Attractions and places to see around Citers offer a glimpse into traditional French village life within the Haute-Saône department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. This rural commune is situated near the Lanterne River and the picturesque Route des 1000 Étangs, part of the Regional Natural Park of Ballons des Vosges. The area features a mix of historical sites, such as local churches and 19th-century washhouses, alongside natural landscapes including communal woods and scenic viewpoints. Visitors can explore ancient Roman road traces and experience…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
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The Abbey of Saint-Colomban was looted and destroyed in the 8th century, then rebuilt in the 11th century. Secularized during the French Revolution, it was transformed into a minor seminary, then a Catholic college. When the diocese was no longer able to bear the maintenance costs of this immense complex, it was sold in 2024 by the diocese of Besançon to Pascale and Jean-Yves Parisot. Since then, the abbey has been undergoing a complete renovation for over ten million euros.
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It is here that the Romans built the first thermal establishments. The small town therefore prides itself on being the oldest spa town in France. The current thermal establishment only saw the light of day in the 18th century; it was built from red sandstone from the Vosges. Its architect was Nicolas Didelot, a student of Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, the creator of the Saline Royale d'Arc-et-Senans.
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A very impressive monastery complex.
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The organ, originally dating from 1617, is worth seeing. The body is carved from wood.
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The thermal baths are definitely worth a visit. Beautiful grounds all around.
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April 2025: The main house is currently being rebuilt after a fire in November 2024, so no catering will likely take place until the end of 2025. We recommend the holiday apartment above the donkey stable (pleasantly warm in April...).
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Looked very run down and neglected in September 2024. The animals run around freely, including a large dog.
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The modern extension at the back is now a bit old and does not contribute to the beautification of the historic part of the building. More than a dozen warm springs (43-63 °C) already invited the Romans to bathe. The oldest thermal bath in France was built here in the 18th century. The historic thermal building, which has now been modernly furnished, is located in a park in the north of the city. (Wikipedia)
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The region around Citers is known for its beautiful natural settings. You can explore the communal woods and various viewpoints offering picturesque scenery. A must-see is the Plateau des mille étangs, often called 'Little Finland', which is a vast landscape of ponds formed by retreating glaciers, rich in biodiversity. The Lanterne River and its tributaries also contribute to the area's scenic beauty.
Yes, the most unique natural feature is the Plateau des mille étangs. This extensive area, stretching over 220 square kilometers, is characterized by thousands of ponds and peat bogs, offering a rich habitat for wildlife and a distinctive landscape. It's part of the Regional Natural Park of Ballons des Vosges.
Citers and its surroundings offer several historical points of interest. You can visit the local church, which is a central landmark in the village. The commune is also notable for its 19th-century washhouses (lavoirs), some of which are quite grand and offer a glimpse into past daily life. Traces of ancient Roman roads have also been discovered, indicating the area's long history. Nearby, the Saint Columban Abbey in Luxeuil-les-Bains is a significant historical and religious site, founded around 590 AD.
Beyond historical sites, Citers features several cultural landmarks. The war memorial serves as a solemn reminder of its history. Religious structures like the Presbytery, Calvary, and various crosses also contribute to the commune's cultural heritage. The preserved washhouses are also a unique cultural aspect, showcasing traditional village life.
For families, the rural setting of Citers offers opportunities to enjoy nature. The Moulin-Begeot Farm and Guesthouse in Melisey is noted as family-friendly, with animals like cats, chickens, goats, and peacocks, and offers activities like donkey tours. Exploring the communal woods and the picturesque Plateau des mille étangs can also be a delightful experience for all ages.
There are several easy hiking trails around Citers, perfect for a leisurely exploration of the natural surroundings. You can find routes like the 'Grande Pile Peat Bog – Grand Saint Maurice Pond loop from Linexert' or the 'Grand Saint Maurice Pond – Grande Pile Peat Bog loop from Réserve naturelle de la tourbière de la Grande Pile'. For more options, explore the hiking guide for Citers.
The Citers area is ideal for various outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling. You can explore numerous trails through the communal woods and around the ponds of the Plateau des mille étangs. There are dedicated guides for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking, offering routes of varying difficulties to suit all preferences.
Yes, the region around Citers is well-suited for cycling. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Plateau des mille étangs – Pellevin Pond loop from Lure' or the 'Saint-Germain washhouse – Altar with cross loop from Citers'. For mountain biking enthusiasts, trails like the 'Etang de la Dame – Old ruined mill loop from Lure' are available. Discover more routes in the road cycling guide and MTB trails guide for the area.
While specific seasonal data isn't provided, the natural beauty of Citers, especially the Plateau des mille étangs and communal woods, would likely be most enjoyable during spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, and the landscapes would be vibrant. Winter could offer a different, tranquil experience, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquility of rural France and the unique natural landscapes. The Plateau des mille étangs is highly regarded for its beauty and biodiversity. Historical sites like the Saint Columban Abbey are valued for their rich history and impressive architecture. The Luxeuil-les-Bains Thermal Baths are also popular for their historic setting and modern facilities.
Yes, just 9 km from Citers, you can find the Luxeuil-les-Bains Thermal Baths. This historic facility, built upon warm springs that have attracted bathers since Roman times, offers modern amenities within a beautiful park setting. It's known as one of the oldest thermal baths in France.
Yes, for those looking for a unique stay, the Moulin-Begeot Farm and Guesthouse in Melisey offers guest rooms and a small campsite. It's known for its animals and offers organic produce, providing a charming rural experience.


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