Explore Taintrux, Vosges, Lorraine's local charms

Starting from the much-vaunted Auberge de La Cholotte, take the pathway into the forest and discover the rock of Belle-Jambe along the way.

This route especially makes reference to the episode of the lost battalion. On October 14 of 1944, after a satisfactory progression, a surprise attack cuts off the 1st Battalion of the 141st RGT of the 36th Division from the rest of its unit. 252 Texan soldiers are surrounded by 700 Germans in critical conditions (without any water or provisions and with few ammunitions). The Nisei engage in a new battle of 4 days to save the battalion, at the cost of many human lives. The route pass by the Borne 6, monument sculpted by J.P Bianchetti and inaugurated in 1984 to mark the 40th anniversary of the liberation.

On October 23 of 1944, the village of Biffontaine was the scene of cruel combats between the Nisei and the Germans. After vain attempts, the village was liberated the following night. Along this route, you will discover a monument sculpted by J.P Bianchetti in Biffontaine, the Thomas and Frésimont crosses.

The tour starts in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, the famous mining town of the Val d'Argent, with its unique cultural heritage linked to the textile industry and the extraction of minerals (silver, copper, lead). After a visit to the Tellure mining park, located directly on the route, head for the Bagenelles resort, a perfect introduction to the region's riches. The tour continues on a beautiful mountain road, climbing several passes: Col des Bagenelles, Col du Pré de Raves, Col de la Séboue, Col de Mandray, which mark out your route on the Vosges side. After passing close to La Croix-aux-Mines and Le Ban-de-Laveline, you reach a number of towns to the east of Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, not far from Provenchères-sur-Fave. Then cross the Col d'Urbeis into Alsace and the welcoming Vallée de Villé, before climbing the Climont, a famous Alsatian peak from which several rivers flow, including the Bruche and Giessen. At Fouchy, the road twists and turns as you climb the Col of the same name. This takes you back down to Lièpvre at the entrance to the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines valley. Then take the Val d'Argent cycle route back to the starting point.

Mortagne is the ultimate nature village. This route allows discovering numerous crosses.

A walk starting from Le Roulier that offers two alternatives along the route.

This route mainly on forest roads, will lead you where violent hand-to-hand combat took place, enabling the NISEI soldiers to take a strategic position.

At the foot at the Vosges Massif, an authentic natural setting awaits you to live a great moment with family or friends.

Documentation available at the tourist office

Documentation available at the tourist office

Enjoy this guided rickshaw tour to discover all of Strasbourg! Your driver and tour guide will let you in on the city's secrets! Rickshaws are a unique way to get around and see all the key sites of Strasbourg in just 1 hour and 20 minutes! Your driver will do the pedalling while you enjoy the city's key sites. Once you are comfortably seated on your rickshaw, you will start your tour by discovering the Palais Rohan. This magnificent monument with a classical façade has been classified as a historic monument. In 2009, it opened its doors to the most powerful world leaders on a NATO summit. You will then be taken to the Place Broglie to marvel at Strasbourg's stunning opera house. You will be captivated by its neoclassical façade, which has been classified as a historic monument! Your visit will continue with the Place de la République, where you will admire the relics of German architecture. This stunning square is home to the German imperial district's most iconic monuments. You will then enter into the heart of the German neighbourhood to discover its Haussmann-style avenues, the European sites and the Orangerie district. You will also get a glimpse at the headquarters of the French-German cultural TV channel: Arte.   Your tour will end by a ride through the "Petite-France" neighbourhood, at the heart of the old town. Marvel at typical half-timbering houses built right above the water. You will enjoy an exceptional scenic view on the terrace of the Barrage de Vauban. Let this quaint neighbourhood - which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site - captivate you! Pick this tour and visit all the key places of Strasbourg in an unusual and pleasant way!

Have a nice time on your rickshaw and enjoy this guided tour to discover Strasbourg in 1 hour! Discover Strasbourg's German imperial district on your rickshaw! Your driver will do the pedalling while you enjoy the city's key sites. Once you are comfortably seated on your rickshaw, you will start your tour by discovering the Palais Rohan. This magnificent monument with a classical façade has been classified as a historic monument. In 2009, it opened its doors to the most powerful world leaders on a NATO summit. You will then be taken to the Place Broglie to marvel at Strasbourg's stunning opera house. You will be captivated by its neoclassical façade, which has been classified as a historic monument! Your visit will continue with the Place de la République, where you will admire the relics of German architecture. This square is home to the German imperial district's most iconic monuments. You will then enter into the heart of the German neighbourhood to discover its Haussmann-style avenues, the European sites and the Orangerie district. You will also get a glimpse at the headquarters of the French-German cultural TV channel: Arte.  Explore Strasbourg's German district and discover its most beautiful monuments thanks to this tour!

