Attractions and Places To See around Luxeuil-Les-Bains - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Luxeuil-Les-Bains include a blend of historical, cultural, and natural sites in the Haute-Saône department of France. The town is known for its thermal waters, utilized since Gallo-Roman times, and its position as a gateway to the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park. The area features ancient heritage, significant architecture, and diverse natural landscapes.
Best attractions and places to see around Luxeuil-Les-Bains
- The most popular attractions is Planey Spring, a river known for its astonishing turquoise color set against the green forest. The water remains at a mild temperature of 11°C year-round.
- Another must-see spot is View of Blanzey, a viewpoint offering sights of Blanzey, Fougerolles, and the Vosges mountains. This location provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Visitors also love Saint-Étienne Church, a religious building listed as a Historic Monument. It features a notable interior, including a magnificent organ.
- Luxeuil-Les-Bains is known for its thermal baths, historical buildings, and natural features like springs and viewpoints. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient abbey sites to natural parks.
- The attractions around Luxeuil-Les-Bains are appreciated by the komoot community, with 6 highlights receiving 62 upvotes and featuring 71 photos.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Saint Columban Abbey
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After the monastery was destroyed by the Saracens and many of its monks were murdered around 732, it was restored as a Benedictine monastery by Charlemagne.
The Benedictine monastery of Luxeuil joined the Congregation of Saint-Vannes in 1634, and the monastery was closed in 1790 as a result of the French Revolution. (Wikipedia)
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Luxeuil-les-Bains Thermal Baths
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More than a dozen warm springs (43-63 °C) already invited the Romans to bathe. The oldest thermal bath in France was built here in the 18th century. The historic thermal building, which has now been modernly furnished, is located in a park in the north of the city. (Wikipedia)
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Planey Spring
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View of Blanzey
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Saint-Étienne Church
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The Abbey of Saint-Colomban was looted and destroyed in the 8th century, then rebuilt in the 11th century. Secularized during the French Revolution, it was transformed into a minor seminary, then a Catholic college. When the diocese was no longer able to bear the maintenance costs of this immense complex, it was sold in 2024 by the diocese of Besançon to Pascale and Jean-Yves Parisot. Since then, the abbey has been undergoing a complete renovation for over ten million euros.
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It is here that the Romans built the first thermal establishments. The small town therefore prides itself on being the oldest spa town in France. The current thermal establishment only saw the light of day in the 18th century; it was built from red sandstone from the Vosges. Its architect was Nicolas Didelot, a student of Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, the creator of the Saline Royale d'Arc-et-Senans.
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A very impressive monastery complex.
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The organ, originally dating from 1617, is worth seeing. The body is carved from wood.
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The thermal baths are definitely worth a visit. Beautiful grounds all around.
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The closer you get to the actual source, the stronger the blue color of the crystal clear water becomes!
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The modern extension at the back is now a bit old and does not contribute to the beautification of the historic part of the building. More than a dozen warm springs (43-63 °C) already invited the Romans to bathe. The oldest thermal bath in France was built here in the 18th century. The historic thermal building, which has now been modernly furnished, is located in a park in the north of the city. (Wikipedia)
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St. Columban of Luxeuil (died 615) founded the Luxovium monastery (patron saint: St. Peter) at the foot of the Vosges Mountains around 590. Columban soon received the requested protection of the Merovingian royal family and the local nobility for his foundation. In 610, however, Columban was expelled by Theuderic, King of Austria and Burgundy, and fled to Italy. After the monastery was destroyed by the Saracens and many of its monks were murdered around 732, it was restored as a Benedictine monastery by Charlemagne. The Benedictine monastery of Luxeuil joined the Congregation of Saint-Vannes in 1634, and the monastery was closed in 1790 as a result of the French Revolution. (Wikipedia)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Luxeuil-les-Bains?
