Captivating Discoveries in Urimenil, Vosges, Lorraine

Thanks to the Club Vosgien for the creation of this hike and for the work done by its teams throughout the year to mark out and maintain these paths. Marking: yellow disc 10 km Easy trail on a forest path near the fort of Bambois. From the car park, go down 30 m to take a small road on the left, opposite the FFI monument, which passes between two houses, then turn right following the yellow solid disc markings. You will arrive on a gravelled forest road. 3 km further on you will see the sign for the Dinozé forest and continue straight ahead. You then pass near the hamlet of La Pierre Torelle, altitude 415 m. Stay on the path and start to climb further up, leaving an old military structure (battery 3) at an altitude of 433 m on your left. On your right, you can see through the trees the Moselle valley upstream of Épinal, then the Bésonfosse valley in the town of Dinozé. You will also notice this old forest of Scots pines which is at least 150 years old. After a small climb, you arrive at the crossing of the Pierre Torelle and Sauteur forest roads. Turn left and enter the Épinal forest. The route then dominates the valley of the Etranglieux and the Taviane through which you arrived from Épinal. At the crossroads with the access road to the fort, the bravest turn left - off the route - to reach the entrance to the fort (750 m round trip). The others continue to the right and arrive at a crossroads of 4 paths at the end of the forest. Turn left to walk along a field for about 100m to enter the forest again. The small road leads you straight back to your starting point. On your right as you arrive, you will see a Lorraine cross surrounded by a small botanical park.

Thanks to the Club Vosgien for the creation of this hike and for the work done by its teams throughout the year to mark out and maintain these paths. From the car park, go through the barrier towards a shelter. Just before arriving there, take the marked path on your left (+ of red colour) which crosses a small arboretum to join a stone path while skirting the forest. Turn left and follow the markings (red circle and red cross), which will take you through the forest and then across the fields to cross the Mauverois stream. You then come to a tarmac road near a calvary. Take the road to the right for 300 m and turn left to enter the forest again on a marked forest track (red circle and red cross). Some 200 m further on, pass the Fontaine de la Couleuvre and continue on the dirt track to climb towards a roundabout. Follow the marked track (red circle) to the left for just over 100 m and turn right onto the dirt track which goes alongside the fields a little further on. When you reach a small house, turn left to get to the D51, which you cross to arrive at the left of a shed, following the marked path (red circle). This path, which goes alongside fields and forest, leads you to a small tarmac road at the place called Censes des Lois. Go up to the left on the road to arrive near the forest house of Avière. Opposite this house, take the marked path (red circle and red cross) and leave on your right a marked path (red cross). After passing a pond, you get to a gravel path which you follow to the left for almost 300 m. Turn right onto the path that leads to the Avière spring, nestled at the foot of a cirque-shaped valley with a majestic beech forest. Enjoy this magnificent setting for a few moments, since you will have to go up to the left opposite the spring on the winding, marked out path (red circle). Follow the path, leaving a track on your right halfway up the slope and then, further on, a track on your left. Off the trail, the bravest can make a round trip (marked with a red triangle) to the stele commemorating the fall of an allied plane during the bombing in 1944. At the top you come to a forest road. Turn left, cross the road to join the circuit 100 m further on the left which will take you back to the starting point.

Thanks to the FFRandonnée of the Club Vosgien for the creation of this hike and for the work done by its teams throughout the year to mark out and maintain these paths. Marked with a yellow rectangle N°3. This very varied path (the longest) takes you through 5 hamlets of Hadol and their beautiful countryside, passing through the Rue des Bruyères, the Taillon, crossing Senade by the Route de Plombières, the Rue des Mauprès and the Chemin de l'Epinet to then a walk through the cereal crops towards La Racine. Turn off towards Les Etangs and cross the pretty wood "le Jelémont". Continue straight on towards Les Près Français, which you will cross to join the D44, which you will follow on the wide roadside for 1 km. Turn right to reach the Rougimont wood. Go through Guménil and join Hadol by the Bois Pasteur path. Cross Hadol to reach the car park by the rue de l'église and the rue des Bruyères.

Thanks to the FFRandonnée for the creation of this hike and for the work done by its teams throughout the year to mark out and maintain these paths. Marked with a yellow rectangle N°5. Starting point: car park of the Hadol Stadium or car park of the Houssière fitness trail (HADOL town) near the D12 in the direction of XERTIGNY. Description from the stadium car park: This path takes the direction of Le Taillon via Rue des Bruyères to reach the Perry pond, the head of Tendon and then the hamlet of "Basses des Fourmis", which you have to cross to reach the Houssière health trail. Cross the D12, continue for 1 km on the Haumont wood path, turn left to join the Ban d'Arche forest path, then take the forest path that joins Basse Houssière and return to the car park via the route des Breulles and the rue des Bruyères.