Enjoy this guided rickshaw tour to discover Strasbourg's old town and the German imperial district! Your driver will let you in on the city's secrets during this tour! Discover the imperial district and Strasbourg's old town effortlessly thanks to your rickshaw driver! Your driver will do the pedalling while you enjoy the key sites of these neighbourhoods. Once you are comfortably seated on the rickshaw, your tour will start with Place Broglie, where you can marvel at Strasbourg's stunning opera house. You will be captivated by its neoclassical façade, which has been classified as a historic monument! You will then be taken to Place de la République to admire the relics of German architecture. On this square, you will see iconic monuments from the German era: the Prefecture building, the Palais du Rhin, the National Theatre of Strasbourg and the university library. Your tour will end with the discovery of the Palais Rohan. This magnificent monument with a classical façade has been classified as a historic monument. In 2009, it opened its doors to the most powerful world leaders on a NATO summit. Thanks to this tour, you will discover the two aspects of Strasbourg - French and German - in an unusual and pleasant way!

Discover Petite-France on a fun rickshaw tour! Your driver and guide will let you in on the secrets of this neighbourhood - which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Rickshaws are a unique way to get around and see all the key sites of Strasbourg in just 30 minutes! Your driver will do the pedalling while you enjoy the key sites of the "Petite-France" neighbourhood. Once you are comfortably seated on the rickshaw, your tour will start by a ride through the "Petite-France" neighbourhood, at the heart of the old town.  Marvel at typical half-timbering houses built right above the water. Let this quaint neighbourhood - which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site - captivate you! You will then be taken to the famous Barrage Vauban to enjoy a scenic view of the city. Discover Strasbourg's old fortifications, which consist in the 3 towers of the Ponts Couverts! Your driver will then take you to the "Aubette" shopping centre, a historic monument which is very popular among the locals. You will be captivated by its neoclassical façade towering over the famous Place Kléber.     This fun tour offers panoramic views combined with a fun way of seeing the city!

Museum Gaspar is housed in the residence of the middle-class family Gaspar from Arlon who had set up in this house (1893) that was built in 1842. It was renovated in 2004. The two most famous members of this family are animal sculptor Jean-Marie Gaspar (1861-1931) and Charles Gaspar (1971-1950) who was a photographer and a sponsor. He gave his house to the town of Arlon on the condition they make a museum of it, dedicated to his brother's work and that put into honour the history and the heritage of Arlon. At the first floor, theree are two restored salons identical to a middle-class salon from the early 20th century that show Jean-Marie Gaspar's sculptures. and the art and picture collection of Charles Gaspar. The rest of the first floor is dedicated to temporary exhibitions of the museum that alternates artv and history. A religion room shows collections about the abbey of Orval and to the people's devotion at the 18th century, and also relics from the ancient Saint-Martin church. But the Masterpiece is the famous altarpiece Retable de Fisenne - a 16th century masterpiece from the Antwerp school. Guided tours only on request by phone 063.600.654 or musee.gaspar@skynet.be (Original text by MT du Pays d?Arlon)This beautiful house was a bank at the origin. It was bought in 1893 by a middle-class family from Arlon, the family Gaspar. Jean Gaspar (1861-1931) was a sculptor. He was trained by the Antwerp sculptor Jef Lambeaux. His works are in bronze and in plaster and they are exhibited in the salons that have been restorated as they were in his house. His brother Charles (1871-1950) was a photographer, a collector and a sponsor. He gave this house to the town of Arlon. It hosts the library of the Archaeological Institute of the Belgian Province of Luxembourg and its secretary office since 1954. A wide part of the museum is also dedicated to temporary exhibitions about art and history of Arlon.

Rich in the Gallo-Roman past of Arlon, the museum houses an impressive collection that bears witness to the daily life of this period.One of the peculiarities of the museum is its imposing and rich lapidary collection, composed of several dozen fragments of ancient funerary monuments.These blocks and the objects from Roman craftsmanship will teach you more about daily life at that time.

Working toy train museum. Within our 500m2 area, you will find lay-outs with more than 500 large scale engines and wagons. A collection unique in Europe to beguile young and old. Children's play area. Guided tour by appointment.Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 2 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Beautiful rock. It offers a magnificent view. A metal ladder makes it possible to climb on a platform above.

A small 18th century church situated on a promontory. Characteristic: its 18th century onion-shaped dome. The church is surrounded by a civil and military cemetery.

