When planning a trip to Les Voivres, nature at Étang Lallemand and the historical traces along the Sentier des Pierres circular trail take centre stage. The pond and adjoining wetlands lie within the commune and are among the natural areas designated as “Espaces naturels sensibles” by the Vosges department. The story ranges from the history of former forges to wetlands and aquatic ecology. Depending on your interests, you can focus on the hike, the short discovery trail by the pond or environmental activities.
Étang Lallemand: Natural Setting and Industrial History
Étang Lallemand was created in 1572 as a reservoir for the canton’s first forges. Its history links the pond to the area’s industrial past; at the same time, the pond and adjoining wetlands are among the natural areas designated by the Vosges department. The pond is also home to the approximately 350-metre-long Art et Nature discovery trail, which features educational artworks. This trail offers a different focus from a hike defined primarily by its distance. Day fishing is also possible at the pond.
Hiking the Sentier des Pierres
The Sentier des Pierres is a 7.7-kilometre circular trail, rated easy, with an estimated duration of about three hours. This approximate time gives you a guide for planning your day; check trail conditions before setting out. Its distance, circular format and stated duration make the hike a clearly defined activity.
The ruins of the Forge Quenot, a former ironworks, remain along the Sentier des Pierres. The route therefore also passes a tangible reminder of the area’s former iron industry. At around 350 metres, the Art et Nature discovery trail by the pond is considerably shorter than the 7.7-kilometre circular trail: the two routes differ in scale and offer different options for planning.
Historical Traces from Different Eras
The Pont des Fées is a remnant of a Roman bridge. The Chapelle de Bonne-Espérance dates from the Second French Empire and was renovated by volunteers. Together with Étang Lallemand, created in 1572, these sites offer different historical points of reference: a Roman bridge, the early history of the forges and a chapel from the Second French Empire. The renovation adds the aspect of preservation to the chapel’s architectural history.
Environmental Topics and Traditional Cuisine
L'eaudici’s environmental activities explore the pond ecosystem, insects, freshwater fish and crayfish. The forest programme has a different focus: it includes searching for signs of wildlife, topics relating to fauna and flora, and night-time outings. L'eaudici offers workshops, outings and lectures; individual programmes may change. The range of topics therefore extends from aquatic ecosystems to signs of wildlife in the forest.
The Restaurant du Pont des Fées serves traditional cuisine as a hot and cold buffet and has a terrace. It is suitable for groups, birthdays and family celebrations. If you plan a meal or event there, check the offerings and services in advance, as they may change.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Julien, Frapelle, Le Thillot, Champ-Le-Duc, Neufchâteau, Xonrupt-Longemer, Saint-Dié-Des-Vosges, Faucompierre
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