Thanks to the FFRandonnée for the creation of this hike and for the work done by its teams throughout the year to mark out and maintain these paths. Marking: yellow rectangle This beautiful path, starting from the Hadol stadium, takes you to a magnificent body of water and its surrounding natural environment: "l'étang PERRY" and its hamlet of the same name. Cross pastures and cultivated fields to reach the "tête de Tendon", its highest point, and from there, get a beautiful 360° view. Still crossing a beautiful countryside landscaped marked by the agrarian world, it makes you discover the very beautiful "Croix Maison" and then offers you a superb view over the village of DOUNOUX before joining Hadol Haute on the way back to Hadol centre. This path has been specially designed for people with reduced mobility. It takes the direction of Le Taillon via the rue des Bruyères to reach the Perry pond, the head of Tendon then the Croix Maison; From this place you can either go all the way through the field path towards Dounoux (8.3km) or turn right by the road (7.2km) to join the rue Haute then the D12 and the rue de la Croix Georges and to return to the car park by the rue des Bruyères.

Thanks to the FFRandonnée Pédestre for the realisation of this hike and for the work done by its teams throughout the year to mark out and maintain these paths. Marked with a yellow rectangle N°2. This path takes us through the beautiful beech forest of the Bois des Rossieux via the rue des Bruyères, the route des Breulles, the rue de la Basse Houssière, the field path to catch up with the route de la Pierre Leclaire which takes us to the forest path of the Bois des Rossieux. After 1 km on this road at the intersection, you will have the choice of going left towards Senade and then passing through the Bois des Thiates (variant 14.3 km) or going straight on towards the Pierre Leclaire to pass the Bétion farm (variant 12.2 km). At the junction of the 2 variants, continue along the Ban d'Arche forest path then take the forest path that joins the Basse Houssière and return to the car park via the route des Breulles then the rue des Bruyères.

Thanks to the FFRandonnée for the creation of this hike and for the work done by its teams throughout the year to mark out and maintain these paths. Marked with a yellow rectangle. This trail is mainly woody and takes you across the Haumont, along the Chemin de Ronde, the chemin du Fais Baril to pass in front of the quarry and the fish farm, following the Cône (the stream that separates Hadol from Xertigny). Cross the D12 and follow the path to the Avin sawmill (along the Cone) to join the D434 and cross it. Then cross the hamlet "Moulin Maure", go under the viaduct, in front of the old wire drawing mill, and join and cross the Tillonhaye forest in the direction of the Napoleon Bridge which overhangs the railway line. Cross the D434 again and follow the Girombois path to the car park.

Thanks to the Club Vosgien for the creation of this hike and for the work done by its teams throughout the year to mark out and maintain these paths. Marking: green disc 10.7km Discover a magnificent landscape at any time of the year; in autumn the colors are magnificent; in winter, under the snow, it is splendid; and in spring, it is full of life. From the centre of Épinal, take the D434 road towards Xertigny. At the second traffic lights after the Casino supermarket, turn right. You’ll pass under a railway bridge to reach a small car park with an information board, starting point of the trail. From the car park, take the rue de la Devallée which is marked out (green solid disc and red solid triangle) which goes up in the direction of the supply canal of the Bouzey Lake. Turn right onto the right bank path, alongside the canal. Cross the bridge, turn right onto the Chemin des Murgères, go up towards the forest for 150 m, then turn left onto the marked path (red triangle) entitled "circuit des coteaux de Saint-Laurent".

Thanks to the Club Vosgien for the creation of this hike and for the work done by its teams throughout the year to mark out and maintain these paths. From the car park, take the marked rue de la Devallée (green solid disc) and (red solid triangle) which goes up towards the supply canal of the Bouzey Lake. Turn right onto the right bank path alongside the canal. Cross the bridge, turn right onto the Chemin des Murgères, go up towards the forest for 150 m, then turn left onto the marked path only (red solid triangle) entitled "circuit des coteaux de Saint-Laurent". Rest after the slope and take the time to enjoy the natural beauty of this mixed forest of deciduous and resinous species. Continue on a path with panoramic view over the Etranglieux valley and the old village of Vieux Saint-Laurent. The marked path only (red solid triangle) goes along a forest road for a while, then turns left to join it 600 m further on at Les Murgères. Go down the road for 20 m, then turn left onto the now marked path (green solid disc). A little further on, you arrive to a meadow at the end of which you turn right to enter the forest again. You cross a small tarmac road and walk along a fenced park. The marked dirt track (green solid disc) will lead you almost straight to the Bult pond. You are now in the middle of the route. At the entrance of the pond turn right onto the path marked Bertraménil, Riéfaing, Humbertois, Bouffrot. As you walk along the pond, the path enters a magnificent beech wood to arrive, after crossing a forest clearing, at the Riéfaing pond. At the bottom of the slope, follow on the left the marking (green solid disc) which goes along the pond and slightly overlooks it. Right after, you come out to a stony path that will lead you to the Humbertois farm in front of which you take the small tarmac road on the right. Follow it for 200 m and turn left onto the Bouffrot forest path in the Épinal forest. Go straight ahead following the markings (green solid disc) towards Bouffrot and Bertraménil. You arrive at the foot of an old quarry. Go around it by going up on the left. Once at the top, follow the ridge track straight on, which takes you to the Bouffrot rocks site. A little further down, you come to a forest track which you cross to go along the right-hand side of the Bouzey pond's supply canal, following the markings (green solid disc). After crossing a bridge, turn right to cross a syphon with stairs. You go along the canal again, on the left. 40 m further on, stop to look at a remarkable rock on the right in the mott called the Salière du Loup. Following the canal, you will find the tarmac road you took at the start 700 m further on, which will take you back to the car park. Markings: green disc

