In Hennezel, stories of glassmaking meet a landscape whose ponds and forests have long been connected with local land use. The Musée du verre, du fer, du bois et de la résistance explores the former activities carried out in the Vôge forest. A named walking trail starts at the museum, alongside seasonal activities and a workshop that requires reservations. You can therefore make cultural history and different experiences the focus of your trip.
Glassmaking traditions at the museum and in the village
The Musée du verre, du fer, du bois et de la résistance is the only conservatory dedicated to the former activities of the Vôge forest. Its six themed rooms illustrate five centuries of local craft traditions. The glassmaking galleries trace developments from the glass masters of the late Middle Ages to modern glass production in the 1950s. This broad perspective goes beyond a single period in the village’s history, bringing together different eras of glassmaking.
Another point in time to note is around 1400: glass masters from Bohemia cleared the extensive Hennezel forest and created large clearings; several glassmaking families settled there. This history can be read alongside the long time span covered by the museum’s collection: the beginnings of glassmaking in the forest are presented alongside an account that reaches up to glass production in the 1950s.
For those who would like to explore the village’s history not only in the galleries but also on a walk, there is the “Sur les traces des Maîtres verriers” discovery trail. It starts at the Musée du verre de Hennezel-Clairey, takes two and a half hours and is rated moderate.
The more recent history includes 14 September 1944: on that day, a column of armoured vehicles from the RBFM (Régiment blindé de fusiliers marins), under the command of Lieutenant de vaisseau Chavanne, reached Hennezel from the direction of Darney. This episode is part of the village’s liberation history and adds a distinct historical note alongside its older craft traditions.
Forest, Ourche and ponds
At least thirty ponds in Hennezel are still maintained today. The role of the Ourche can be considered separately: it flows through the area and was harnessed for hydropower.
At the 19th edition of the Fête de l’Ourche in Hennezel-Clairey, a rally in the morning led through the forest and along the valley’s ponds. The programme may vary from one edition to another.
Workshop, blueberries and wellness
OAZO offers a five-hour workshop on wild herbs and edible woodland cuisine, which must be booked in advance. It teaches participants how to prepare more than twenty wild and woodland plants. The programme includes a visit, plant gathering and the preparation of a complete menu, from aperitif to dessert. Afterwards, participants eat together. Book in advance and confirm the latest programme details beforehand, as the workshop may change.
A seasonal activity is available at Ferme Briseverre: blueberries can be picked there in July and August. As seasonal availability may change, it is advisable to confirm before visiting.
The Association OAZO also offers wellness massages in Hennezel. Appointments and availability may change, so check in advance. The workshop and the massage are separate activities, even though both are associated with OAZO.
Allow time for your own priorities
The time estimates help you plan two different activities: the walking trail takes two and a half hours, while the workshop lasts five hours. The workshop is therefore the longer activity; the trail takes less time. Which combination suits your trip depends on how much time you have and whether you are interested in crafts, local history or wild herb cuisine. For blueberry picking, the relevant period is the stated seasonal window in July and August.
Discover more destinations: Lamarche, GĂ©rardmer, Housseras, Tendon, Herpelmont, Ainvelle, Bussang, Corcieux.
For the broader travel guide: Vosges.
