Attractions and Places To See around Vesoul - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Vesoul include a mix of historical architecture, natural landscapes, and cultural sites in the Haute-Saône department of eastern France. The town features a well-preserved medieval center and offers panoramic views from its surrounding hills. Visitors can explore local history, art, and natural features like lakes and nature reserves. This region provides diverse points of interest for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Vesoul
- The most popular attractions is Savoyeux Tunnel, an other man-made structure that is an underground canal diverting the Saône. Completed in 1843, this 642.5-meter-long tunnel allowed navigation by cutting a meander in the river.
- Another must-see spot is View from Ormoy-Richecourt bridge, a river viewpoint. This bridge, built in 1844, spans the Saône and its canal, offering views of the two waterways and their differing levels.
- Visitors also love Saint-Albin Canal Tunnel, a tunnel-canal classified as a historical monument. This 681-meter-long structure was built between 1838 and 1882 to avoid a long detour of the Saône.
- Vesoul is known for its historical sites, man-made monuments, and natural features. The area offers a variety of attractions, from medieval centers and churches to scenic viewpoints and nature reserves, providing diverse exploration opportunities.
- The attractions around Vesoul are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 90 upvotes and 16 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Savoyeux Tunnel
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Ray-sur-Saône washhouse
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Pont de Pierre of Gray
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Saint-Hilaire Gate
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The Forges of Pesmes
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For the "Musée des Forges" there are only guided tours for groups of at least 4 people.
Please inquire here for more details:
Phone 06 79 85 59 87
email: CAP.Pesmes@free.fr
The Château des Forges, which is directly opposite the ironworks, dates from the late 17th century and was the residence of the ironworks owner. It is privately owned and cannot be visited.
Please make sure to do the small island hike. The footbridge, the barrage of the Ognon and the island that the Ognon forms here are well worth seeing.
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View from Ormoy-Richecourt bridge
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Historic Center of Marnay
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Very prosperous in the Middle Ages, due to its trade and its artisans. There has been a cloth hall there since the 14th century, after Jeanne de Bourgogne, countess of Franche-Comté and queen of King Philippe V the Long of France, brought weavers from Paris there.
From June 14, 1354 and until the Revolution, the bourgeoisie of Marnay had a charter of emancipation which ensured them security and abundance - "anyone who has a house and keeps fire in the village will be bourgeois". This charter allowed residents to administer the city themselves and thus build ramparts and set up the individual gardens that can still be found there today.
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Jussey
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Apremont Dam
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Thus, the original dam dating from the 1840s was equipped with a fish pass and a footbridge on which pedestrians and cyclists can circulate to cross the watercourse.
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Saint-Albin Canal Tunnel
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Its construction was the subject of two phases of work, the war campaigns having interrupted the construction site. It started in 1838 and ended in 1882.
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It was through the Saint-Hilaire gate that, in 1477, the French soldiers of Louis XI invaded the town. Using the Trojan Horse ruse, Marshal de Craon brought carts filled with barrels and wheat from the villages of Mutigney and Chassey. The inhabitants of Pesmes allowed the carts to enter, and as soon as they passed through the gate, the soldiers appeared.
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For over 300 years, the blast furnaces, renowned throughout France, produced cannonballs initially for the King's army and later for the armies of the Republic. From the 19th century onward, this industry shifted to manufacturing small agricultural and winemaking tools. Guided tours are available by reservation through Culture et Animations Pesmoises.
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With its imperial bell tower typical of the Franche-Comté region, the Church invites you to travel back in time through its construction where the 13th, 14th and 16th centuries intertwine and offers you a journey through varied artistic influences: Burgundian, Comtois and Champenoise.
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A curiosity of river navigation
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The washhouse with the oval washbasin was built in 1844.
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The highlight here is taken from the resting point above the exit. There is also a table here.
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You don't see that every day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in and around Vesoul?