Thanks to the Club Vosgien for the creation of this hike and for the work done by its teams throughout the year to mark out and maintain these paths. A beautiful walk without difficulty that will take you around the lake. Marking: blue ring 7km Take the gravel path along the car park towards the forest. At the edge of the forest, turn right, then immediately left to follow the marked path (blue cross) which follows the pond dam, at the end of which the Conservatoire des Sites Lorrains has installed an information panel. Take the time to walk along the educational trail to discover the environment, fauna and flora of this pond. At the end of the dam, turn right onto the marked path (red disc and blue cross) to reach a gravel path which leads you straight to the shore of the Bouzey Lake. At the end of the forest, after passing an information panel, cross the tarmac road, follow on the right the marked path (blue disc and green solid disc) along the lake, pass on the dam and take on the left the tarmac road between the houses. Continue along this small road along the lake without worrying about the streets that go off to the right. Always following the signs (blue disc), you pass over a bridge that crosses the end of the lake. The tarmac road climbs towards the forest. Once you have reached the top of the hill, you leave it and turn right onto a marked dirt track (blue disc and solid blue disc) which runs through the forest for 1.3 km. The marked path (blue disc) leads you along the lake to the starting point. Following the road straight ahead, you will reach the car park at the start of the walk. Marking: blue ring

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!

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!

Fabulous Vegan and gluten free B&B in the gorgeous countryside of the Champagne-Ardennes. All 5 rooms are fully equipped and furnished to a high standard with private en suite with shower, basin and WC. A homemade vegan and gluten free breakfast is included in the price, as well as tourist tax. The Rose room and Garden room are suitable to bring a dog, The Flamingo room and Leaf room are suitable for families and have space for a children's cot. On request you can join us every day for a three course meal, depending on availability. If you would like a picnic please ask about the options at the moment of booking. The property can also be rented as a self-catering holiday home per weekend, midweek or week.

DEPARTING FROM LAUSANNE, HEAD TO THE MEDIEVAL TOWN OF GRUYÈRES, HOME TO THE FAMOUS SWISS CHEESE! Departing from Lausanne, head to the medieval town of Gruyères, home to the famous Swiss cheese!  Leave Lausanne by bus and climb up into the alpine pastures to reach Gruyères.  After a tour around the town, your guide will take you to a Swiss chocolate factory to show you how famous Swiss chocolate is made.  Then head to an old alpine cheese factory. Enjoy a Swiss cheese tasting and learn more about the national dish: fondue.  Learn to make your own Swiss fondue and try the traditional dish.  After your meal, relax and climb on board the Golden Express, a panoramic train which crosses the alpine pastures and the heights of Lake Geneva. Enjoy incredible views of the lake and the Alps. When you get off the train, get back on your bus and head to Lavaux and its terraced vineyards. Try the wines of Lavaux, alongside some sausage and cheese.  You will be taken back to Lausanne at the end of the day. THIS ACTIVITY IS AVAILABLE FROM APRIL TO OCTOBER ONLY

FROM LAUSANNE, DISCOVER THE TOWN OF MONTREUX AND THE MEDIEVAL CHILLON CASTLE! DEPARTING FROM LAUSANNE, DISCOVER THE TOWN OF MONTREUX AND THE MEDIEVAL CHILLON CASTLE!  Departing from Lausanne, climb on board your bus and head to the town of Vevey on Lake Geneva. If the weather allows, climb on board a steamboat and cross the lake to reach Chillon Castle. Make the most of a guided tour of this fortified castle, built in the 16th century and hidden by Lake Geneva!  After your visit, you will head back towards Montreux by bus. You will make a stop to enjoy some free time in the town. At the heart of the town, make the most of the unique and relaxing atmosphere in the centre of the Swiss Riviera. Do some shopping or simply soak up the town’s “jazzy” atmosphere.  Then get back on your bus and head to Lausanne at the end of the day. THIS ACTIVITY IS AVAILABLE BETWEEN MARCH AND DECEMBER

Would you like to relive great Olympic moments? Feel the pulse of the champions? Discover the creative flair of the host cities? Share the enthusiasm of all the volunteers behind the scenes? The world of the Games with its many facets will open up to you and give you some great stories to tell! At The Olympic Museum, learning is about having fun and experimenting. We do everything we can to trigger interest and spark action. More than ever, scientific and cultural endeavour play a part in the Games, strengthening their influence in the modern world. Get in touch with the spirit that motivates the greatest Olympians. The life stories of towering figures from past Games personify the Olympic values and challenge us all to push beyond the limits. You will discover that these Olympic superheroes are first and foremost superb human beings. The sculptures in the park tell the story of a dialogue between art and the Olympic Games that has endured since the birth of the Games. Open to all, the sports installations allow you to discover athletes records. The Museum has 3000 m2 of exhibition space, over 1500 exhibits, 150 screens and our passion, combining to create the ultimate experience and give you some great stories to tell.