"On the 3 abbeys road in Etival, the Roman abbey rises in all its beauty on the banks of the Valdange river. When it became an important abbey of the Prémontré Order in 1147, Etival had already crossed the paths of important figures like Saint Odile or Saint-Richarde, Empress and queen of France. Having crossed the threshold of the 18th century facade, you will be surprised to discover a beautiful roman abbey church, enriched by architectural evolution throughout the centuries: roman columns, gothic choir, choir stalls from the 18th century, cloister garden and fortifications... Etival Abbey is open all year from 10:00 to 17:00 "

This chapel situated in the Clairefontaine forest was built in the middle of the 19th century and is a place of pilgrimage on the 15th of August. It was dedicated to the Madonna.

Peaking in 601 m of heights, Avison constitutes a wonderful place for walking. Symbolic mountain of the region, it is surmounted by the Mirador which offers you a remarkable panorama to 360 ° on villages, valleys and mountains surroundings.

A landscaped botanic garden covering 3.8 hectares including a stream and a small mountain tarn, with several different landscaped areas reached by grassy or stony paths. Collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, perennials, shrubs, heathers and wetland plants. “Les Jardins de Callunes” won a first prize in the Lorraine parks and gardens competition in 1996. Accessible to disabled visitors, benches for an occasional rest and picnic area. Sorry, no pets.

It was on the hill of la Fontenelle, a kindergarden before the war, that the front was established on 12. September 1914. The French occupied the summit, at contour line 627. The Germans dug in firmly on the Eastern flank, constructing powerful trenches from which attacks were the regularly launched. On 23 June 1915, with the help of the explosions of underground mines and the reinforcement of well-equipped heavy artillery, the Germans inflicted a severe defeat on the French by reaching the summit. However, on 8 and 23 July of the same year, two violent counterattacks saw the French troops regain a foothold on the hill. 1500 prisoners were taken. After 25 July, mine warfare subdued while raids replaced frontal attacks in the trenches. Despite the determination of the Germans, the heights of la Fontenelle remained in French hands. In 1925, a monument was inaugurated near the cemetery that hosts the remains of 2348 French soldiers. The German soldiers were brought together at the cemetery of Senones.

This museum, located in the former Synagogue, features collections of folk arts from all over France. A selection of rare and characteristic objects, such as earthenware, boissellerie creations (boxes made of wood) and embroideries among others, are next to the space dedicated to Jean Lurçat (Artist born in Bruyères). Free visit from Thursday to Sunday during the summer period only and during the Journées du Patrimoine Group tour all year round on request

Catholic church located in the center of the village.

In the heart of the Vosges (88), at Taintrux. At the foot of the Kemberg mountains and the Haut Jacques, near Saint-Dié-des-Vosges and Gérardmer, come and discover the charms of the inn La Charriole situated at the edge of the woods, near a stream. Calm and relaxation assured. Valerie and Stéphane will welcome you with great pleasure for a short stay, an entire week of rest or for seminars. The ideal place for your family, corporate and association meals. Calm and change of scenery guaranteed! They will make you discover some delicious regional dishes following the seasons: munster pie, vosgian salad with poultry supreme and morels, iced nougat. Valerie and Stéphane will share with you their passion for the Vosges, the terroir and the traditions. A playground is at the disposition of the children. Open all year, except on Sunday evenings and on Mondays. 14 bedrooms: 59€, among which there are 2 family bedrooms equipped with a bathroom, toilet and Televisions. Rustic breakfast: 8,50€. Half-board menu: 20€. Traditional and local cooking. Restaurant: 110 cutlery. Menus from 24€ / adult and 12€ for kids (under 11 years old).

The restaurant is closed on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays noon. The hotel is closed during Sundays evening. 39 bedrooms from 71€ to 101€. 39 showers. Half-board: 70€. Full-board: 87€. Breakfast: 9,50€. Restaurant: 80 cutlery. Terrace: 20 cutlery. From 26,50€/adult and 10€/child.

Open everyday and all the year. Fitness programme, evening concert, piano-bar, business lunch. Traditional and local cooking. Animations. 5 charming rooms from 70€ to 90€. 2 bathrooms and 3 showers. Breakfast: 10€. Restaurant: 80 cutlery. Deck: 30 cutlery. Adult menu from 18€ to 26€ and kid menu: 10€ (under 8 years old) and 15€ (from 8 to 12 years old).

Open everyday, except on Sundays evening and Mondays (except days off). Annual closure: last week of January, first week of February, end of August and beginning of September. 7 bedrooms from 52€ to 62€. 3 baths and 4 showers. Restaurant: 60 cutlery. From 14€. Breakfast: 11€. Traditional and local food. French Cook.

Open all the year. Located at the exit of Plainfaing, at the foot of the Col du Bonhomme. 8 bedrooms (from 1 to 5 people) from 29€ to 56,50€. Showers. Breakfast: 7,20€. Half-board: 72€ for 2 people and 140€ for 5 people.

