Kworld Trend / Road trip in the vosges du sud haute-saône and territoire, We are taking you today with us on a road trip in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in the Southern Vosges, in Haute-Saône and in the territory of Belfort . This is our first stay in the east of the region which we really like. We leave the Jura mountains , the Morvan forests and the Burgundy vineyards that we already know for this time to visit for 5 days a less known part of the great region yet so endearing: the Southern Vosges, Haute-Saône and the territory of Belfort.
Road trip in the vosges du sud haute-saône and territoire
It seems that there is plenty to do in the large natural spaces of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region but also in town and in the historic villages called the cities of character where culture and heritage are omnipresent. We’ll check that out!
On the program, we first visit Haute-Saône and the southern Vosges around Luxeuil-les-Bains and Vesoul. The orchards but above all the majestic pine forests remind us of those of the Morvan. Then we leave to explore the territory of Belfort by staying in Belfort even during the FIMU . And yes, we are in May. Every year at this time, music literally invades the streets. The International Festival of University Music brings together for a few days thousands of people who come to listen to an eclectic program of world music in a friendly atmosphere.
In August 2019, we also visited the Pays de Montbéliard not far away. This region also deserved a dedicated blog article.
We look forward to sharing our stay in Burgundy-Franche-Comté with you in this post from our OneDayOneTravel travel blog through our stories, advice and video . Something to dream about, inspire you and give you the best advice to help you organize your future road trip in Burgundy-Franche-Comté and in particular in Haute-Saône and in the Southern Vosges between Luxeuil-les-Bains, Vesoul and Belfort .
Burgundy-Franche-Comté on video looks like this! Road trip in the vosges du sud haute-saône and territoire
How to visit Burgundy-Franche-Comté?
To live a road trip in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, the ideal is to rent a car from Sixt for example and then get lost in the middle of the hilly landscapes of the greater region. This is what we did via their online booking site. In just a few minutes , you choose your agency, rental days, vehicle category and options. It’s really very easy . We were thinking of leaving with a “small” Audi. We ended up being upgraded with a sublime BMW 3GT series. Suffice to say that the road trip was quite pleasant and that we did not see the kilometers go by.
This stay is part of a 2-month tour of France where we wanted to discover and rediscover our beautiful French regions. After our stay in Chartres and Eure-et-Loir, Toulouse, Aude, Tarn and Aveyron, Camargue and Luberon where we discovered house swapping, we enthusiastically attack the East of our beautiful country with Burgundy-Franche-Comté first.
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Road trip in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in the Southern Vosges, Haute-Saône and Territoire de Belfort
Our itinerary in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is made up of 3 stages : Luxeuil-les-Bains, Vesoul and Belfort.
1. Visit Luxeuil-les-Bains and its surroundings: road trip in Haute-Saône
After already several stays in the greater region, we could not miss the department of Haute-Saône this time and Luxeuil-les-Bains .
Luxeuil-les-Bains is a spa town renowned for its thermal baths which have existed since Antiquity . Built in the 17th century, the classical style building has been classified as a historical monument since 1862. Richard tested but what a pity, the historic swimming pool was under construction (May 2018). We suddenly took the opportunity to take an architectural tour of the city . it is indeed good to stroll through the streets of Luxeuil-les-Bains to admire the beauty of its buildings and its monuments in pink sandstone from the Vosges which obviously each tell their own piece of history.
We will remember the Tour des Échevins, the Saint-Colomban abbey and all the facades in pink granite from the Vosges. By contacting the Luxeuil-les-Bains tourist office located just opposite the Tour des Échevins, you can climb the top of the Tower like us . From the top, you enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view over the historic center of Luxeuil-les-Bains and its surroundings. Not to miss.
In the evening, after a meal at the restaurant of the Beau-Site *** hotel, for example, you can go and relax at the casino .
Visiting the Haute-Saône is also an opportunity to stroll through towns of character such as Vauvillers , a small village which seems to be at the heart of everything but in the middle of nowhere. We only had the opportunity to see the halls because of the torrential rain that began to fall on us the day of our visit.
Our favorite visits in Burgundy-Franche-Comté around Luxeuil-les-Bains Road trip in the vosges du sud haute-saône and territoire
Hike to the plateau of 1000 ponds
Exploring the Southern Vosges is an opportunity to go hiking on the splendid plateau of 1000 ponds , and why not near Saint-Bresson .
We will not have seen as many in 12 km of walking (fairly easy level) especially since we would have preferred the sun.
But in the end, hiking on the plateau of a thousand ponds in a thick mist becomes an almost mystical experience that we really appreciated.