The bastion of the fortress of Épinal, designed by General Séré de Rivières, guards the southern accesses to the defence system installed after the 1870 war at an altitude of 445 m. Built in masonry from 1879 to 1881, it is the only one to have two-storey barracks and its internal defence system with a double caponier is particularly well preserved. After the 1870 war and the annexation of the north-eastern part of its territory, France had to rethink its defence based on new fortifications that were on the Toul-Epinal-Belfort line. The entrenched camp of Epinal with its 15 "detached" forts was thus created between 1878 and 1886. Those of Girancourt and Roulon were the guardians facing south. Nearly 400 defenders could be garrisoned there. The change of strategy into an offensive one, instead of a "static" defence system, and the progress of artillery with the high explosive led France to the obligation of concreting the forts to maintain their possible usefulness in 1886. Although it was considered, the modernisation of the Roulon fort was never carried out. During the 1914-1918 war, it was even disarmed like many others and was only used as a training site and equipment depot until its alienation in 1969. It then became private property. Since it was never bombed – it was too far from the front during the First World War and was not armed during the German attack of 18 June 1940 from Bains towards Epinal, it has retained its original character and is particularly well maintained by the current owner who built his house there in 1991. The Roulon fort is a private property, so visiting it is subject to the owner's permission.

Built from 1885 onwards according to the plans of the architect François Clasquin, the castle has been used as the town hall since 1979 and has kept traces of a past, prestigious way of life. Surrounded by a vast wooded park, this magnificent castle and its outbuildings await you to immerse yourself in the world of the Trivier-Champion family, creators of the "La Lorraine" brewery, which reached its peak in the 19th century. "La Lorraine" brewery, which reached the peak of its production between 1890 and 1920 and made its owners rich. This magnificent building was a symbol of social success and served to highlight the brewery's economic success. The entrance was particularly sumptuous and was intended to impress the visitors, suppliers and customers of the brewery. In a wooden showcase made for the 1889 World Exhibition (the age of the Eiffel Tower), "relics" from the company's heyday were displayed. Nowadays, this splendid residence has become the Town Hall of Xertigny. The interior has kept its elaborate woodwork, gilding and marble... This place of life still exudes all its authenticity. Guided tours are regularly offered by the Xertigny tourist office, for more information please call: (+33)3.29.37.72.53 During a tour, immerse yourself in the daily life of the Trivier-Champion family, a rich brewing family from Xertigny!

The Chapel of the Annunciation of Thiélouze in Uzemain Overlooking the Vosges canal, in a peaceful setting, the chapel opens every day for free tours. This multi-secular building from the end of the 13th century was restored in 2016 and houses a dozen of remarkable religious objects, eight of which are listed or classified as historical monuments. Dedicated to Notre-Dame de l’Annonciation, the chapel has a simple and mixed architecture. Its entrance portal is Norman. The Marian devotion has always been important, as confirms the presence of a 14th century limestone statue of the Madonna and Child and a bell from 1504. One of the most successful sculptures in the world inspired the "three hares" motif which appears on a stone of the façade. A brotherhood of more than 600 members happily embody the everlasting feeling of attachment from the residents to this important religious and heritage site. The interior of the chapel calls for meditation. The mural colours and the celestial light brought in by 3 double-glazed windows invite you to calm down. The observation of the religious objects in lime wood or oak judiciously exposed (Madonna and child, Sainte-Anne, Saint-Nicolas and Christ on the cross) and the contemplation of the painting of the Annunciation by Nicolas Bellot lead to wonder.

The Church of Xertigny is an emblem of the area’s heritage you cannot overlook. It has been the witness and sometimes the victim of many events that have marked the history of both our region and the country. Legend has it that when Saint Walburge stopped in the town on her journey to Germany, spinning her distaff, she dropped her bundle of wool, which rolled away and stopped at the place where the church was later built.