Open from Wednesday to Sunday. Country farmhouse/hostel at the foot of the Col du Bonhomme. Regional and Alsacian specialities. 7 bedrooms (from 2 to 5 people) from 60€ to 70€. 7 showers. Half-board from 110€ to 120€ (2 people). Breakfast: 7€.

Family restaurant with traditional cuisine and Vosges specialities. Come and taste our specialities with your family or friends, such as potato grates, our Vosges bread loaves, vegetarian bread or bread with frogs! But also the Munster cheese gratin, the calf's head without forgetting the blueberry pie, all home-made! Takeaway on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for lunch and dinner, only on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays for lunch.

Located at 949 m at the top of the Col du Bonhomme, Lac Blanc (White Lake), ski slopes and bike park: 8 km. Open all the year. Closed on Tuesdays evening and Wednesdays. 6 charming bedrooms (from 1 to 6 people), from 60€ to 210€. Bar/restaurant.

Open all the year. Located at 949 m of altitude at the top of the Col du Bonhomme. 9 bedrooms from 54€ to 62€. One-night stopover: 65€. Breakfast: 10€. 3 restaurant rooms: 40 cutlery in eah room. Deck: 120 cutlery. Regional, local and Alsacian specialities. Menus from 13€ to 28€ and kid menu: 13€.

FLAT at the 1st floor in a renovated farm, independent entry, located in a hamlet. 3 bedrooms. Bed made-up before the arrival (free). American kitchen, dining room/living room, toilet, central electric heating. Food: 1,5 km, forest/walks: 1 km. Security deposit required. Tariffs from 280€ to 450€ a week. Weekend: 200€. Charges: in addition.

Open all the year, except on Sunday evenings and on Mondays. 14 bedrooms: 66€, 2 of them are family bedrooms equipped with a bathroom, toilet and TVs. Rustic breakfast: 8,50€. Half-board: 20€. Traditional and local cooking. Restaurant: 110 cutlery. Menus from 25€ / adult and 12€ for kids (under 11 years old).

CHALET with integrated kitchen, living room-dining room. Fireplace, wood given. Baby bed, high chair, pushchair on request. Toilet, bathroom with disability access. Shops and walks/hikes close to the chalet. Tariffs from 280€ to 350€ a week (according to periods). Weekend: from 100€ (2 nights). Charges: net.

Comfort FLAT located in a relaxing hamlet. Living room, dinin room, equipped kitchen, bathroom, 2 independent toilets, covered terrace, closed field. Next to walking and biking tours. Security deposit required. Tariffs from 400€ to 480€ a week. Weekend: from 280€ to 295€. Charges: in addition (electricity).

Old and renovated farmhouse. The restaurant is closed on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays noon.The hotel is closed during Sundays evening. 39 bedrooms from 71€ to 101€. 39 showers. Half-board: 70€. Full-board: 87€. Breakfast: 9,50€. Restaurant: 80 cutlery. Terrace: 20 cutlery. From 26,50€/adult and 10€/child.

Open everyday from 8 am to 9 pm. Between Vosges and Alsace, we welcome you in a wooded park of 8 hectares for journeys where relax and touristic discovery go with hikes and wellness. 85 bedrooms, 54 of them are the main building and 31 are in chalet from 62€ to 118€. Bathroom and private toilet. Breakfast: 9€ / adult and 6€ / kid. Restaurant: 200 cutlery.

Located in the center of the city, on the riverbanks of the Meurthe and at the heart of the Vosges mountains. At equal distance from Strasbourg and Nancy. Near the ski slopes of Gerardmer and the Bresse, Ibis Budget hotel is the smart choice of economical accomodation. Simplicity, modernity and cheap prices. Opened all year. 45 bedrooms from 51€ to 61€. 11 showers and 34 baths. 2 bedrooms for disabled people. Breakfast: 6,15€.

Open 7 days a week and 24 hours a day. The hotel has got (on request) 4 triple bedrooms and 3 fourfold bedrooms. 58 bedrooms from 68€ to 90€. 56 baths and 2 showers. Breakfast: 9,90€. Restaurant: 40 cutlery. Adult menu from 10€ and kid menu from 7€.

Individual COTTAGE (wood), covered loggia, fenced orchard. Equipped kitchen, dining room, baby material on request, bathroom and separated toilet. Electric heating. Next to shops, forest, walks. Tariffs from 250€ to 350€ a week. Charges: net.

Individual CHALET (73 per square meter). Big dining room, opened kitchen, electric heating and wood burner. All shops in a village. Forest and walks on the spot. Saint-Dié is a 8-minute drive and Alsace/Gérardmer are a 20-minute drive. Tariffs from 290€ to 450€ a week. Weekend: 190€ (at least 2 nights), 85€ the extra night, except school holidays. Charges: net. Tourist tax (extra charge).