Discover Le Menil

There are many reasons to visit Le Menil: the history of its church and chapels, viewpoints, a waterfall, walking routes, climbing or crafts. When looking for a hotel, you can first decide which of these interests you want to shape your stay. Each place has its own distinctive features: at the Église Saint-Blaise, construction and furnishing dates take centre stage; at the Tête des Champs, the views extend over two valleys; and the Circuit poussette has a stated route length and duration.

Church and chapels

The Église Saint-Blaise was built in 1733 and remodelled in the 19th century. Its furnishings add later dates to the building’s history: the stained-glass windows date from 1947. Jean-Nicolas Jeanpierre built the organ in 1835; Henri Didier remodelled it in 1871. The church therefore illustrates several stages of construction and furnishing from different centuries.

The Chapelle de Pitié was rebuilt in 1948 after being destroyed in the war and restored by volunteers from the Association de la Voye. It is accessible by car and open year-round. As local conditions may change temporarily, check visiting conditions before setting out.

The Chapelle de la Salette is an old wayside shrine and can be reached on foot, including via a blue-marked trail to the Tête des Champs. This route is accessible outside periods of heavy snowfall. This makes the walk to the Salette different from the Chapelle de Pitié, which is specifically stated to be accessible by car.

Waterfall and viewpoints

The Cascade du Heuchau is in the commune of Le Menil at an altitude of 550 m. The waterfall may dry up during periods of drought; if you are coming specifically to see the water, bear this possibility in mind when planning your visit.

The orientation table at the Tête des Champs offers panoramic views from an altitude of 997 m: south over the Moselle Valley and north over the Moselotte Valley. At Grande Roche, there is a bench and a viewpoint overlooking the village of Le Menil and the Ballon de Servance; visibility depends on the weather. The views differ: at the Tête des Champs, both valley directions are named, while at Grande Roche, the village and the Ballon de Servance are in view.

Walking routes and climbing

The Circuit poussette Le Ménil is a 2.7 km circular route that takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. It starts at the Bureau d'information touristique du Ménil. Trail conditions and signage may change, so check local information before setting out. To compare the two circular routes mentioned, the starting point is also important: the Circuit de la Chapelle de Pitié begins at the car park of the Parcours sportif (Chalet Tutur). Check route details locally after weather events.

The Tête de Beaudevé climbing area is suitable for beginners and has around 15 routes graded from 3 to 6, mostly in grades 4 and 5. Beaudevé is a former quarry: there is a climbing wall on the south side and a resting place and viewpoint on the north side. Sculptures by a local artist stand on both sides. These different areas define the character of the former quarry; check equipment and safety conditions on site.

Crafts in Le Menil

L'Atelier de Lydie is a pottery and ceramics workshop. Unique pieces are made there entirely by hand, from design to completion. The Atelier de jouets en bois welcomes visitors to its workshop, where wooden toys are displayed and offered for sale. The two places highlight different crafts: ceramics at one, and wooden toys on display and for sale at the other. Check the toy workshop’s current opening days before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Tendon, Epinal, Taintrux, Raon-L'étape, Domrémy-la-Pucelle, Landaville, Le Tholy, Les Voivres.

For the regional travel overview: Vosges.