée. The return route follows the Ruisseau de Gruey to rejoin the Coney and return to the Manufacture Royale.

Between the towpath and the forest, a short loop following the red fleurs-de-lis starting from the Manufacture Royale de Bains. (You may encounter a private hunt on Thursdays and Sundays)

Starting from the Manufacture Royale in Bains-les-Bains, a walk along the towpath between the Canal de l’Est and the River Coney. La Pipée footbridge, Bois de la Pipée and through the hamlet of Les Baraques. Down through the woods to lock no. 32. Marked with white fleurs-de-lis

Starting from the Manufacture Royale, a circular route crosses the estate, passing by the chapel, the ice house and the woods. Following the purple fleur-de-lis markings, you then reach the small forest track known as “le Chemin Noir” by local residents. After crossing the D164, you’ll join a small path through the forest to reach the old Roman road, which descends towards the “Pont du Coney” and then onto the Voie Bleue, the canal cycle path, to return to the Manufacture Royale.

Loop starting from the Manufacture Royale de Bains, through the forest, the fields on the Plateau de la Fosse le Loup and along the Canal de l'Est. Private hunting is permitted in part of the forest on Thursdays and Sundays.

Hike starting from the Manufacture Royale in Bains-les-Bains, a magnificent 18th-century industrial site. Follow the blue fleurs-de-lis signs

Starting from the Manufacture Royale car park in Bains-les-Bains. After crossing lock 32, you will climb gently through the woods towards the hamlet of Les Baraques, then reach lock 31 and finish on the towpath between the river and the canal. (Please note that hunting is permitted on a small section of the route on Thursdays and Sundays.)

A short, easy walk that can be extended by taking an alternative route.

Travel at nature's pace through the ponds, forest and peat bog of La Grande Pile, a true natural gem of the Southern Vosges. Along the route, there are eight information stations to discover so you don't miss any of the wonders of the La Grande Pile Regional Nature Reserve.