Champagney

Champagney has an unusual history. In fact, this small commune is famous for having been the only one in France to call for the abolition of slavery in its 1789 cahier de doléances, demonstrating a remarkable humanist commitment. When you visit Champagney, you’ll discover not only its historic heritage, but also the legacy of a community that stood up for fundamental rights.

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The House of Negritude

The Maison de la Négritude et des Droits de l’Homme (House of Negritude and Human Rights) is the symbol of this struggle for freedom and explores the slavery of yesterday and today. Founded in 1971, it pays tribute to the commitment of the people of Champagney to the fight against slavery, as evidenced by article 29 of their 1789 cahier de doléances. This unique museum invites you to take a moving and instructive journey in the footsteps of the men and women who raised their voices for equality.

Not far from here, you’ll discover the church of Saint Laurent, one of the oldest in Haute-Saône. Inside, you’ll find the painting that inspired this lament.

Its Comtois bell tower, home to 35 restored bells, hosts carillon concerts every year.

A family looks out over the Champagney basin. In the background, you can see the start of the Massif des Vosges - Vosges du Sud. — ©Champagney basin|Etienne Kopp

A work of art surprising

Another unique feature to discover in Champagney is the basin and its reservoir. The site boasts a remarkable engineering feat: a 785-metre-long, 26-metre-high sandstone dam.

The dam was built as part of the Canal de Montbéliard à la Haute-Saône project, of which it was to be the central element, as the canal required the creation of a feeder reservoir. Work on the canal began in 1882, but it wasn’t until 1938 – 56 years later – that it was finally filled with water! In the end, it was never put into service. Nowadays, walkers enjoy the banks and the lake is ideal for sailing and fishing.

The basin covers 107 hectares and contains 13 million m³ of water, the equivalent of 3,500 Olympic-size swimming pools!

A child holds a fishing rod at the Champagney ballastières - Vosges du Sud — ©Fishing|Etienne Kopp

The leisure zone des Ballastières

The Ballastières recreation area offers a host of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including a beach, playground, picnic area and supervised swimming in high season. A second lake is reserved for fishing, and a towpath leads around the ponds.

With its welcoming campsite, it’s the perfect place for a successful holiday, whether you’re keen on fishing, swimming or simply looking for a peaceful place to relax.

Nature

Marked footpaths give visitors the opportunity to take their time and explore the surrounding area. And with its many ponds and gravel pits, the commune is a fisherman’s paradise all year round.

A father and son go fishing at the Ballastières de Champagney - Vosges du Sud — ©Fishing|Etienne Kopp

A municipality with the label

Snack Bar LA VILLA BLEUE

Restaurant LE TITAN