Bellefontaine: Hiking, Nature and Cultural Heritage

For a stay in Bellefontaine, marked hiking trails, the protected La Pierrache peat bog and historic buildings offer different ways to plan your visit. Trail information includes starting points, routes and distances; the town’s history is reflected in Saint-Blaise Church, a votive chapel, roadside crosses and fountains. This can help you decide whether to focus your trip on nature, hiking or architectural heritage.

Hiking Trails and Mountain Biking Route

The municipality offers two marked hiking trails. Both have little elevation change and are suitable for family hikes. The blue trail starts at Saint-Blaise Church and is approximately 12 kilometres long. This circular route passes through Bois du Seigneur, over Pont de Pierre and Pont Jeanson sud, through the forêt domaniale and to Fontaine St Blaise. The two municipal trails were officially opened to hikers in summer 2016.

The Pâquis des 6 Frères mountain biking route offers a different kind of outing. It starts within the municipality, at the town hall, and is listed as Route 23 on Épinal’s mountain biking map. It is 11.9 kilometres long, with an elevation change of 81 metres. The blue hiking trail and the mountain biking route are similar in length, at approximately 12 and 11.9 kilometres respectively. The hiking trail is described as having little elevation change and being suitable for family hikes; the mountain biking route has 81 metres of elevation change.

Nature at the La Pierrache Site

The La Pierrache peat bog in the municipality of Bellefontaine is a protected natural area. A path runs around the pond at Étang de la Pierrache, and information panels explain the local fauna and flora. The site’s protected status and the information along the pond path are two distinct aspects to keep in mind.

Individual visits to the La Pierrache site are self-guided and restricted to the outdoor areas. Check this access condition before your visit.

Church, Chapel and Local History

Saint-Blaise Church is on Grande rue, below the road, and is reached by a descent. The original church dates from 1006 and was rebuilt in the 16th and 18th centuries. The main construction phases took place in the 15th century and the second quarter of the 18th century. Surviving features include the bell tower with its portal, the western portal of the nave, part of the east wall and the rib-vaulted choir.

Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel was built in 1856 on the initiative of the clergy in connection with the cholera epidemic, and renovated in 2006. It is a votive chapel and is considered neoclassical. Roadside crosses and fountains also add to the picture of local history: Bellefontaine has around twenty roadside crosses dating from the 16th century onwards. The oldest is considered to be the Croix de Jaillerey, dating from 1552. The village’s three fountains include Fontaine Saint-Blaise and two visible fountains on Grande Rue.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Saint-Jean-D'ormont, Travexin, Mazirot, Fays, La Neuveville-devant-Lépanges, Rochesson, Denipaire, Raon-L'étape.

Go to the main travel overview: Vosges.