Haute-Saône
Visit Haute-Saônelocated in the Burgundy-Franche-Comtéis a department rich in history, picturesque landscapes and culinary traditions. This authentic territory offers visitors a multitude of discoveries, from must-see tourist sites to tasty gastronomic specialities.
Haute-Saône Tourist Sites
Haute-Saône is packed with tourist attractions that bear witness to its rich cultural and natural heritage. Here is a selection of places not to be missed during your visit.
Notre-Dame-du-Haut chapel in Ronchamp
An iconic work by architect Le Corbusier, the Notre-Dame-du-Haut Chapel is perched on Bourlémont Hill in Ronchamp. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts many visitors each year who come to admire its unique architecture and panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Plateau des Mille Étangs
Nicknamed «Little Finland,» the Mille Étangs Plateau offers enchanting landscapes made up of forests, meadows, and a multitude of ponds. It's the ideal place for hiking, photography and wilderness enthusiasts.
Château de Ray-sur-Saône
Overlooking the Saône Valley, the Château de Ray-sur-Saône is an imposing structure surrounded by an English-style park. It offers visitors a deep dive into the region's history and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Luxeuil-les-Bains
This spa town, renowned since Roman times, charms visitors with its Renaissance architecture, thermal baths, and picturesque narrow streets. Luxeuil-les-Bains is also the starting point for many excursions to the southern Vosges mountains.
Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert
Known as the «Land of Cherries,» Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert has been designated a "Site Remarquable du Goût" (Notable Site of Taste). Visitors can discover cherry orchards, kirsch distilleries and the cherry museum, bearing witness to local know-how.
Landscapes and towns of Haute-Saône
The diversity of the Haute-Saône’s landscapes is one of its main attractions, offering visitors a variety of natural and urban settings to explore.
Varied landscapes
From the fertile plains traversed by the Saône to the wooded hills of the Southern Vosges, passing through the expansive bodies of water on the Plateau des Mille Étangs, the Haute-Saône offers a mosaic of landscapes perfect for relaxation and adventure. Forests cover a large part of the territory, making this département a veritable haven of greenery.
Vesoul
Prefecture of the Haute-Saône region, Vesoul is a dynamic city combining historical heritage and modernity. The old town center, with its half-timbered houses and private mansions, is an inviting place to stroll. The nearby Lac de Vesoul-Vaivre is a popular spot for water sports and nature walks.
Gray
Located on the banks of the Saône, Gray is a city with a rich historical past. Its cobblestone streets, churches, and Renaissance-style city hall make it a must-see destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Lure
At the foot of the Vosges Saônoises mountains, Lure is a welcoming town offering a pleasant living environment. Its traditional markets, festivals and proximity to nature make it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Region and surrounding departments
Haute-Saône is surrounded by departments with a rich variety of cultural and natural resources, offering numerous opportunities for excursions and exploration.
Doubs
To the southeast, the Doubs is famous for its Jura landscapes, dense forests and winding rivers. The city of Besançon, the prefecture of the department, is famous for its citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Territoire de Belfort
To the east, the Belfort Territory captivates visitors with its historical heritage, notably the Belfort Citadel and its monumental lion. The Vosges mountains also offer great hiking opportunities.
Vosges
To the north, the des Vosges is known for its mountain ranges, lakes and spa resorts such as Vittel and Contrexéville. The forests of the Vosges are ideal for outdoor activities.
Haute-Marne
To the west, the Haute-Marne offers rolling landscapes, forests and historic towns like Langres, surrounded by impressive ramparts.
Jura
To the southwest, Jura is famous for its vineyards, cheeses and varied landscapes, from plateaus to lakes and mountains.