Well, in the end we will have seen only one pond. The following ponds hid in thick fog. We only heard the ducks .
The passage through huge pines that seem to point to infinity remind us of those of the Morvan but also some Canadian forests. Road trip in the vosges du sud haute-saône and territoire
Visit the Cherry Country Ecomuseum
Welcome to the Cherry Country Ecomuseum located not far from Luxeuil-les-Bains and Fougerolles.
The region is known for its orchards and cherry trees but also for the production of alcohol, notably kirsch . The ideal excuse to visit the beautiful eco-museum of the Pays de la Cerise located in the heart of a mansion, a former distillery, which traces the history of the alcohols produced in the region over time.
150 years of distillery are very well highlighted with the discovery at the end of the journey of an impressive collection of copper stills . Not to miss.
- Individual entry (2018): €5/adult
- All practical information (timetables, access, prices, etc.) and information on current exhibitions are available directly on the Écomusée du Pays de la Cerise website .
Favorite address for sleeping on the farm near Luxeuil | Road trip in the vosges du sud haute-saône and territoire
A few kilometers from Luxeuil or Fougerolles, it is at the farm and more precisely in Brigitte and Pierre’s bed and breakfast at La Noue Aubain in Corbenay , that we spend the 1st night. Two characters that we do not forget.
Immersion is guaranteed. Here the 85 dairy cows and calves and the hens are never far away. It’s normal, the couple runs an organic farm. At the end of the afternoon, while Pierre is busy milking the cows (which you can go and see), Brigitte indulges in one of her favorite passions, cooking. “I have enjoyed cooking for a long time,” she tells us.
In addition to being bed and breakfast, La Noue Aubain also serves as a table d’hôte with a beautiful presentation of seasonal products . Dinner is just perfect!
But what is this little ball of hair that hasn’t left us since our arrival? This is Noisette, one of the very affectionate and playful cats on the farm. You can’t miss it ^^ It will follow you everywhere outside.
We love this address because it allows us at the same time to get closer to Nature and have a good time at the table while talking with the couple of farmers.
The warm and friendly bed and breakfast opened 4 years ago. 3 very well maintained and well appointed rooms are available: “Combeauté”, “Duo” and the “Petite Charme” room, the one in which we sleep . The bedroom is located upstairs. It has comfortable bedding. The bathroom has a walk-in shower. Everything to sleep well!
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As if that weren’t enough, La Noue Aubain also offers massages and a spa!
As for breakfast, it is served as for dinner, in the kitchen lounge. Expect homemade pastries and jams with fruit from the orchard and garden. While we are enjoying the excellent breakfast with a view of the surrounding Nature, there is one who has already left to join his cows. It was Pierre, who left to do the first milking of the day.
“Our activity of guest rooms and tables d’hôtes also allows us to travel through encounters . Even the misses come to us! », Brigitte and Pierre proudly confide to us. Road trip in the vosges du sud haute-saône and territoire
2. Visit Vesoul and its surroundings: Road trip in the Southern Vosges in Burgundy-Franche-Comté
Impossible to dissociate Vesoul from the song Vesoul performed by Jacques Brel for the first time in 1968 and accompanied by the famous accordionist Marcel Azzola. Hence the “Chauffe Marcel!” ” in the song.
We can’t help but have this song in mind during our whole stay… “You wanted to see Vesoul and we saw Vesoul…”
We are going to show you that the prefecture of Haute-Saône deserves a song (however sublime) but also a stay!
The rain is unfortunately at the rendezvous for this new stage of our road trip in Burgundy-Franche-Comté and more particularly in Haute-Saône. But nothing stops us and we start right away with the visit of the historic center accompanied by Yannick, a fascinating local enthusiast. We quickly realize that Vesoul is a city that can be visited on the street side but also on the courtyard side .
The Georges-Garret museum is a must in Vesoul. It presents on a first level an archaeological section and on a second level a Fine Arts section of the second half of the 19th century. The French painter and sculptor Gérôme, born in Vesoul in 1824, is featured here. It is moreover on this second level that we lingered.
At the end of the day, we climb to the top of the hill of La Motte to enjoy an exceptional panorama of the whole city and much more. It was a waste of time that day to see the beautiful colors of the sunset over Vesoul . We hope you will have more luck than us during your stay ^^
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Vesoul has a rich heritage but the current cultural life is just as abundant . We were able to realize this by attending the musical Cra-zy for You by George Gershwin as part of the Mois Voix d’Enfants at the Edwige Feuillère theater or by visiting the Ecau and its exhibitions of works of art that challenge necessarily. And then Vesoul hosts the International Festival of Asian Cinemas every year .
