Attractions and Places To See around Champagney - Top 20

Champagney and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the Maison de la Négritude et des Droits de l'Homme, which commemorates the town's unique commitment to abolishing slavery. The Saint Laurent Church, one of the oldest in Haute-Saône, features a Comtois baroque bell tower and a painting that inspired the town's anti-slavery grievance. Other notable historical sites include the Saint-Hilaire Gate, a 16th-century gate in Pesmes, and The Forges of Pesmes, an industrial monument with a museum. The settlement of Auxonne also boasts significant historical heritage, including its church, castle, and arsenal.

For nature and outdoor activities, the Bassin de Champagney Dam is a remarkable engineering feat now enjoyed for walking, sailing, and fishing. The Leisure Zone des Ballastières offers a beach, playground, picnic area, and supervised swimming during high season, with a separate lake for fishing. You can also explore sections of the unfinished Canal de la Haute-Saône. For a pleasant forest walk, visit Croix Boyon, a man-made monument set amidst the trees. The town of Pontailler-sur-Saône provides a charming marina, a safe swimming area at the beach, and lovely views of the Saône river.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Leisure Zone des Ballastières is ideal with its beach, playground, picnic areas, and supervised swimming. Pontailler-sur-Saône also offers playgrounds and a safe swimming area. For a gentle outdoor experience, the forest walk to Croix Boyon is considered family-friendly. Additionally, the historic Saint-Hilaire Gate is a site that can be enjoyed by all ages.

The area around Champagney offers various routes for cycling and running. For road cycling, you can find routes like the 'Loop of the Forges' or longer rides such as 'Pont de Pierre of Gray – Gray loop from Pesmes'. If you prefer running, there are trails like 'Pesmes – Access to the Forges loop from Pesmes'. You can explore more options and detailed routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Champagney, Running Trails around Champagney, and Cycling around Champagney guide pages.

The Maison de la Négritude et des Droits de l'Homme is a museum that stands as a powerful symbol of the struggle for freedom and human rights. It explores the history of slavery and commemorates Champagney's unique commitment to abolishing it, as evidenced by its inclusion in the town's 1789 list of grievances (cahier de doléances). The museum offers an emotional and educational journey through the efforts of those who advocated for equality.

Yes, the settlements of Auxonne and Pontailler-sur-Saône offer amenities for visitors. Auxonne has many shops, bars, and restaurants where you can take a break and enjoy a meal. Pontailler-sur-Saône also provides shops and bars, making them convenient spots for refreshments and finding accommodation.

The Bassin de Champagney Dam is an impressive 785-meter-long, 26-meter-high sandstone dam, originally built for the Canal de Montbéliard à la Haute-Saône. Today, the basin, covering 107 hectares, is a popular spot for leisure. You can enjoy walking along its shores, sailing on the water, or fishing. It's a peaceful location to appreciate the local landscape.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. For instance, Croix Boyon is valued for its setting within a pleasant forest walk. The historical heritage of places like Auxonne, with its fortress and ancient streets, is also highly regarded. Many enjoy the recreational opportunities at places like Pontailler-sur-Saône, with its safe swimming and river views, and the industrial history preserved at The Forges of Pesmes.

While not exactly 'hidden,' the Bassin de Champagney Dam and the surrounding area offer a unique blend of human engineering and natural beauty, providing a tranquil setting for walks and water activities. The Leisure Zone des Ballastières, with its distinct lakes for swimming and fishing, also offers a refreshing natural escape. For a more secluded experience, the metallic footbridge known as The Passerelle, connecting the banks of the Rahin river, offers a charming, less-traveled spot.

The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Champagney, offering pleasant weather for walking, cycling, and enjoying the water at the Leisure Zone des Ballastières or the Bassin de Champagney Dam. Autumn also provides beautiful scenery for forest walks, such as to Croix Boyon, with cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage.

The Château Priqueler is a historic castle located in the center of Champagney village. While it can be admired from the outside, it offers a glimpse into the region's architectural heritage and past. It contributes to the historical charm of the commune.

For more information about Champagney and the surrounding Southern Vosges region, you can visit the official Haute-Saône tourism website. They provide details on remarkable towns and attractions in the area. You can find more information at hautesaonetourisme.com.