Best attractions and places to see around Xertigny, a commune in the Vosges department of France, offers a blend of historical landmarks, natural landscapes, and cultural sites. The region features extensive forests and natural formations, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration. Visitors can discover sites reflecting the area's past and its natural beauty.
Last updated: August 17, 2026
Highlight • Lake
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Highlight • Cave
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Highlight • Historical Site
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The Lac de Bouzey (Bouzeysee) is located about 10 km west of Épinal in the Vosges (France). It is an artificial lake with an area of around 1.3 km². Originally, it was built in 1882 as a water reservoir for the Canal des Vosges. For visitors, the lake is a popular excursion destination: Circular path around the lake: approx. 7 km (1½–2 hours), largely flat. In summer, there are bathing beaches, pedal boat and sailing opportunities. Beautiful picnic spots and several restaurants directly on the water. Cycling, fishing, and bird watching are also very popular. A historical note: in 1895, the original dam broke, causing a severe catastrophe with many fatalities. A monument at the lake commemorates this today. The Bouzeysee is particularly suitable for a relaxed half-day trip or as an intermediate stop on a journey through the Vosges.
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unfortunately there were already people when we passed who were lingering
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way to get to the bottom to a small door 😉
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very pretty... little tour at the bottom of the cave 😉
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Beautiful lake near Golbey and Epinal. You can walk around it.
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The simple chapel in front of the grotto is closed with a light blue iron gate.
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Here you can find an octagonal basin carved out of a block of sandstone. The stone, with an external diameter of 3.70 m, was hollowed out to form a circular basin 3 m in diameter and 45 cm deep. Excavations carried out in 2000 revealed that it was carved on site and then abandoned. In fact, the quarry workers must have found that the bottom of the basin was made up of a layer of soft rock, which caused a fracture and made it unsuitable for use. It was not possible to date its creation, but the cleanliness of the quarry and the technique used point to the 16th or 17th century.
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Xertigny and its surroundings offer several historical sites. You can explore the impressive Château des Brasseurs, which now serves as Xertigny's City Hall and offers guided tours. The Église Saint-Amé-et-Saint-Blaise, rebuilt with the support of Emperor Napoleon III, is another notable site. Further afield, you can visit Fort du Parmont, a historical fortification near Remiremont, or discover The Royal Factory of Bains-les-Bains, an 18th-century industrial heritage site.
Yes, Xertigny is rich in natural beauty. The Parc du Château et Bois Beaudoin, located behind the Château des Brasseurs, features an arboretum with remarkable trees and offers shaded walks and picnic areas. You can also discover the majestic Cascade du Gué du Saut, a charming waterfall in the forest. An intriguing natural feature is Le Cuvant des Fées, an octagonal basin carved from a sandstone block. The broader region also includes the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park and the impressive Roches d'Olima.
Xertigny is surrounded by extensive forests, making it ideal for outdoor activities. You can find numerous opportunities for hiking, cycling, and gravel biking. For hiking, explore routes like the 'Gué du Saut Waterfall loop from Xertigny'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Canal des Vosges – Canal des Vosges loop from Xertigny'. For more adventurous options, there are gravel biking trails like the 'Chalet de l'Empereur – Géhard Waterfall loop'. You can find detailed routes and guides for these activities on the hiking, cycling, and gravel biking guide pages.
Yes, the area around Xertigny offers hiking trails for various skill levels. You can find easy walks, such as a short 'Gué du Saut Waterfall loop' (1.9 km), or moderate options like the 'Gué du Saut Waterfall loop from Xertigny' (14.9 km). For experienced hikers, there are more challenging routes like the 'Gué du Saut Waterfall – Restaurant Maison Carmen loop from Xertigny' (21.1 km). The Office de Tourisme also provides a booklet with 15 hiking routes in the area. Discover more options on the hiking guide page.
Xertigny is a great starting point for cycling adventures. You can find a variety of routes, including road cycling and gravel biking. Popular options include the 'Canal des Vosges – Canal des Vosges loop' which offers both moderate and difficult sections, and the 'Gué du Saut Waterfall – Hell climb 🔥 loop from Xertigny' for a challenging ride. Bike rental services are available at Natur'o Vélo Xertigny by the communal lake. For a comprehensive list of routes, visit the cycling guide page or the gravel biking guide page.
Families visiting Xertigny can enjoy several activities. The Parc du Château et Bois Beaudoin offers shaded walks and picnic areas, perfect for a relaxed outing. For active children and teens, Xertigny boasts the only Pumptrack in the Vosges, an obstacle course for bikes, scooters, and other wheeled sports. Exploring the easy hiking trails around the forests, such as short loops to the Cascade du Gué du Saut, can also be a fun family experience.
Beyond historical landmarks, Xertigny offers cultural amenities like the Médiathèque Intercommunale and a local Cinéma. Several chapels, including Chapelle Notre Dame de la Consolation, Chapelle de la Vierge des Champs, and Chapelle de Thiélouze, also serve as points of cultural interest. The nearby The Royal Factory of Bains-les-Bains is an excellent example of industrial heritage, often hosting exhibitions.
The best time to visit Xertigny for outdoor activities is generally from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is milder and more conducive for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural landscapes like the forests and the Parc du Château et Bois Beaudoin. The Fort du Parmont is also closed in winter, so visiting outside of these months ensures access to more attractions.
For practical tourist information, visit the Office de Tourisme de Xertigny. It is conveniently located in the former concierge of the Château des Brasseurs. Besides providing general information and guided tours of the castle, they also sell fishing permits and local artisanal products. You can find more details on their website: tourisme-epinal.com.
Xertigny's extensive forests and natural parks, such as the Parc du Château et Bois Beaudoin, generally offer dog-friendly walking opportunities. Many hiking trails in the surrounding area are suitable for walks with your dog, provided they are kept on a leash and you clean up after them. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions in certain areas or nature reserves.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical sites and natural beauty. The unique geological formation of Le Cuvant des Fées and the historical significance of Fort du Parmont are highly rated. Many also enjoy the serene atmosphere of places like The Grotto of Saint-Martin and the opportunity to explore the rich industrial heritage at The Royal Factory of Bains-les-Bains. The overall appeal lies in discovering the area's past and its natural charm.
Yes, you can explore local markets in nearby towns. Plombières-les-Bains hosts a market on Fridays, while Remiremont has one on Tuesdays. For a larger selection, Épinal offers markets on Wednesdays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays. These markets are great places to discover local produce and artisanal products.


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