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 offers wild, unspoilt landscapes similar to Finnish fjords. Come and discover this corner of paradise through its many outdoor activities and its natural and cultural riches.

Getting there

Breathtaking landscapes

The Plateau des 1000 Étangs is steeped in mystery, like a world where time stands still. This wild expanse of over 220km², a mixture of forests and ponds, is the result of the retreat of the glaciers that covered the Vosges 12,000 years ago, followed later by the work of monks who exploited the peat bogs.

There are plenty of hiking trails to take you on a discovery of surprising landscapes, similar to those found in Scandinavia. This has earned the region the nickname Little Finland.

Le Grand Rosbeck pond at Melisey - Plateau des 1000 Étangs - Southern Vosges — ©Le Grand Rosbeck pond at Melisey|Charlotte Mosca

Panorama towards the Chapelle de Beauregard at La Montagne - The 1000 Lakes Region - Southern Vosges — ©Panorama of the Chapelle de Beauregard|Etienne Kopp Photographie

View of a pond and its water lilies - Plateau des 1000 Étangs - Vosges du Sud — ©Plateau des 1000 Etangs|Paul-André Coumes

A couple stop off at the Sailley refuge at the top of the Ballon de Servance - The 1000 Lakes Region - Southern Vosges — ©Ballon de Servance|Etienne Kopp Photographie

View of a pond - Plateau des 1000 Étangs - Vosges du Sud — ©Plateau des 1000 Étang|Charlotte Mosca

L’Échappée des 1000 Étangs is not just a road itinerary, it’s a tour that promises an experience combining nature and heritage. The landscape breaks, located at key points in the area, are interactive and highlight 6 major sites, from the Saint-Martin chapel to the Grilloux plateau. Discover the Plateau in a fun way, using all your senses for a totally immersive experience.

Château-Lambert A rich cultural heritage

The village of Château-Lambert and its two museums will plunge you into the life of yesteryear at the Musée de la Montagne, where you can discover the traditions and daily life of the inhabitants of the time, and into the heart of the area’s natural riches at the Espace Nature Culture, where you can explore the local flora and fauna as well as exhibitions on the environment.

Visit these museums

Aerial view of the Musée Départemental de la Montagne in Château-Lambert - The 1000 Lakes Region - Southern Vosges — ©Mountain Museum at Château-Lambert|Musées Départementaux de Haute-Saône

Espace Nature Culture, part of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park in Château-Lambert - Région des 1000 Étangs - Vosges du Sud — ©Espace Nature Culture at Château-Lambert|Département de la Haute-Saône

Entrance to the Musée Départemental de la Montagne in Château-Lambert - 1000 Lakes Region - Southern Vosges — ©Mountain Museum at Château-Lambert|Musées Départementaux de Haute-Saône

A 100% natural adventure

The Plateau des 1000 Étangs, a veritable mosaic of land and water, offers an idyllic setting for all nature lovers. Whether you’re a keen cyclist, mountain biker, trail rider, gravel racer, hiker or horse rider, or even a fisherman, you’ll love the diversity of activities on offer.

Cycling and mountain biking

1 mountain bike base and 4 cycle routes

Walking or horse riding

More than 30 walking routes and a horse trail

Trail and gravel

1 signposted trail route and 2 gravel routes

Fishing

River fishing (the Breuchin and the Ognon, 1st category rivers) or in private ponds

A couple admires the view from the top of the Ballon de Servance - Région des 1000 Étangs - Vosges du Sud — ©Panorama from the Ballon de Servance|Etienne Kopp Photographie

Horse riding in the 1000 Étangs - Vosges du Sud — ©Horse riding in the 1000 Étangs|Noélie Weinachter

Hiking and horse riding

Numerous signposted footpaths will take you on a voyage of discovery through breathtaking scenery. Whether you prefer walking, running or horse riding, the Plateau des 1000 Étangs offers a variety of routes to suit all levels.

The routes take you through lush forests, past numerous ponds, each with its own character.

Going hiking

The Mille Pas Festival aux 1000 Étangs

Every year, from April to July, around 18 associations organise the 1000 Pas aux 1000 Étangs Festival, offering original, signposted day-long walks. This event is an ideal opportunity to discover the region from a different angle and share some convivial moments.

Discover the festival

Road bikes and mountain biking

The first foothills of the Vosges Massif offer interesting gradients for both road and mountain bikers.

The ascent of the Ballon de Servance, the Col des Chevrères, the Col des Croix marking the boundary with the Vosges, or the climb to Belfahy, the highest village in Haute-Saône (840m), are challenges that promise breathtaking panoramas as their reward.

Belfahy is also famous for its blueberry tart, a delicacy not to be missed after the effort.

Mountain bike trails

Mountain biking in the forest on the Plateau des 1000 Étangs - Vosges du Sud — ©Mountain biking at Les 1000 Étangs|Etienne Kopp Photographie

Trail circuit at Mont de Vannes - The 1000 Lakes Region - Southern Vosges — ©Trail circuit at Mont de Vannes|Etienne Kopp Photographie

Gravel circuits and trail

Trail and gravel enthusiasts will not be outdone. The varied, rugged terrain of the plateau offers challenging routes that will test even the most seasoned riders. Nature runs and gravel bike rides become real adventures, off the beaten track.

A timeless getaway

The Plateau des 1000 Étangs will win you over with its magnificent landscapes and its many riches. Get ready for a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of France’s “Little Finland”.