And for more information on the curiosities, visits and cultural events in Vesoul, go to the website of the Vesoul tourism office .
For a good lunch in the town center of Vesoul , we choose the restaurant La Femme du Boulanger , the ideal restaurant for lunch with its 4 menus from 22 to 37 € in a friendly and warm setting . We loved being able to try out some regional specialties between sandwiches and traditional cuisine. Road trip in the vosges du sud haute-saône and territoire
- Telephone: 03 84 76 38 11
- Address: 1 rue du Commandant Girardot in Vesoul
And for dinner in Vesoul in a slightly more chic setting, head to the restaurant Le Caveau du Grand Puits . You are sure to have a good evening in an old cellar where, in addition, the owners are friendly and the dishes are all refined and succulent. Everything is prepared from very good products. A fine, precise and controlled cuisine .
The surroundings of Vesoul deserve a few days if you really want to enjoy it. From the nautical base of the lake of Vesoul-Vaivre to the town of character of Chariez without forgetting the medieval castle of Oricourt, there is really plenty to do.
A few favorites in Vesoul and the surrounding area
The Mickaël Azouz chocolate factory in Vesoul
Mickaël Azouz, born in Vesoul in 1943, is a world champion chocolatier . An unbeatable expert on chocolate who nevertheless knew how to remain simple and humble. This is what we felt spending a very pleasant moment with him around a tasting of his chocolates in the shop. He has won many awards in his long career.
A book would have to be written to detail the impressive life of the character. Very powerful defender of quality chocolate for a very long time, he still continues his action in France, in Japan which he particularly likes and in the world. Eternal chocolate lover , he tells us in a low voice with a broad smile: “chocolate is my mistress”.
Visit the castle of Oricourt
Oricourt Castle is the best preserved restored castle in Franche-Comté and the most visited in Haute-Saône. So we can’t miss it.
When we arrive at the edge of the plateau where the historic monument is built, our eyes are immediately caught by the 25-meter-high square towers which dominate the entire site and the plain of Lure located just opposite. Then we evolve little by little in the private property, sometimes indoors sometimes outdoors, accompanied by the passionate and fascinating Jean-Pierre Cornevaux , the current owner of the place, who tells us the rich history of the castle built in the 12th century.
It’s impulsive to learn that the castle has only been sold 3 times in 9 centuries !
The region was coveted by all the kings of France. In the 13th century, there were no less than 1000 castles in Franche-Comté . Suffice to say that the Château d’Oricourt has a lot to tell us. We often imagine the castles built on top of rocky outcrops as in the Tarn for example. Here, we are in a so-called plain castle divided into 2 parts, the lower court and the upper court . In case of great danger, the inhabitants came to take refuge and defend the castle. The scenes followed one another until the 15th century. The castle then became a farm for almost a century , which explains its relatively good state of conservation even today.
Outside, don’t miss the dovecote and its 350 impressive cob pigeon nests. An inexhaustible source at the time of pigeons to feed and to communicate through carrier pigeons . From the dovecote, there is also a beautiful view of the castle and the square courtyards.
Visit Chariez near Vesoul, a city of character not to be missed in Burgundy-Franche-Comté
Jean-Pierre Cornevaux has been working since 1969 and for 50 years of his life on the restoration of this fortified castle with double walls. And he is still continuing the work today. Fortunately, he is not alone and has helped in particular through the Friends of Oricourt association, to which everyone can make donations to help restore the various buildings. Oricourt Castle was listed as a historical monument in 1984.
Chariez is a former village of winegrowers that has become a city of character in the greater Burgundy-Franche-Comté region. The view from the “Camp de César” plateau will remain one of the most beautiful panoramic views of these two rainy but happy days of discovery of Vesoul and its surroundings.
The village deserves a look with its church, its porches, its vaulted cellar entrances, and its old winegrowers’ houses, but it is above all the view of the village and the Vesoul valley from the top of the Baumotte coast that is unmissable. Very Instagrammable site. Road trip in the vosges du sud haute-saône and territoire
Road trip in the vosges du sud haute-saône and territory
Road trip in the vosges du sud haute-saône and territoire: Are you craving an adventure off the beaten path, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage? Look no further than the Vosges du Sud region in eastern France, home to the beautiful departments of Haute-Saône and Territoire de Belfort.
A road trip through these enchanting areas promises breathtaking natural beauty, charming towns, and a chance to immerse yourself in the region’s fascinating history. So, buckle up, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable journey.
