The best cycling routes around Allarmont

Historic village in the Vosges Ban-de-Sapt is located on a strategic height in the Vosges and was the scene of fierce fighting during WWI, especially around the côte 627. Today it is a peaceful place with a rich culture of remembrance. The Nécropole nationale de la Fontenelle, original trenches, a panoramic table and a rare steel observation capsule from WWI make the village a unique destination for those who want to combine nature and history.

This granite memorial stone marks the exact location of the Western Front on 18 July 1918, during the final Allied offensives of the First World War. It is part of a series of 118 "Bornes du Front" designed by French sculptor and veteran Paul Moreau-Vauthier. Each stone bears a helmet on a laurel wreath and commemorates fierce fighting at that location. The borne at La Fontenelle commemorates the fierce battle in the Vosges, where French and German troops fought each other for a long time.

A beautiful chapel in La Chapelle

Mural by Matthieu Koga in Round-lÉstape

Situated in the heart of the Vosges, this dam, together with Lac de la Plaine, forms an important water reservoir. The dam was built to feed Lac de Pierre-Percée via an underground system. The climb up to it is gradual and rewards you with a view of the peaceful Lac de la Plaine. The road along the lake is ideal for a breather, with little traffic and lots of nature. Perfect for a short break or a photo opportunity during your ride.

"The Mairie de Badonviller was originally built in 1811, during the Napoleonic era, and served as the administrative centre of the young municipality. After being badly damaged during the First World War, the building was rebuilt in 1924. "Located on the edge of the Vosges in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department, Badonviller is a village with a turbulent history. In the 19th century, it became a local centre thanks to the flourishing faience industry. But it was during the First World War that Badonviller became known nationwide. On 12 August 1914, the village was one of the first French municipalities to be occupied and pillaged by Bavarian troops. This event was widely reported in the French press and made Badonviller a symbol of German brutality. The village was badly damaged during the fighting and later partially rebuilt. Today, monuments, the necropolis and the townscape bear witness to this turbulent period. Badonviller is part of the 'sentiers de mémoire' — memorial routes that keep the history of the war in the Vosges alive."

"The Église Saint-Martin in Badonviller is a rare example of religious architecture in the Louis XVI style (1788). Although it is of Romanesque origin, its elegant façade is particularly striking, which is one of the few remaining examples of this style in the Lorraine region. Together with the Chapel of the Visitation in Nancy, this church forms a unique duo. The church was badly damaged during the First World War and partially rebuilt afterwards.

This impressive dam, located in the Vosges, forms an artificial water reservoir together with the Lac de Pierre-Percée. The dam is 69 metres high and 330 metres long, built with a clay core and lined with volcanic rock. It plays an important role in water management and energy production via an underground water connection with the Lac de la Plaine. The surrounding area offers beautiful views and is ideal for hiking along rocky paths, forests and viewpoints over the lake.