Best attractions and places to see around La Chapelle-Lès-Luxeuil, a tranquil commune in Haute-Saône, France, offers a blend of rural charm and historical interest. The area is traversed by the Lanterne and Vay rivers, providing natural features. Visitors can explore local religious heritage, including an 18th-century church, and discover traces of a Roman road. Its proximity to Luxeuil-les-Bains provides access to broader regional attractions.
Last updated: July 7, 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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Romantic, quiet lake with a slanting jetty that doesn't look very reassuring.
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The Basilica of Saint Pierre (a parish church since 1840) dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries; of its three towers, only one remains, having been rebuilt in 1527. Inside the church, the baroque organ front from the 17th century, the pulpit from Notre-Dame in Paris from 1806, a 16th-century sculpture of Christ lying on a stone table, and the neo-Gothic reliquary of St. Columban are particularly worth seeing. The choir stalls date from the 16th century.
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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 area offers several tranquil natural spots. You can visit Etang de la Dame, a quiet and romantic lake. Another significant natural feature is the Grand Saint Maurice Pond, located within the Grande Pile peat bog, which is vital for biodiversity and popular for bird watching and hiking. The commune is also traversed by the Lanterne and Vay rivers, offering opportunities for fishing.
Yes, La Chapelle-Lès-Luxeuil and its surroundings are rich in history. In the village, you can see the 19th-century Chapel of the Virgin and the 18th-century Église Sainte-Croix, which houses 16th-century baptismal fonts. Traces of a Roman road have also been discovered. Nearby in Luxeuil-les-Bains, explore the impressive Saint Columban Abbey, a historic monastery with an organ dating back to 1617. Luxeuil-les-Bains also features a heritage trail with 17 listed buildings and the Basilique Saint-Pierre.
The region is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. There are numerous routes available, such as the hiking trails around La Chapelle-Lès-Luxeuil, including easy loops like the 'Basilica of Saint Pierre – Camper Van Parking Area loop'. For more challenging adventures, explore the MTB trails or road cycling routes that venture into the Southern Vosges.
Yes, for families, the Epoissets Loop is a well-marked circular trail that is considered family-friendly, offering a wonderful walk through the forest with viewpoints. Additionally, the village of La Chapelle-Lès-Luxeuil has a recently developed playground. The natural ponds like Etang de la Dame and Grand Saint Maurice Pond offer gentle walks and opportunities for bird watching.
For easy walks, consider the Epoissets Loop, which is a well-marked circular trail. Many of the hiking routes around La Chapelle-Lès-Luxeuil are suitable for beginners, such as the 'Parc Animalier du Banney – Chemin des Moines loop from Luxeuil-les-Bains' which is rated as easy.
The region is enjoyable throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to autumn, when the natural landscapes are vibrant and outdoor activities like hiking and cycling are most pleasant. The surrounding region, including the Southern Vosges, is known for its forests and cherry orchards, which are particularly beautiful in bloom or during autumn foliage.
Yes, Luxeuil-les-Bains is home to the Luxeuil-les-Bains Thermal Baths, which are the oldest thermal baths in France. This historic building, now modernly furnished, is situated in a park in the north of the city and offers a relaxing experience with its warm springs.
Beyond the main attractions, explore the quiet charm of the village itself, including the Église Sainte-Croix with its unique Comtois bell tower. The vestiges of a Roman road hint at the area's ancient past. For a peaceful natural escape, the Etang de la Dame is described as a romantic and quiet place to stay, perfect for a break in silence.
Yes, Luxeuil-les-Bains offers a rich heritage. You can find more information about heritage walks and discover the town's listed buildings, many constructed from pink Vosges sandstone, by visiting the Haute-Saône Tourisme website: Heritage Walk in Luxeuil.
The Grand Saint Maurice Pond, located in the Grande Pile peat bog, is an essential wetland for biodiversity and is a popular place for bird watching, making it a great spot to observe various bird species. The surrounding forests and natural areas also provide habitats for local wildlife.
The Epoissets Loop trail includes viewpoints that offer scenic vistas of the surrounding forest and landscape. The tranquil settings of Etang de la Dame and Grand Saint Maurice Pond also provide picturesque opportunities, especially for nature photography.
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. Spots like Etang de la Dame are noted for being romantic and quiet places to stay. The Epoissets Loop is highly recommended for its well-marked path and wonderful walk. The historical significance of sites like Saint Columban Abbey and the relaxing atmosphere of the Luxeuil-les-Bains Thermal Baths are also frequently enjoyed.


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