Aerial view of the Plateau des 1000 Étangs in the southern Vosges mountainsAerial view of the Plateau des 1000 Étangs in the southern Vosges mountains
©Aerial view of the Plateau des 1000 Étangs|Tristant Vuano

The must-haves to see in Haute-Saône

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Looking for ideas for exploring Haute-Saône? Here’s our selection of not-to-be-missed highlights! Admire the landscapes of the 1000 Étangs, reminiscent of the Finnish wilderness, and visit the Chapelle de Ronchamp designed by Le Corbusier and the department’s only UNESCO site. Enjoy the cherry blossom in Fougerolles and discover the fortified castle of Oricourt, the best preserved in Franche-Comté. Don’t miss the Château de Ray-sur-Saône, surrounded by an English-style park. The towns of Gray, Luxeuil-les-Bains and Pesmes offer a rich heritage, while outdoor activities such as canoeing on the river Ognon and cycling at La Planche des Belles Filles await you.

Luxeuil-les-Bains

Luxeuil-les-Bains is a town of art and history, renowned for its rich heritage and its thermal waters. A popular destination for history and spa enthusiasts, it offers an experience where well-being and culture meet.

Exterior view of the Luxeuil-les-Bains thermal baths building at dusk, built of pink Vosges sandstone and lined with rose bushes - Vosges du SudExterior view of the Luxeuil-les-Bains thermal baths building at dusk, built of pink Vosges sandstone and lined with rose bushes - Vosges du Sud
©Luxeuil-les-Bains thermal baths|Adrien Michel Architecture
    Cherries in a tree, at Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert - Vosges du SudCherries in a tree, at Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert - Vosges du Sud
    ©Cherry trees at Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert |Office de tourisme de Luxeuil-les-Bains

      Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert Cherry country

      Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert is cherry country par excellence. Listed as a “Site Remarquable du Goût” (Outstanding Taste Site), this commune invites you to explore a unique sensory experience, where local know-how is passed down from generation to generation.

      The chapel of Ronchamp

      Dominating the town of Ronchamp from the top of the Bourlémont hill, the Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Haut is a major architectural work by Le Corbusier and the only UNESCO site in Haute-Saône. The history of this hill has been marked by successive reconstructions, which we invite you to discover.

      Aerial view of the Château de Ray-sur-Saône, with the Cité de Caractère de Ray-sur-Saône and the Saône in the background - Vesoul-Val de SaôneAerial view of the Château de Ray-sur-Saône, with the Cité de Caractère de Ray-sur-Saône and the Saône in the background - Vesoul-Val de Saône
      ©Château de Ray-sur-Saône|Xavier Spertini
      Château de Ray-sur-Saône

      Castle of Ray-sur-Saône

      The Château de Ray-sur-Saône is the place to visit if you’re passing through the Cité de Caractère de Ray-sur-Saône. Built on the remains of an ancient medieval fortress ravaged by the conflicts of the 17th century, this majestic castle proudly overlooks the Saône valley.

      Château d'Oricourt

      Château d’Oricourt, a true testament to medieval military architecture, is a must-see during your stay in Haute-Saône. Built in the 12th century, it is the best-preserved fortified castle in Franche-Comté and the only one of its kind in Haute-Saône.

      Aerial view of the medieval château at Oricourt, showing the inner courtyard, with a tower on the right, the vault marking the main entrance and the castral chapel - Vallée de l'OgnonAerial view of the medieval château at Oricourt, showing the inner courtyard, with a tower on the right, the vault marking the main entrance and the castral chapel - Vallée de l'Ognon
      ©Château d'Oricourt
      Château d'Oricourt

