A fort, a church with a predecessor chapel traditionally dated to the 7th century, and a moderately difficult mountain bike tour give Pouxeux several clearly distinct travel interests. If you are looking for a hotel in Pouxeux, your first decision may be what you want to focus on during your stay: Would you like to explore local and military history or plan a bike ride?
Location and getting there
Pouxeux developed on the left bank of the Moselle, opposite the confluence with the Vologne. Regular bus routes connect the town with Épinal and Remiremont. Its connection to the river establishes Pouxeux’s geographical setting, while the bus routes provide a practical connection to the two cities mentioned. If you plan to use one of these routes, check the timetable before travelling.
Church and local history
Pouxeux’s church replaced an older chapel. Its origins are traditionally dated to the 7th century; the chapel was already dedicated to Saint Gorgon and Saint Nabord. The foundation stone of the church was blessed and laid on 16 September 1782. These dates mark different stages: the 7th century refers to the tradition surrounding the predecessor chapel, while 16 September 1782 marks the laying of the foundation stone of the later church. The dates therefore identify two successive phases of religious construction. This sequence makes it possible to trace the transition from the older chapel to the later church.
Fort d’Arches: construction and history
Fort d’Arches, formerly known as Fort Berwick, was built between 1875 and 1877 as part of the Haute Moselle defensive belt. It stands at an altitude of 475 metres and overlooks the Vologne and Moselle valleys. Its place in the defensive belt situates the fort within a wider military context; its elevation adds a connection to the surrounding landscape.
The fort was modernised several times and equipped with armour, a power station and a Galopin turret. These technical additions belong to a different phase of its development from its construction: they show that the fortress can be understood as having undergone several building and modernisation phases. During the First World War, the fort served as a training centre for mountain warfare. Its construction, technical modernisation and military use thus represent distinct stages in its history. ARFA is working to restore and enhance the fort.
Mountain bike tour to Dinozé
The “De Pouxeux à Dinozé par le canal de Vouzey” tour is a moderately difficult mountain bike route covering 23.1 kilometres. Its name describes the route from Pouxeux to Dinozé via the Vouzey Canal. Three details can be considered separately when planning: the activity (mountain biking), the 23.1-kilometre distance and the moderate difficulty rating. This lets you assess the tour by its length and difficulty rather than treating the two as the same measure. It offers an active option alongside the cultural and historical attractions of the church and fort.
Discover more destinations: Le Valtin, La Neuveville-devant-Lépanges, Ventron, Xonrupt-Longemer, Igney, Claudon, Remiremont, Docelles.
For the broader travel overview: Vosges.