Bouzey Lake - A natural setting only a stone's throw from the city of Epinal, the Bouzey Lake is a multi-faceted destination/site, ideal for relaxing and clearing your head. Its green surroundings offer a total change of scenery and it is the perfect place to practice various sports and leisure activities. An immersion in the heart of idyllic landscapes - for exercising, swimming or simply sunbathe on the beach! Historically, the Bouzey Lake is an artificial reservoir which supplies Vosges Canal yet it has undeniable ecological qualities because a remarkable ecosystem has developed there! Numerous animals have taken up residence in this bucolic setting: birds such as swans, mallards, coots and other species such as the muskrat or the garter snake. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted: there are many surprises and delicious discoveries along the way. Near the lake is the Etang de la Comtesse peat bog, a protected natural area where flora and fauna flourish. Breathe in peace and quiet in a protected natural setting, during a leisurely walk, a morning jog or a family outing. You can walk around the lake in 1.5 hours, using the 7 km of footpaths for pedestrians. Lovers of water sports, land sports and fishing will not be left out, since many activities are offered around the lake, depending on the season: pedal boats or sailboats for sailing on the water, safe cycling around the lake, supervised swimming during the summer period, jogging along the banks to stretch your legs... Handicapped fishing pontoons have also been specially fitted out for fishermen with reduced mobility. Several picnic tables are also set up around the lake, so that on warm summer evenings you can take a gourmet break while enjoying the magnificent sunsets. The Bouzey Lake is a place accessible to all, for a sporting interlude or to recharge your batteries at the water's edge. A bit of history: the reservoir was created in 1882, to supply the Vosges Canal, a working tool for Voies Navigables de France. In April 1895, the dam broke, with tragic consequences. A monument on the banks of the lake, on the side of the dam, recalls this sad event. Anecdote: the Bouzey Lake is the largest lake in the Vosges, ahead of the lake of Gérardmer! At its full level, the lake covers 140 hectares, against 116 for the lake of Gérardmer.

Bouzey Lake - A natural setting only a stone's throw from the city of Epinal, the Bouzey Lake is a multi-faceted destination/site, ideal for relaxing and clearing your head. Its green surroundings offer a total change of scenery and it is the perfect place to practice various sports and leisure activities. An immersion in the heart of idyllic landscapes - for exercising, swimming or simply sunbathe on the beach! Historically, the Bouzey Lake is an artificial reservoir which supplies Vosges Canal yet it has undeniable ecological qualities because a remarkable ecosystem has developed there! Numerous animals have taken up residence in this bucolic setting: birds such as swans, mallards, coots and other species such as the muskrat or the garter snake. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted: there are many surprises and delicious discoveries along the way. Near the lake is the Etang de la Comtesse peat bog, a protected natural area where flora and fauna flourish. Breathe in peace and quiet in a protected natural setting, during a leisurely walk, a morning jog or a family outing. You can walk around the lake in 1.5 hours, using the 7 km of footpaths for pedestrians. Lovers of water sports, land sports and fishing will not be left out, since many activities are offered around the lake, depending on the season: pedal boats or sailboats for sailing on the water, safe cycling around the lake, supervised swimming during the summer period, jogging along the banks to stretch your legs... Handicapped fishing pontoons have also been specially fitted out for fishermen with reduced mobility. Several picnic tables are also set up around the lake, so that on warm summer evenings you can take a gourmet break while enjoying the magnificent sunsets. The Bouzey Lake is a place accessible to all, for a sporting interlude or to recharge your batteries at the water's edge. A bit of history: the reservoir was created in 1882, to supply the Vosges Canal, a working tool for Voies Navigables de France. In April 1895, the dam broke, with tragic consequences. A monument on the banks of the lake, on the side of the dam, recalls this sad event. Anecdote: the Bouzey Lake is the largest lake in the Vosges, ahead of the lake of Gérardmer! At its full level, the lake covers 140 hectares, against 116 for the lake of Gérardmer.

The Dinozé American Cemetery is a place marked by history and a reminder of the tragedies of the Second World War. It contains 5,253 graves in two fan-shaped plots and 424 names engraved on the wall of the missing ones. This place instantly takes us to the heart of our past, heavy with emotion and memories. These impeccably and meticulously tended grounds and gardens of the cemetery and the serenity of its surroundings give no hint of the fierce, bitter and savage fighting that cost the lives of so many who lie here. Under each of these headstones lies a soldier with unfulfilled dreams, and this guided walk invites you to discover some of them. We are honoured every time a soldier’s family comes to visit the grave of a deceased soldier. We also hold several ceremonies throughout the year to honour our soldiers. A memorial overlooks the soldiers' graves, with a coloured glass mosaic illustrating the Toulon landings that led to the liberation of Epinal and a chapel with a sculpture of the Angel of Peace. The Dinozé American Cemetery is a place of remembrance but also of exchange and reflection on history. "We do not forget, we shall never forget, the debt of infinite gratitude we owe to those who gave everything for our liberation.”

This 28-hectare English-style park, with its alleys lined mainly with lime trees, is a real haven of peace in the heart of the city. Magnificent trees are planted here (cedars, Douglas fir, araucaria, purple beeches and chestnut trees). Some 25 baskets or flowerbeds are covered with summer beddings during the summer. You can also admire the bandstand from 1863 and the weather station from 1892. The entrance to the Parc du Cours is on the Place Foch, near the Prefecture.

