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 emblematic work by architect Le Corbusier, the Notre-Dame-du-Haut chapel is perched on the Bourlémont hill in Ronchamp. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts many visitors every year to admire its unique architecture and panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Plateau des Mille Étangs
Nicknamed "Little Finland", the Mille Étangs plateau offers an enchanting landscape 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 edifice surrounded by an English-style park. It offers visitors an insight into the region's history and a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.
Luxeuil-les-Bains
This spa town, renowned since Roman times, boasts Renaissance architecture, thermal baths and picturesque alleyways. Luxeuil-les-Bains is also the starting point for many excursions to the southern Vosges mountains.
Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert
Known as cherry country, Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert is classified as a "Site Remarquable du Goût". 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 Haute-Saône's landscapes is one of its main assets, offering visitors a variety of natural and urban settings to explore.
Varied landscapes
From the fertile plains crossed by the Saône to the wooded hills of the southern Vosges, via the watery expanses of the Mille Étangs plateau, Haute-Saône offers a mosaic of landscapes ideal 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 cobbled streets, churches and Renaissance town hall make it a must-see for lovers of history and architecture.
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 other départements with varied cultural and natural treasures, offering numerous opportunities for excursions and discoveries.
Doubs
To the southeast, the Doubs is famous for its Jura landscapes, dense forests and winding rivers. Besançon, the department's prefecture, is famous for its citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Territoire de Belfort
To the east, the Territoire de Belfort boasts a rich historical heritage, including the citadel of Belfort 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.