The Vosges du Sud, nestled between the Vosges Mountains and the Jura Mountains, offers a captivating blend of lush forests, rolling hills, and serene lakes. Begin your road trip in Haute-Saône, a department renowned for its unspoiled landscapes and tranquil countryside.
Start by exploring the exquisite Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park, a haven for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquility. Lace up your boots and embark on a hike along the well-marked trails, marveling at panoramic vistas, cascading waterfalls, and the region’s diverse flora and fauna.
As you drive through Haute-Saône, be sure to visit the charming town of Luxeuil-les-Bains. Renowned for its thermal baths since Roman times, Luxeuil-les-Bains offers a perfect blend of relaxation and history. Wander through the quaint streets lined with traditional houses, visit the Saint-Pierre Basilica, and take a dip in the rejuvenating thermal waters. Don’t forget to indulge in the local culinary delights, including the famous Cancoillotte cheese and the delectable Fougerolles cherries.
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Continuing your journey, cross over into the department of Territoire de Belfort, where history comes to life. The city of Belfort itself is a must-visit destination, famed for its iconic Lion of Belfort sculpture. This imposing statue, created by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (who also designed the Statue of Liberty), stands proudly atop a hill, symbolizing the city’s heroic resistance during the Franco-Prussian War. Take a guided tour of the Belfort Citadel, a well-preserved fortress, and immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of the city’s past.
For a unique experience, head to the town of Ronchamp, home to the extraordinary Notre-Dame-du-Haut Chapel. Designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier, this masterpiece of modern architecture is a spiritual and aesthetic marvel. Explore the chapel’s curvaceous walls, experience the interplay of light and shadow, and let the serene atmosphere wash over you.
No road trip through the Vosges du Sud would be complete without savoring the region’s gastronomy. Indulge in hearty dishes like the traditional sausages of Morteau and Montbéliard, served with savory potatoes. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine, produced in the nearby vineyards of the Jura region, renowned for their unique wines made from Savagnin and Trousseau grapes.
As you wind your way through the Vosges du Sud, take the time to appreciate the region’s natural wonders. Visit the Thousand Ponds area, a captivating landscape of small lakes, marshes, and peat bogs, teeming with wildlife. Embark on a boat trip or hike around the ponds, and let the serenity of this enchanting place wash over you.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a food lover, a road trip through the Vosges du Sud will leave you with lasting memories.
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The region’s unparalleled beauty and rich cultural heritage will continue to captivate you as you explore further. Head to the charming town of Faucogney-et-la-Mer in Haute-Saône, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow cobbled streets, admire the ancient half-timbered houses, and visit the 13th-century Church of Saint-Nicolas, a true architectural gem.
Continue your journey to the picturesque village of Pesmes, often referred to as the “Little Comté of Franche-Comté.” This enchanting place is perched on a hill overlooking the river Ognon and boasts a delightful mix of Renaissance and medieval architecture. Explore the winding streets, discover hidden courtyards, and visit the Château de Pesmes, an imposing fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
For nature lovers, a visit to the Gorges de l’Avière in Territoire de Belfort is a must. This stunning natural site is characterized by towering cliffs, deep ravines, and a meandering river, creating a dramatic landscape perfect for hiking, rock climbing, or simply immersing yourself in the peaceful ambiance.
History enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the Château de Montbéliard in the town of Montbéliard. This beautifully preserved castle is steeped in history and offers a glimpse into the region’s noble past. Explore the grand halls, admire the medieval architecture, and learn about the Counts of Montbéliard who once ruled over this domain.
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As you continue your road trip, don’t forget to take a detour to the picturesque town of Plancher-les-Mines, located in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park. This small town is famous for its mining heritage, and you can visit the Ronchamp Coal Mine, now transformed into a fascinating museum that provides insight into the region’s coal mining history.
To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, consider planning your road trip around one of the many traditional festivals and events that take place in the Vosges du Sud region. From vibrant carnivals to lively music festivals and charming Christmas markets, there is always something happening to celebrate the region’s traditions and bring communities together.
As your road trip through the Vosges du Sud comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences you’ve had. The region’s breathtaking landscapes, captivating history, and mouthwatering cuisine have undoubtedly left a lasting impression.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with nature and culture, the Vosges du Sud in Haute-Saône and Territoire de Belfort will exceed your expectations and leave you longing to return. So, hop in your car, hit the road, and let the wonders of this enchanting region unfold before you. Road trip in the vosges du sud haute-saône and territoire