The region offers several beautiful natural spots. A must-see is Planey Spring, known for its astonishing turquoise water that maintains a mild 11°C year-round. You can also find the unique landscape of the Plateau des 1000 Étangs, often called 'Little Finland,' which is ideal for hiking and mountain biking amidst its numerous ponds and peat bogs. The Grande Pile Peat Bog in Saint-Germain also offers an educational 5km circuit.
Are there historical or cultural sites to visit in Luxeuil-les-Bains?
Yes, Luxeuil-les-Bains is rich in history. You can explore the Saint Columban Abbey, a significant religious and intellectual center founded around 590 AD, featuring an impressive complex and a 1617 pipe organ. The town also boasts the Basilica of St. Peter, the Ecclesia Interpretation Center showcasing 2,000 years of history, and the Tour des Echevins, a 15th-century tower with panoramic views. Don't miss the historic mansions like the House of Francis I and the Spanish House.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Luxeuil-les-Bains?
Luxeuil-les-Bains is a gateway to the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, offering numerous hiking opportunities. For cycling enthusiasts, there are routes like the 'North of Luxeuil-les-Bains — Boucle des Eaux' or the 'View of Blanzey loop'. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails such as the 'View of Blanzey – Ermitage de Saint-Valbert loop'. You can find more details on cycling routes at Cycling around Luxeuil-Les-Bains, and MTB trails at MTB Trails around Luxeuil-Les-Bains.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Luxeuil-les-Bains?
Absolutely. Many attractions are suitable for families, including the Planey Spring, which offers a pleasant forest trail with interpretive signs and a picnic area. The View of Blanzey provides scenic panoramic views that can be enjoyed by all ages. Additionally, the Parc de la Cude, an English-style garden with nearly 600 species of trees and playful artworks, is a great spot for a family outing.
Where can I find the best viewpoints in the area?
For stunning panoramic views, head to the View of Blanzey, which offers sights of Blanzey, Fougerolles, and the distant Vosges mountains. The Tour des Echevins in Luxeuil-les-Bains also provides excellent views of the town's red roofs, the basilica, and the thermal park.
What is the significance of the thermal baths in Luxeuil-les-Bains?
The thermal baths are a primary attraction, with a history dating back to Gallo-Roman times. The 17th-century spa building, constructed from pink Vosges sandstone, is a listed Historic Monument. The town's more than a dozen warm springs (43-63 °C) have been utilized for centuries for wellness and treatments, making it the oldest thermal bath in France.
Are there any notable religious buildings to visit?
Yes, the Saint-Étienne Church is a religious building listed as a Historic Monument, featuring a magnificent interior and a notable organ. The Basilica of St. Peter, a majestic 13th-century monument, also combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Classical architectural styles and is considered the spiritual heart of the town.
What unique local crafts or traditions can I discover?
Luxeuil-les-Bains is renowned for its lace-making tradition, which you can explore at the Conservatory of Lace, located in the former kitchens of the abbey. Additionally, nearby Fougerolles, known as the cherry capital, offers the Cherry Country Ecomuseum and distilleries, showcasing the traditions of cherry and alcohol production.
What are some options for running trails around Luxeuil-les-Bains?
There are several running trails available, catering to different distances and difficulties. Popular options include the 'Étang de la Poche loop' and the 'Tour des Échevins loop'. You can find more detailed information and routes on the dedicated guide page for running trails: Running Trails around Luxeuil-Les-Bains.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Luxeuil-les-Bains?
Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty of sites like Planey Spring, noting the strong blue color of its crystal-clear water. The panoramic views from spots like View of Blanzey are also highly rated. The historical significance and impressive architecture of places like Saint Columban Abbey and the thermal baths are also frequently highlighted by the komoot community.
Are there any archaeological sites in Luxeuil-les-Bains?
Yes, the Ecclesia Interpretation Center is an exceptional national archaeological site. It showcases the remains of the ancient Saint-Martin church, revealing 2,000 years of the town's history, including over 150 sarcophagi and the crypt of Saint Valbert. You can also discover the site of Gallo-Roman era pottery kilns, featuring six ancient ovens.
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