Goutte des Saules waterfall - Southern VosgesGoutte des Saules waterfall - Southern Vosges
©Goutte des Saules waterfall|Etienne Kopp

PODCAST #3 The Forest of Saint-Antoine

In Plancher-les-Mines, at the foot of La Planche des Belles Filles, the Saint-Antoine forest is home to much more than just trees. It’s home to silence, memories and precious biodiversity.

Logo for the Vosges du Sud destination in Haute-Saône - Four-colour versionLogo for the Vosges du Sud destination in Haute-Saône - Four-colour version
©Vosges du Sud logo

The breath of life in the forest of Saint-Antoine

Aude, a relaxation therapist, guides you through forest baths that reconnect you with yourself. Yvan, a forester with the French National Forestry Commission (ONF), talks passionately about the 200 years of natural reclamation of an area that was once over-exploited. He discusses the challenges of developing and preserving this forest sanctuary, particularly through a hiking trail.

Integral reserve, national forest, peaceful paths, waterfall… Every step you take plunges you into an almost motionless world. Yet nothing here is left to chance: every tree, every clearing is the result of a choice or resilience.

Emotions and anecdotes

“What we see here is not natural. It’s not a primary forest. But maybe… in 300 years’ time.”

The capercaillie, a fragile and almost extinct species, has become the symbol of this quest for balance.

Explore the Southern Vosges