This year, reservation is compulsory for the acrobatic courses of one of the largest treetop adventure course in France. Indeed, due to health regulations and whatever the season, the Spinaparc is now only accessible by prior reservation. To book: (+33)3.29.82.03.67 / spinaparc@epinal.fr or by filling in the dedicated form on www.epinal.fr under the heading Mes démarches / Réservations, 48 hours before the date. In January, February, March, November and December, bookings must be made by e-mail to find out the opening times. A moment close to nature to escape and spend an unforgettable day! The Spinaparc is one of the largest adventure parks in France, located in an exceptional natural setting of 5 hectares, a stone's throw from the city centre of Epinal. It offers a unique and authentic setting in the heart of the forest of Epinal. Combining high ropes course and a via ferrata thanks to 200m of high sandstone cliff: it makes it special! - The Petits Aventuriers course is specially designed for audacious children, who can play Tarzan in the trees from the age of 4 thanks to a system of secure nets along the entire course. - 5 courses (including one on the cliff) are accessible to children from 6 years old. - 7 courses for adults with several levels of difficulty which cross the forest and rocky landscape. Sensations guaranteed!

Enter the vast glass vessel on the Moselle Island and contemplate its works of art. You will dream in the Gallo-Roman pantheon full of hybrid creatures; you will gaze at the classical landscapes and guess when the painter captured the light; you will be intrigued by the contemporary works. On the occasion of the 25th birthday of its renovation, the regional museum created a new permanent exhibition for its collections “Beaux-Arts” (fine arts). This large-scale intervention deeply changes the visit. It allows the visitors to admire nearly 200 works progressing from the 16th to the early 20th centuries. The surface is now 900 m², i.e. twice the size of the surface since the museum reopened in 1992. This new presentation underlines the tremendous richness of the fine arts collection, from its paintings, to its sculptures or even its craft objects. The works of major artists like Rembrandt, de La Tour, van Goyen, Pannini, Claude Gellée, Furini, Vlaminck, etc. are shown. Finally, more than 110 works are now brought to light for the public after being hidden in storage for years for important restorations. These will be nice surprises, even for regular visitors. The mediation has been renewed for the occasion, allowing everyone to appropriate the works through different devices. Supervised guided tours are available for groups on reservation. Audio guides are also available (French, English and German) to guide you through the discovery of the museum. Closed on Tuesdays and Sunday mornings as well as on the 1st of May and 1st of November. Wednesday: By reservation for groups

In the heart of Xertigny, we offer traditional cuisine and pizzas, to eat in or take away. Restaurant in a friendly atmosphere and a pleasant setting with a view of the magnificent Château des Brasseurs. Daily menu from €13,50, special offer for spa clients (weekly menu).

Grill and pizza restaurant at the edge of the Bouzey Lake in Sanchey, 10 min from EPINAL. Local and traditional cuisine. Groups welcome. Banquets. Seminars. Leisure and accommodation possibilities. Takeaway every evening from 6pm to 9.30pm

The Ducs de Lorraine welcome you to their gourmet restaurant in a sumptuous manor house from 1875, with a décor combining modern and ancient. Our master restaurateurs offer you a modern cuisine, where local products harmonize with finesse. The products are selected with extreme rigour in order to guarantee delicate flavours for your greatest pleasure. In an elegantly decorated room with a shaded terrace, we will be delighted to welcome you for a refined and tasty lunch.

Welcome to our restaurant. We will have the pleasure to make you discover a typical cuisine from the Vosges, prepared with products selected rigorously by our chefs. With two rooms at your disposal, we would be delighted to welcome you for a moment with your family, friends or on a business trip.

The Bagatelle is delighted to welcome you in a family setting, with a front row seat to watch the canoeing competitions. Our chef offers creative and tasty cuisine, with delicately prepared dishes. With a capacity of 113 covers, our 2 dining rooms have been completely renovated, and a terrace will open when the weather is good. Accessible to people with reduced mobility YES

The Bistrot Gourmand is just a stone's throw from the Basilica of St Maurice, in the heart of Épinal's historic centre. It welcomes you in the former outbuildings of the Chanoinesses. A renowned restaurant of Epinal for 17 years, the Bistrot Gourmand offers gastronomic cuisine where local products are the centre of attention and prepared with a touch of modernism. Master restaurateur since 2008. Two air-conditioned rooms on the ground floor, one room with 40 covers on the first floor. Nice terrace in the summer in a quiet area. Annual closure: Christmas holidays. Takeaway + delivery Tuesday to Saturday 11.30am to 1.30pm 3 courses: €20 - 2 courses: €15 + à la carte suggestions Friday to Sunday 3 courses: €35 + à la carte suggestions

Not far from the Place des Vosges and its cultural places full of history, the whole team of the restaurant welcomes you in a warm setting. For more than 30 years now, the restaurant has been specialising in regional meat and tripe dishes. The chef and his team will be delighted to prepare delicious dishes for you, for a moment of sharing without moderation. Breath-taking view of the Basilica of Saint-Maurice. With disabled access

The chef of the pizza restaurant l'Atelier Pizza, Vincent, invites you to come and taste his pizzas prepared in front of you, in a newly renovated pizza place located in the historic centre of Epinal: the Place des Vosges. Pizza to eat in or to take away

On the banks of the Moselle, not far from the Cité de l'Image, the Ibis restaurant welcomes you to share a moment of conviviality. Our traditional cuisine, prepared with quality products, will delight your palate. So don't hesitate to come to our establishment.