Vesoul boasts a rich history. You can wander through the well-preserved medieval historic center, characterized by 15th to 18th-century houses and mansions. Key historical landmarks include the 18th-century Church of Saint-Georges, the Palace of Justice, and private mansions like Hôtel Thomassin and Hôtel Henrion de Magnoncourt. Beyond the town, you can visit the Ray-sur-Saône washhouse, a unique oval-basin structure built in 1844, or the Historic Center of Marnay.
Where can I find the best panoramic views near Vesoul?
For breathtaking panoramic views, ascend La Motte hill to the Chapel Notre-Dame-de-la-Motte. From its 380-meter elevation, you can see Vesoul, the plain, the Vosges, the Jura, and even the Alps on clear days. Another scenic spot is the View from Ormoy-Richecourt bridge, which offers a lovely perspective of the Saône river and its canal.
What natural features can I explore around Vesoul?
Nature lovers will appreciate several spots. La Motte Hill, beyond its views, is a prominent limestone formation. The Le Sabot Nature Reserve (Sabot de Frotey) offers a 2-kilometer trail to observe various plant species and a unique hoof-shaped rock formation. Just a few kilometers from town, Lake Vesoul-Vaivre is a significant natural attraction for leisure and bird-watching.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Vesoul?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The English Garden (Jardin Anglais) features a rose garden, themed flower beds, and a children's play area, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Many historical sites like the Ray-sur-Saône washhouse and the Saint-Hilaire Gate are also marked as family-friendly, offering interesting sights for all ages.
What unique man-made structures are worth visiting near Vesoul?
The region features some fascinating engineering marvels. Don't miss the Savoyeux Tunnel, an underground canal completed in 1843 to divert the Saône. Another impressive structure is the Saint-Albin Canal Tunnel, a 681-meter-long historical monument built to avoid a long river detour. The Apremont Dam, with its fixed and mobile parts and a pedestrian/cyclist footbridge, is also notable.
What outdoor activities can I do near Vesoul's attractions?
The area around Vesoul is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for running, hiking, and gravel biking. For running, explore loops around Lake Vesoul-Vaivre. Hikers can enjoy trails like the 'Grasslands loop' or 'Marnaysian loop'. Gravel biking offers longer adventures, such as the 'Saint-Albin Canal Tunnel loop'. You can find detailed routes and guides for these activities on the Running Trails around Vesoul, Hiking around Vesoul, and Gravel biking around Vesoul guide pages.
Are there easy hiking trails around Vesoul?
Yes, there are easy hiking options available. For instance, the 'Fondremand, a small, characterful town' route is an easy 2.8 km hike. Many other trails around Vesoul offer moderate difficulty, providing accessible options for various fitness levels. Check the Hiking around Vesoul guide for more details on easy routes.
When is the best time to visit Vesoul's attractions?
Vesoul's attractions can be enjoyed throughout the year. For outdoor activities and exploring natural features like La Motte Hill or Lake Vesoul-Vaivre, spring and summer offer pleasant weather. Historical sites and museums are accessible year-round. The town's market halls are active on Thursday and Saturday mornings, providing a cultural experience regardless of the season.
What cultural experiences does Vesoul offer?
Vesoul provides several cultural points of interest. The Musée Georges Garret (Fine Arts and Archeology / Musée Gérôme), housed in the former Ursuline Convent, showcases local art and archaeological artifacts, including works by Jean-Léon Gérôme. The Covered Market Halls host vibrant markets on Thursday and Saturday mornings, offering local produce. The Town Hall also features a chapel with temporary exhibitions and a monumental fresco.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Vesoul?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical architecture and natural landscapes. The well-preserved medieval center, the panoramic views from La Motte Hill, and the unique engineering of the canal tunnels are frequently highlighted. The peaceful atmosphere of places like the English Garden and the natural beauty of Lake Vesoul-Vaivre also receive positive feedback, making the region appealing for diverse interests.
Are there any notable bridges or river viewpoints in the area?
Yes, the region has several interesting bridges and river viewpoints. The View from Ormoy-Richecourt bridge, built in 1844, spans the Saône and its canal, offering distinct views of the waterways. Further afield, the Pont de Pierre of Gray is another significant historical bridge worth seeing.
Most popular routes around Vesoul
Most popular attractions around Vesoul
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