Best attractions and places to see around Vézelise include a range of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural areas. This commune in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department of north-eastern France serves as the historical capital of the Saintois region. Visitors can explore its rich heritage and diverse landscapes, including the valleys of the Brénon and Madon. Located about 30 kilometers south of Nancy, Vézelise provides a base for discovering the region's attractions.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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Magnificent site with a view over the entire Saintois.
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Remains of the castle of the Counts of Vaudémont.
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The 'Barrès column' is a lantern of the dead dedicated to the writer Maurice Barrès. When designing this monument, the landscape architect Achille Duchêne was strongly inspired by a similar construction, the lantern of the dead by Fenioux in the South West of France.
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If you are looking for a scenic and spiritual hike, you can visit the Colline de Sion, the highest hill in Lorraine. This hill is a historical and cultural site, where you can admire the Notre-Dame de Sion basilica, the hermitage of the Poor Clares and the Barrès monument. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and on a clear day you may even see Mont Blanc.
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The Barrès monument is a lantern-shaped monument dedicated to the writer Maurice Barrès, who praised the Hill of Sion in his novel La Colline Inspiration. The monument is located on the Vaudémont signal, the highest point of the hill and the Lorraine plateau, at 540 or 541 meters above sea level. The monument was inaugurated in 1928 and is the work of landscaper Achille Duchêne, who was strongly inspired by Fenioux's lantern of the dead. From the top of the monument, you enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and the villages of Sion and Vaudémont.
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Built between 1720 and 1732, this castle has a moat with 4 bridges. The castle was built around the calendar year, with 365 windows, 52 chimneys and 12 towers!
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Built between 1720 and 1732, this castle has a moat with 4 bridges. The castle was built around the calendar year, with 365 windows, 52 chimneys and 12 towers!
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The Barrès monument was built in honor of the writer Maurice Barrès who spoke of the hill of Sion in his novel La colline inspiratione.
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In Vézelise, you can visit the impressive Church of Saint-Côme and Saint-Damien, a flamboyant Gothic church consecrated in 1521, known for its 16th-century stained glass and unique twisted bell tower. The historic Halles de Vézelise, along with the Town Hall and Palace of Justice, also date back to the 13th and 18th centuries and are classified historical monuments.
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Colline de Sion-Vaudémont, also known as "La Colline Inspirée." This major historical and pilgrimage site reaches an altitude of 540 meters and offers extensive vistas of the surrounding countryside. The Barrès Monument, located on the Vaudémont signal, also provides excellent views.
Absolutely! You can explore the magnificent Haroué Castle, an 18th-century masterpiece built between 1720 and 1729. It's famously designed with 365 windows, 52 chimneys, and 12 towers, symbolizing the calendar year. Another notable site is the Château de Thorey Lyautey, the historical residence of Marshal Lyautey, furnished as it was in his time.
The region offers several preserved natural areas, including the picturesque Valleys of the Brénon and Madon, where you can enjoy local fauna and flora. The wider Moselle Valley also provides diverse landscapes for exploration. Keep an eye out for "Les étoiles de Sion," which are fossils of marine animals found in the area.
Many attractions are suitable for families. The Haroué Castle is often enjoyed by families due to its unique architecture and historical significance. The Barrès Monument and the Colline de Sion offer open spaces and views that can be appealing to all ages.
The Saintois region boasts a dense network of marked hiking trails, ranging from 6 to 56 km, suitable for walking, cycling, or horseback riding. For specific routes, you can find numerous options for road cycling, running, and mountain biking around Vézelise, allowing you to discover the area's natural and historical riches.
Yes, the Saintois region has a variety of marked hiking trails. While specific beginner trails aren't detailed in the highlights, the general network includes routes suitable for different fitness levels. For shorter walks, exploring the immediate surroundings of Vézelise or the base of the Colline de Sion can be a good option. You can find many running trails around Vézelise, including an easy 5 km loop starting from Vézelise itself.
The Colline de Sion-Vaudémont is a major historical and pilgrimage site, often called "La Colline Inspirée." It holds significant importance for the Lorraine and Alsace regions. Visitors can find a memorial, a museum, a basilica (Notre-Dame de Sion), a 17th-century convent, and the Barrès Monument, dedicated to writer Maurice Barrès, who famously wrote about the hill.
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical context and the stunning panoramic views. The unique architecture of sites like the Haroué Castle and the historical significance of the Colline de Sion are frequently mentioned. The komoot community has shared over 25 photos and given more than 30 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and engaging nature of the region's sites.
Yes, the Notre-Dame du Vœu, erected in 1947, is a unique monument resembling a lantern of the dead. It commemorates the return of prisoners from World War II and features a statue of the Virgin Mary with elements reused from a former Capuchin convent. Additionally, the Brunehaut Tower, though in ruins, is a preserved historical site that was once the seat of the counts of Vaudémont.
Yes, the Brunehaut Tower is a significant historical ruin. It is the vestige of the seat of the counts of Vaudémont, whose reign spanned from 1071 to 1472. Although now in ruins, it is preserved as an important historical site, offering a glimpse into the region's medieval past.


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