A cabin on stilts sits enthroned in the middle of a pond at Ecromagny - Plateau des 1000 Etangs, Vosges du Sud — ©Pond at Ecromagny| Jean-Guy Simonet

The 1000 ponds Journey to Little Finland

The Plateau des 1000 Étangs is a privileged hiking area in Haute-Saône, an idyllic setting combining dense forests, lush green meadows and shimmering ponds. The beauty of its landscapes is reminiscent of Finland, earning it the nickname “Little French Finland”. This natural gem offers visitors a network of signposted footpaths, enabling them to discover exceptional biodiversity and incredible landscapes, ideal for nature lovers and photographers.

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Two ideas for walks To discover the region

Among the many signposted routes on the Plateau des 1000 Étangs, the“Little Finland” route stands out because it is here that the landscapes most closely resemble those of Scandinavia. Starting at Plateau des Grilloux, this hike takes you to Goutte du Frêne, at Servance-Miellin, near Beulotte-Saint-Laurent.

Exploring the Plateau

Reading table for the Echappée des 1000 étangs. Rallye photo à la Goutte du frêne à Servance - Plateau des 1000 étangs - Vosges du Sud — ©The 1000 Ponds Escape|Office de tourisme des 1000 étangs

Plateau des Grilloux, pond with chalet in a green setting - Vosges du Sud — ©Plateau des Grilloux|Charlotte Mosca

You’ll discover an emblematic pond, recognisable by its wooden hut on the water’s edge. This unique site was even used as a backdrop for a scene in the 2004 film “Les Rivières Pourpres 2: Les Anges de l’Apocalypse”, starring Jean Reno. Take a walk along this path and you’ll be immersed in a landscape worthy of the finest Finnish postcards.

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Les 1000 Étangs play hide and seek

For the record, there are 1000 ponds, but in reality there are many more. Recent censuses have revealed the existence of more than 1,300 ponds, with some sources going as far as to count nearly 1,500!

Le Grand Rosbeck One of 1000 ponds...

An itinerary tailor-made for a family outing: discover the Grand Rosbeck, one of the most beautiful ponds in the area. It starts in Mélisey, near the waste disposal site. The green rectangle markers point due north along a small stream. The first pond you come to is “La Noie Villerand”, with its characteristic flora (aquatic plants, reeds, shrubs, etc.) in the heart of a peaceful lake.

The route skirts the lake, following a woodland path that leads to a smaller pond along the shore. Shortly afterwards, the route offers a choice between a direct route to Grand Rosbeck or a longer route to Granges Baverey, where gîtes have been set up within the walls of a former school. At Les Granges, the route continues eastwards along a forest track towards Les Rudes.

View of the Grand Rosbeck pond - Plateau des 1000 étangs - Vosges du Sud — ©Grand Rosbeck|Charlotte Mosca

A small waterfall marks the location of an old mill, of which only a few ruins remain. The Grand Rosbeck pond is reached shortly afterwards. A comfortable path runs alongside the pond before joining a tarmac road. At the fork in the road, a cross in the water and a stele commemorate the heroic death of a maquisard in 1944 at the age of seventeen. The return to Mélisey joins the fitness trail, offering an interesting view of the surrounding countryside.

Start and finish: Mélisey (municipal workshops); 8 km, 300 m ascent, 2h30. Marking: green rectangle.

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Saint-Blaise water All evil soothes

The highest point in the commune of Miellin, at an altitude of 900 m, the chapel of Saint-Blaise enjoys a flattering reputation. At the foot of the chapel lies a miraculous spring that cures throat and eye infections. Popular wisdom has it that “Eau de Saint-Blaise, tout mal apaise apaise” (Saint-Blaise water soothes all ills). A loop from Belfahy to Miellin passes through this chapel.

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The miraculous spring at the foot of the chapel of Saint-Blaise de Miellin, curing throat and eye infections: Eau de Saint-Blaise, tout mal apaise apaise - Plateau des 1000 Etangs, Vosges du Sud — ©Source of the Saint-Blaise chapel|Nicolas Bonne

Panoramic view of the Saint-Blaise chapel in Miellin and the surrounding countryside - Plateau des 1000 Etangs, Vosges du Sud — ©Saint-Blaise Chapel|Nicolas Bonne

Further on, the Ballon de Servance, the highest point in Haute-Saône at 1216m, offers a magnificent panorama of the valley and the Vosges mountains. Finally, leaving Servance in the direction of Melisey, Saut de l’Ognon is at the end of a 300m path. This fifteen-metre-high waterfall is a refreshing spot in fine weather.

Between nature and heritage

As well as the magnificent scenery of the 1000 Lakes, the region is full of picturesque villages to explore on foot.

Melisey

Melisey, on the banks of the River Ognon, is the starting point for a number of beautiful walks, including one to the Grand Rosbeck pond. It is also the home of former racing cyclist Thibaut Pinot.

Le Grand Rosbeck

Faucogney

Starting out from Faucogney-et-la-Mer, there is a circuit leading to the church of Saint-Martin. The village regularly hosts farmers’ markets and other festive events… After the effort, the comfort!

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La Rosière

From the village of La Rosière, follow the Le Roséria hiking trail, which will take you to the border with the Vosges. You’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

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Esmoulières

A walk on the Esmoulières plateau, between meadows and peat bogs, will give you a unique insight into the rich flora and fauna of the area. You’ll also come across the highland cows from Ferme du Breuillet: after Finland, take a break in Scotland!

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Beulotte-Saint-Laurent

Beulotte-Saint-Laurent is a typical Plateau village, with its hamlets and peat bogs. It’s the starting point for a magnificent hike through landscapes dotted with birch trees, the region’s emblematic trees that give the Plateau its Scandinavian air.

Hiking

Annegray

It was in Annegray that Saint Columban, an Irish monk, founded his first monastery at the end of the 6th century. You’ll discover the foundations of a Romanesque priory, a reconstructed chapel and two calvaries. A bench invites you to admire the view of the Chapelle Saint-Martin, perched on a hill, to enjoy this stage of the Échappée des 1000 Étangs.

L'Echappée