Le Tholy stands out for its hillside location: it is one of the few villages in the Vosges built on a slope. Marked trails, cultural traces and regional products offer various starting points for planning your trip—from a hike to a glimpse into the village’s history.
Hikes and Mountain Bike Tours
Le Tholy has more than 55 kilometres of signposted hiking trails. The local trail network includes nine signposted and mapped hikes ranging from 2 to 14 kilometres, as well as six mountain bike circuits ranging from 10 to 25 kilometres. More than 110 kilometres of signposted mountain bike trails are also available for all levels of difficulty. These figures give an overview of the different trail lengths and options; details vary from one route to another.
One named hike leads to the Trou de l’Enfer. It is classified as moderately difficult, is 5.8 kilometres long, has 200 metres of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The route may be impassable in bad weather. Take weather conditions into account when planning, rather than relying on the approximate duration alone.
One specific mountain bike option is the family-friendly circuit no. 1, “Les Roches de la Moulure,” on the heights above Le Tholy. The circuit is 22.3 kilometres long and has 670 metres of positive elevation gain.
There is also an option explicitly suitable for hiking with a pushchair: circular route no. 10, “Les croix de chemin,” is fully signposted and follows small roads, forest tracks and paths. The route can be walked with a pushchair. Another trace of history is the Sentier du Blaireau: from 1993, ASPET (Association de Sauvegarde du Patrimoine et de l’Environnement du Tholy) laid it out with advice from the Conservatoire des Sites Lorrains.
Church, Crafts and Local History
The Église Saint-Joseph is protected in its entirety as a French historic monument. It was listed by decree on 10 February 2014. Its stained glass is also noteworthy: it was Gabriel Loire’s first use of the dalle de verre technique in the region. If you are interested in architecture and the history of religious buildings, the church offers a tangible cultural point of interest in Le Tholy.
The Maison des artisans hosts an exhibition of craft objects and products during opening hours. Check when visits are possible before you go. The film “Les Grandes Gueules” was shot in Cellet. The Haut Fer, a sawmill powered by a waterwheel, was also once located there.
Le Tholy was established around the middle of the 16th century following a large influx of people from Alsace.
Puzzles, Climbing and Regional Products
Randoland Le Tholy is a family-friendly treasure hunt with puzzle sheets for children aged 4 to 6, 7 to 9, and 9 to 12. Participants explore historical, architectural and natural features. The puzzle sheets are available to download or from the tourist office. The age groups help you choose an option suited to the ages of the children taking part.
For climbing, the natural site “Le Champ du Bois” in Le Rain Brice, Le Tholy, is open to the public free of charge. For regional products, two places offer different options: Ferme Babel offers farm tours by reservation only and sells goat’s cheese, cow’s cheese, eggs and honey. La Cave au Gérômé offers regional products, farmhouse cheeses, smoked specialities from the Vosges, honey and jams, as well as themed tastings. Check with them in advance for current visiting arrangements.
Discover more destinations: Moyemont, Châtenois, Plainfaing, Coussey, Epinal, Hennezel, Ban-De-Laveline, Ban-De-Sapt
For the wider travel overview: Vosges.