       100% natural essentials

      Haute-Saône is an invitation to outdoor activities in the heart of unspoilt natural landscapes. Paddle a canoe on the river Ognon for a trip along the water’s edge,...
      Aerial view of La Planche des Belles Filles - Vosges du SudAerial view of La Planche des Belles Filles - Vosges du Sud
      ©La Planche des Belles Filles |Eric Marguet
      La Planche des Belles Filles
      Located in the Massif des Vosges, in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, La Planche des Belles Filles rises to an altitude of 1148 metres. The only ski...
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      Aerial view of the Plateau des 1000 Étangs in the southern Vosges mountainsAerial view of the Plateau des 1000 Étangs in the southern Vosges mountains
      ©Aerial view of the Plateau des 1000 Étangs|Tristan Vuano
      The 1000 Lakes Plateau
      The Plateau des 1000 Étangs is one of the natural gems of the Haute-Saône, a paradise for nature lovers. Nicknamed France’s “Little Finland”, this region...
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      3 canoes in the background on the river Ognon in bright sunshine - Vallée de l'Ognon3 canoes in the background on the River Ognon in bright sunshine - Vallée de l'Ognon
      ©Canoeing on the Ognon|Jean-Francois Maillot
      The river Ognon
      The river Ognon marks the natural boundary between the Haute-Saône and the Doubs. In the Vallée de l’Ognon, its waters flow for 150km until they meet the Saône, passing...
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      Aerial view of the river stop at Mantoche, where people are parked In the background, we see the village of Mantoche with its beautiful stone buildings - Vesoul - Val de SaôneAerial view of the Mantoche rest area; in the background, we see the village of Mantoche with its beautiful stone buildings - Vesoul - Val de Saône
      ©Mantoche|Maxime Naegely
      The Saône, in slowtourism mode
      At Corre, the waters of the Canal des Vosges mingle with those of the Saône as cyclists and boaters cross the département. Heritage and nature are revealed along the way. Ready...
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      A couple of hikers at Ballon d'Alsace - Vosges du SudA couple of hikers at Ballon d'Alsace - Vosges du Sud
      ©Hiking in the Ballon d'Alsace|Ludovic Caillot Intuive - BFC Tourisme
      A breath of fresh air in the Ballon d’Alsace
      Straddling several départements, including Territoire de Belfort and Haute-Saône, the Ballon d’Alsace is a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts....
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      Aerial view of the town of Gray - You can see the Saône, the bridge and the Basilique Notre-Dame de Gray - Vesoul - Val de SaôneAerial view of the town of Gray - You can see the Saône, the bridge and the church - Vesoul - Val de Saône
      ©Gray|Maxime Naegely
      Gray
      Gray invites you to take a trip back in time through its rich architectural heritage. This charming town on the banks of the River Saône is home to some real historical...
      View of the river Ognon and the Cité de Caractère de Pesmes (Plus Beaux Villages de France) from the bank opposite the town - Ognon ValleyView of the river Ognon and the Cité de Caractère de Pesmes (Plus Beaux Villages de France) from the bank opposite the town - Ognon Valley
      ©Pesmes |BothBetter
      Pesmes
      If you’re looking for charm and authenticity, the medieval town of Pesmes is the perfect place for a getaway between nature and heritage, history and relaxation.

      Other desires

      A family on the ramparts of Ray-sur-Saône castle - They are looking at the view -Vesoul - Val de SaôneA family on the ramparts of Ray-sur-Saône castle - They are looking at the view -Vesoul - Val de Saône
      ©Château de Ray-sur-Saône|Maxime Naegely
      Les Châteaux
      Potter Patrick Blandin turns clay cups with his hands - Vallée de l'OgnonPotter Patrick Blandin turns clay cups with his hands - Vallée de l'Ognon
      ©Boult Pottery Workshop |Both Better
      Arts, crafts and know-how
      A couple on the banks of the Saône looking at a map of the town of Gray - Behind them are boats and a bicycle - Gray - Vesoul - Val de SaôneA couple on the banks of the Saône looking at a map of the town of Gray - Behind them are boats and a bicycle - Gray - Vesoul - Val de Saône
      ©Gray|Maxime Naegely
      Practical
      A boat prepares to pass through the Seveux-Savoyeux tunnel on the Saône - Vesoul - Val de SaôneA boat prepares to pass through the Seveux-Savoyeux tunnel on the Saône - Vesoul - Val de Saône
      ©River tourism on the Saône
      Monuments
      A family in the driveway of the Château de Ray-sur-Saône - Vesoul - Val de SaôneA family in the driveway of the Château de Ray-sur-Saône - Vesoul - Val de Saône
      ©Château de Ray-sur-Saône|Maxime Naegely
      Visit
      Aerial view of a boat without a licence sailing on the Saône, in a setting of unspoilt nature, surrounded by greenery - Vesoul-Val de SaôneAerial view of a boat without a licence sailing on the Saône, in a setting of unspoilt nature, surrounded by greenery - Vesoul-Val de Saône
      ©Sailing on the Saône|French Wanderers
      The Saône
      Cyclists who cycle in the Haute-Saône Department - SlowUp 2022Cyclists who cycle in the Haute-Saône Department - SlowUp 2022
      ©Cyclists|Nathan Fabry
      By bike
      Panoramic view of the Acorus Water Gardens with ponds, trees and flowers - Vallée de l'OgnonPanoramic view of the Acorus Water Gardens with ponds, trees and flowers - Vallée de l'Ognon
      ©Acorus Water Gardens |Charlotte Mosca
      Ognon Valley
      The Ognon on the Voie Verte Vallée de l'Ognon - Ognon ValleyThe Ognon on the Voie Verte Vallée de l'Ognon - Ognon Valley
      ©The river Ognon|Both Better
      L’Ognon
      A man savours a platter of goat's cheese and charcuterie from the chèvrerie des bois pâturés in Servance - Vosges du SudA man savours a platter of goat's cheese and charcuterie from the chèvrerie des bois pâturés in Servance - Vosges du Sud
      ©Chèvrerie des bois pâturés - Servance|Both Better
      Gastronomy
      A couple on mountain bikes take a break beside a pond, with its autumn colours, on the Plateau des 1000 Etangs - Vosges du SudA couple on mountain bikes take a break beside a pond, with its autumn colours, on the Plateau des 1000 Etangs - Vosges du Sud
      ©Mountain biking at Les 1000 Etangs|Nicolas Gascard BFC Tourisme
      BY BIKE – IN
      Hikers cross a pontoon bridge over a river in the middle of a forest - Haute-SaôneHikers cross a pontoon bridge over a river in the middle of a forest - Haute-Saône
      ©Forest walks| Régis Ravegnani
      On foot