Welcome to our restaurant L'Aromance. We invite you to discover a traditional cuisine, prepared with passion by our chef, in the spirit of a pub cuisine. Offering quality homemade dishes, our dishes will delight the greatest number of people. So let yourself be tempted by a warm moment in an authentic setting.

A few kilometres from the thermal spa, in a pleasant natural setting, we offer 4 comfortable rooms for a pleasant stay. There is a meeting room at your disposal. Preferential rate for the summer 2020: (June, July and August) 600 euros per week for up to 4 people and 800 euros per week for 6 to 10 people. During your stay, don't hesitate to discover our region, with its cultural sites or its many ideal walks to recharge your batteries.

Separate gite (private access and entrance) in the renovated part of a farm. Ground and first floor: 5 bedrooms (two 160/200 beds, two 140/200 beds, 6 single beds, 2 baby’s cribs). Rustic kitchen. Dining room. Living room. Bathroom. Private bathroom in one room. Subfloor central heating. Patio. Land. All charges included. Sheets and linen provided. Charges included. Space, originality and tranquillity characterise this holiday house in the middle of the countryside, only a few metres away from the city centre of Épinal. The Du Ruisseau gite is waiting for you, for comfortable, nice stay with your family or friends. You will enjoy the varied leisure and relaxing equipment put at your disposal (library, films, but also bikes and babyfoot).

A gite and a peaceful nest to cuddle. The cabin “Once upon a tree” is the first construction of a young business from the Vosges, whose workers played with woods to build it: a mix of oak, poplar, larch and beech. The only room of the gite, round like a nest, has a little breakfast and hygiene area and a cosy bed. Go up the stairs to the panoramic roof overlooking the gite and you will have a stunning view on the Woodies site and the Vôge. Soothed by the singing birds and wooded scents, you will rest in a natural place where time doesn’t exist. You will have access to the cleaning building, with restrooms and showers, located a few steps from the gite. This construction where comfort is an art is the promise of a romantic weekend with your partner.

In the heart of the Vôge, creativity and technology are meeting the local beech tree: the “Woodies” are comfortable gites for a break in nature. Peace and quiet will make your visit enjoyable and you will receive a warm welcome. THE TORELE GITE. Atypical and original, it brings a local historical house up to date: the “chalot“. Reorganized, it brings you all the necessary comfort with a 60m2 surface: neat furniture, fully fitted kitchen, TV, WiFi, living-room and private patio with view over the artificial lake. It can have up to 8 people and is accessible to disabled people. One word: relaxation! The Woodies are high quality gites, for 4 to 8 people. During your stay, you won’t have to worry about anything: space, beautiful furniture, electrical, loan books and films, tv, WiFi, private patio in the sun to enjoy the setting… The surroundings are particularly liked by our visitors because they combine refined shapes with the proximity of shops, in the peace and beauty of nature. You are very close to the centre (supermarket, gas, health, etc.) and to the starting point of many walks and touristic attractions (heritage, spa, sports, bike renting, food, etc.). The site was awarded the label “Tourism and Disability” with two gites equipped for disabled people. Finally, the Woodies are the embodiment of the savoir-faire from the Vosges when it comes to wood technologies. They underline all the possibilities of building for aesthetics and staying in a unique cabin. So let yourself be tempted by a break in nature …

In the heart of the Vôge, creativity and technology are meeting the local beech tree: the “Woodies” are comfortable gites for a break in nature. Peace and quiet will make your visit enjoyable and you will receive a warm welcome. The atypical and original GÎTE RECHENTREUX is a cosy nest of Scandinavian inspiration. Made of black and red wood, it offers you all the necessary comfort on 50 square meters: neat furniture, fully equipped kitchen, TV, wifi, living room and private terrace with a view on the lake. It can accommodate 4 to 6 people and is accessible to people with reduced mobility. One word: relaxation! The Woodies are high quality gites, for 4 to 8 people. During your stay, you won’t have to worry about anything: space, beautiful furniture, electrical, loan books and films, tv, WiFi, private patio in the sun to enjoy the setting… The surroundings are particularly liked by our visitors because they combine refined shapes with the proximity of shops, in the peace and beauty of nature. You are very close to the centre (supermarket, gas, health, etc.) and to the starting point of many walks and touristic attractions (heritage, spa, sports, bike renting, food, etc.). The site was awarded the label “Tourism and Disability” with two gites equipped for disabled people. Finally, the Woodies are the embodiment of the savoir-faire from the Vosges when it comes to wood technologies. They underline all the possibilities of building for aesthetics and staying in a unique cabin. So let yourself be tempted by a break in nature …

