In Bellefontaine, two marked hiking trails with little elevation gain sit alongside a mountain biking route with a stated distance and elevation figure. Saint-Blaise Church, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel and the wayside crosses give the area a cultural and historical character. For nature lovers, the protected La Pierrache peat bog is another highlight.
Hiking trails with little elevation gain
The municipality offers two marked hiking trails. Both have little elevation gain and are suitable for family hikes. The blue trail starts at Saint-Blaise Church and is approximately 12 kilometres long. It passes through Bois du Seigneur, over Pont de Pierre and Pont Jeanson sud, through the forĂŞt domaniale and by Fontaine St Blaise. This gives the approximate distance as well as several landmarks along the route.
Mountain biking: a route of its own
Those considering a mountain bike route instead of a hike will find one in the municipality of Bellefontaine, starting at the town hall. The Pâquis des 6 Frères route is listed as route number 23 on Épinal’s mountain biking map; it is 11.9 kilometres long and has 81 metres of elevation gain. The mountain bike route and the blue hiking trail have similar distances, but are intended for different activities. Little elevation gain is stated for the hiking trails, while the mountain bike route has a specific elevation gain of 81 metres.
Saint-Blaise and the town’s architectural history
Saint-Blaise Church on Grande Rue has major construction phases dating from the 15th century and the second quarter of the 18th century. The original church dates from 1006; it was rebuilt in the 16th and 18th centuries. The bell tower with its portal, the western portal of the nave, part of the east wall and the rib-vaulted choir have survived. The building stands below street level and is reached by descending to it.
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is a votive chapel associated with an epidemic. It was built in 1856 in connection with the cholera epidemic and renovated in 2006. The chapel is considered neoclassical and was built at the initiative of the clergy. Its history links a specific year with the memory of the epidemic.
Smaller structures also contribute to the townscape: Bellefontaine has about twenty wayside crosses dating from the 16th century onward. The oldest is considered to be the Croix de Jaillerey, dating from 1552. The village has three fountains, including Fontaine Saint-Blaise and two visible fountains on Grande Rue.
La Pierrache: peat bog, pond and outdoor visit
La Pierrache peat bog 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. Individual visits to the La Pierrache site are self-guided and limited to the outdoor areas. Check the access rules before your visit.
The mountain bike route has its own distance and elevation figures. The town’s history and La Pierrache complement these activity options with cultural and nature-related highlights.
Discover more destinations: Monthureux-Sur-Saône, Saint-Maurice-Sur-Moselle, Neufchâteau, La Chapelle-Aux-Bois, Aumontzey, Raon-Sur-Plaine, Tendon, Xertigny.
For the main travel overview: Vosges.
