Attractions and Places To See around Belonchamp - Top 20

Belonchamp and its surroundings offer several points of historical and cultural interest. You can explore the Belonchamp Town Hall (Mairie), built in 1823, known for its distinctive sandstone door. Scattered throughout the commune are several calvaries, including a 14th-century granite cross known as 'la croix de la Peste'. A significant cultural site nearby is the Notre-Dame-du-Haut Chapel in Ronchamp, an iconic modern church designed by Le Corbusier, celebrated for its unique architecture and enchanting interior. Additionally, the Puits Sainte-Marie offers a glimpse into the region's industrial past with remains of a winding tower and boiler house.

The area around Belonchamp is ideal for various outdoor activities, especially cycling and hiking. You can challenge yourself on famous climbs like La Planche des Belles Filles or the Chevrères Pass. The Ascent to the Servance balloon from Plancher-Bas offers an 18-kilometer climb with shaded sections in summer. For more general outdoor exploration, the Plateau des Mille Étangs provides extensive opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding amidst its unique landscape of numerous ponds. The Ognon River also offers scenic spots for walks and picnics.

Yes, the region is renowned for its challenging cycling routes. Cyclists frequently tackle the 7-kilometer ascent to La Planche des Belles Filles, known for gradients exceeding 25% and its history as a Tour de France finish line. The Chevrères Pass is another significant mountain pass with epic and steep climbs. For a longer ascent, consider the Ascent to the Servance balloon from Plancher-Bas, an 18-kilometer route with slopes between 5% and 12%.

Belonchamp is surrounded by beautiful natural features. The Ognon River flows through the commune, offering tranquil spots for walks and picnics. Just at the foot of the Vosges saônoises lies the expansive Plateau des Mille Étangs (Plateau of a Thousand Ponds), a unique landscape perfect for hiking and enjoying nature. For panoramic views, several mountain passes and summits like La Planche des Belles Filles and Chevrères Pass offer stunning vistas.

While many outdoor activities are suitable for active families, the Notre-Dame-du-Haut Chapel in Ronchamp is listed as a family-friendly historical site, offering a unique architectural experience. For outdoor enjoyment, the scenic spots along the Ognon River are great for picnics and gentle walks. The Plateau des Mille Étangs also provides a vast natural playground for families to explore, with numerous ponds and trails suitable for various activity levels.

Summer is an excellent time to visit Belonchamp for outdoor activities. Many of the challenging climbs, such as the Ascent to the Servance balloon from Plancher-Bas, offer shaded routes, making them more comfortable during warmer months. The generally quiet roads and good quality asphalt are also ideal for cycling. The Plateau des Mille Étangs is beautiful for hiking and exploring during this season.

You can find numerous routes for various cycling disciplines around Belonchamp. For road cycling, explore options like the 'Col du Ballon d'Alsace – Ballon d'Alsace loop' or 'Drinking water Fresse – Chevestraye Pass loop'. Mountain bikers can enjoy trails such as 'Etang de la Dame – Small Pond Shelter loop'. Gravel biking enthusiasts have routes like 'Discovering 1000 ponds – La Mer loop'. You can find detailed information and more routes on the respective komoot guides: Road Cycling Routes around Belonchamp, MTB Trails around Belonchamp, and Gravel biking around Belonchamp.

Beyond the well-known attractions, the area around Belonchamp is rich with 'hidden gems' for those who enjoy walking and cycling off the beaten path. Keep an eye out for local events like annual 'vide-greniers' (flea markets) in Belonchamp, which offer a glimpse into local life and unique finds. For an authentic rural experience, consider staying in guesthouses in renovated 18th-century Comtoise farms or quiet hunting lodges, often offering local produce.

Yes, several locations around Belonchamp provide excellent viewpoints. The summit of La Planche des Belles Filles is a popular spot for panoramic views after a challenging climb. Similarly, the Chevrères Pass offers scenic vistas, especially when clouds hang between the coniferous forests. The ascent to the Servance balloon also culminates in elevated views of the surrounding landscape.

Visitors to Belonchamp's attractions often highlight the challenging yet rewarding nature of the climbs, such as the 'fat ramp' at La Planche des Belles Filles, which many find a must-do experience. The natural beauty and tranquility, especially on routes like the Ascent to the Servance balloon, are also highly appreciated for providing 'pure nature, pure peace, pure enjoyment'. The unique architecture and enchanting interior of the Notre-Dame-du-Haut Chapel also leave a lasting impression.

Yes, the region has a rich historical religious heritage. You can find several calvaries scattered throughout Belonchamp, including a notable granite cross from the 14th century, often referred to as 'la croix de la Peste'. A short distance away, the Notre-Dame-du-Haut Chapel in Ronchamp stands as a significant modern religious building, recognized as an architectural icon.