In the heart of the Vôge, creativity and technology are meeting the local beech tree: the “Woodies” are comfortable gites for a break in nature. Peace and quiet will make your visit enjoyable and you will receive a warm welcome. THE FAYS RICHARD GITE. Atypical and original, it brings a local historical house up to date: the “chalot“. Reorganized, it brings you all the necessary comfort with a 60m2 surface: neat furniture, fully fitted kitchen, TV, WiFi, living-room and private patio with view over the artificial lake. One word: relaxation! The Woodies are high quality gites, for 4 to 8 people. During your stay, you won’t have to worry about anything: space, beautiful furniture, electrical, loan books and films, tv, WiFi, private patio in the sun to enjoy the setting… The surroundings are particularly liked by our visitors because they combine refined shapes with the proximity of shops, in the peace and beauty of nature. You are very close to the centre (supermarket, gas, health, etc.) and to the starting point of many walks and touristic attractions (heritage, spa, sports, bike renting, food, etc.). The site was awarded the label “Tourism and Disability” with two gites equipped for disabled people. Finally, the Woodies are the embodiment of the savoir-faire from the Vosges when it comes to wood technologies. They underline all the possibilities of building for aesthetics and staying in a unique cabin. So let yourself be tempted by a break in nature …

In the heart of the Vôge, creativity and technology are meeting the local beech tree: the “Woodies” are comfortable gites for a break in nature. Peace and quiet will make your visit enjoyable and you will receive a warm welcome. In an area bathed in sunlight on the edge of a lake, near beautiful nature walks, the GÎTE ROCHERE is a nod to the wooden cubes of our childhood. With its walls covered with crates, it brings you today all the necessary comfort in 45 M2: neat furniture, fully equipped kitchen, TV, wifi, living room and private patio with view on the water. It can have 4 to 6 people and is accessible to disabled people. One word: relaxation! The Woodies are high quality gites, for 4 to 8 people. During your stay, you won’t have to worry about anything: space, beautiful furniture, electrical, loan books and films, tv, WiFi, private patio in the sun to enjoy the setting… The surroundings are particularly liked by our visitors because they combine refined shapes with the proximity of shops, in the peace and beauty of nature. You are very close to the centre (supermarket, gas, health, etc.) and to the starting point of many walks and touristic attractions (heritage, spa, sports, bike renting, food, etc.). The site was awarded the label “Tourism and Disability” with two gites equipped for disabled people. Finally, the Woodies are the embodiment of the savoir-faire from the Vosges when it comes to wood technologies. They underline all the possibilities of building for aesthetics and staying in a unique cabin. So let yourself be tempted by a break in nature …

Welcome to Xertigny and its bucolic, well-located surroundings. The municipality provides two dedicated areas: the decantation area, rue de la Vallée de l’Aître between Colruyt and Autosûr, which allows people to drain the wastewater and fill up their tank with clean water. Free access. A parking area: By the lake, facing the Woodies, it can welcome up to 5 camper vans. A parking price of €7 includes: parking, electricity, WiFi and access to the sanitary facilities: free sink and toilet, but need to pay for shower, washing machine and dryer (€2 tokens to buy at the town hall, the tourism office or technician in charge of the management of the gites).

In the heart of the Vôge, creativity and technology are meeting the local beech tree: the “Woodies” are comfortable gites for a break in nature. Peace and quiet will make your visit enjoyable and you will receive a warm welcome. The place is bathed in sunlight, on the edge of a lake, close to beautiful walks in nature. The atypical and original XEMONT gite is a cosy nest of Scandinavian inspiration. Made of black and red wood, it offers you all the necessary comfort on 50 m2: neat furniture, fully equipped kitchen, TV, Wi-Fi, living room and private terrace with view on the lake. It can have 4 to 6 people and is accessible to people with reduced mobility. One word: relaxation! The Woodies are high quality gites, for 4 to 8 people. During your stay, you won’t have to worry about anything: space, beautiful furniture, electrical, loan books and films, tv, WiFi, private patio in the sun to enjoy the setting… The surroundings are particularly liked by our visitors because they combine refined shapes with the proximity of shops, in the peace and beauty of nature. You are very close to the centre (supermarket, gas, health, etc.) and to the starting point of many walks and touristic attractions (heritage, spa, sports, bike renting, food, etc.). The site was awarded the label “Tourism and Disability” with two gites equipped for disabled people. Finally, the Woodies are the embodiment of the savoir-faire from the Vosges when it comes to wood technologies. They underline all the possibilities of building for aesthetics and staying in a unique cabin. So let yourself be tempted by a break in nature …

In the heart of the Vôge, creativity and technology are meeting the local beech tree: the “Woodies” are comfortable gites for a break in nature. Peace and quiet will make your visit enjoyable and you will receive a warm welcome. One word: relaxation! The Woodies are high quality gites, for 4 to 8 people. During your stay, you won’t have to worry about anything: space, beautiful furniture, electrical, loan books and films, tv, WiFi, private patio in the sun to enjoy the setting… The surroundings are particularly liked by our visitors because they combine refined shapes with the proximity of shops, in the peace and beauty of nature. You are very close to the centre (supermarket, gas, health, etc.) and to the starting point of many walks and touristic attractions (heritage, spa, sports, bike renting, food, etc.). The site was awarded the label “Tourism and Disability” with two gites equipped for disabled people. Finally, the Woodies are the embodiment of the savoir-faire from the Vosges when it comes to wood technologies. They underline all the possibilities of building for aesthetics and staying in a unique cabin. So let yourself be tempted by a break in nature …