Cleurie: Forest, Moorland and History
Accommodation in Cleurie
Cleurie combines forest and moorland landscapes with traces of local and regional history. When planning your trip, you can choose different focuses: observing nature, taking a longer hike or learning about the history of the area. The variety of themes makes Cleurie a destination that cannot be reduced to a single attraction.
Forest, Moorland and Protected Nature
Cleurie’s municipal forest covers about 310 hectares. In addition to timber production, it helps protect habitats and landscapes. Silver fir accounts for 60 percent of the municipal forest, significantly shaping its composition. Remarkable moorland flora can be found at Étang de l’Abîme, including round-leaved sundew, rosemary heath, sedges and peat mosses. The wetlands also support a diverse range of wildlife: the peat bogs of Abîme and Grande Charme are visited by forest and mountain birds and are home to specialist moorland insects.
Étang des Rubiades is another natural area with designated protected status. The INPN record, updated on June 12, 2024, lists it as a continental Type 1 ZNIEFF covering an area of 1.22 hectares and as a bird sanctuary under the European Birds Directive. Cleurie thus brings together a variety of natural features: forests, moorland flora and wetlands, as well as a designated bird sanctuary.
Hiking and Getting Around
The Sainte-Sabine loop is classified as a moderate route. It is 10 kilometers long, has 200 meters of elevation gain and takes an indicated three hours. Its distance, ascent and estimated duration provide concrete details to help you plan your day. The trail starts in Cleurie and passes nearby Pierre Kerlinkin and the Sainte-Sabine chapel. To drive to the loop, travel from Vagney to Cleurie town hall, then continue toward Col du Singe until you reach a granite marker pointing to the HĂŞtre de la Vierge.
Pierre Kerlinkin is a large boulder at an altitude of 745 meters. Its surface is marked by cup-shaped depressions and grooves, some of which were made by people. Cleurie’s soapbox derby track offers a different local attraction: it is 1.2 kilometers long, has five turns and regularly hosts regional championships, as well as occasional national ones. One of the national events mentioned took place in 2006.
Cultural Heritage and Regional History
The Croix Jacquotte is considered Cleurie’s oldest monument erected through popular piety. It was built a few years before 1671. Another glimpse into history can be found at Ferme La Charme Saint Romary, one of the area’s oldest farms, which has been worked since 1680. Granite quarrying is also part of local history: the granite business in Cleurie run by Roland Martinoli remained in operation until 1997.
On Grande Charme, a path passes Étang de l’Abîme and leads to the ruins of three former farms: Maison Jean Picot, Ferme Capat and the farm of the Tisserand family. The Sainte-Sabine chapel is also nearby. It dates from the 18th century and was built on the site of a 12th-century oratory. The tradition associated with Sainte-Sabine includes a pilgrimage on the last Saturday in August; check current dates before planning your trip around it.
A pilgrimage has been held at Fontaine Saint-Augustin on the last Sunday in August since 1978, as long as the health of the priest responsible allowed. Check before travelling to find out whether it is still held. Another local feature is the Quat'Sous cooperative brewery, which has been in operation since 2019 and produces organic beer and kombucha. The brewery also offers tours and tastings.
Discover more destinations: Gerbepal, Vittel, Raon-Aux-Bois, Saint-Julien, Lironcourt, Rambervillers, Remiremont, Morizécourt.
For the broader travel overview: Vosges.
