Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Maurice-Aux-Forges - Top 20

The region is rich in natural beauty, centered around its lakes and viewpoints. You can visit Lake Pierre-Percée, known for its maple leaf shape and surrounding fir forests, offering opportunities for hiking and water sports. Another beautiful spot is Lac de la Plaine, a serene reservoir ideal for cycling and hiking. For panoramic views, head to Raven Rock, which provides a bird's eye perspective of Lake Pierre-Percée.

Yes, the area offers several historical points of interest. The nearby village of Pierre-Percée features the ruins of a medieval château, notable for its 33-meter-deep well carved into the rock. The Vieux-Pré Dam, built in the 1980s, is also a significant man-made structure offering views of the lake and the Vosges. Further afield, the historic city of Épinal boasts the ruins of Épinal Castle, the Saint-Maurice Basilica, and Renaissance houses in Place Vosges.

The region is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and cycling. For hiking, popular routes include the 'Roche des Corbeaux Loop' and trails around Lake Pierre-Percée. Mountain biking offers challenging routes like 'View of the Lake – Vieux-Pré Dam loop'. Cyclists can explore routes such as 'Roche des Corbeaux by Pierre-Percée' or 'Les Bordes – Adventure park loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling around Saint-Maurice-Aux-Forges.

Absolutely! The region offers several family-friendly options. The village of Pierre-Percée itself is considered family-friendly, and the area around Raven Rock has picnic areas and a playground. Beyond the natural sites, you'll find an ADVENTURE PARK near Pierre-Percée, the amusement park Fraispertuis City, and Aqua Mundo for water-based fun.

For stunning panoramic views, Raven Rock is a must-visit, offering a bird's eye view of Lake Pierre-Percée through the fir trees. The Vieux-Pré Dam also provides beautiful overall views of the lake with the Vosges mountains in the background. In Épinal, the ruins of Épinal Castle offer historical insights alongside panoramic vistas.

Lake Pierre-Percée is a man-made lake renowned for its distinctive maple leaf shape, often compared to Canadian landscapes due to its setting among fir trees. It's a superb spot for hiking, mountain biking, and various water sports, attracting visitors year-round for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Yes, beyond the prominent lakes, the region features other interesting natural landmarks. The Raven Rock is a cone-shaped sandstone massif offering unique geological formations and views. You can also explore the Bois des Haies, a natural site, and the impressive sandstone boulders at Les Archettes, which stand out as distinct natural features.

Visitors frequently praise the superb spots for hiking and mountain biking, especially around Lake Pierre-Percée, which offers permanent pleasure in all seasons. The panoramic views from Raven Rock are also highly appreciated for their beauty and as a great place to take a break. The overall natural setting, with its lush vegetation and serene lakes like Lac de la Plaine, is often highlighted as one of the most beautiful areas in Alsace/Lorraine.

The Vieux-Pré Dam was constructed by EDF in the 1980s primarily to supply the Meurthe and Moselle rivers, compensating for the water needs of the Cattenom power station. Beyond its functional purpose, it offers very beautiful overall views of Lake Pierre-Percée, especially in autumn, and provides a backdrop of the Vosges mountains.

While Saint-Maurice-Aux-Forges itself has mentions of 'Vestiges des Forges' hinting at an industrial past, nearby cultural interests include the Collection Baccarat - Musée patrimonial, which might appeal to those interested in heritage collections. The city of Épinal also offers cultural sites like the Saint-Maurice Basilica and the Chapter Museum.

The region is enjoyable year-round, but for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports, the spring, summer, and early autumn months (roughly April to October) are ideal. During these periods, the weather is generally mild, and the natural landscapes, especially around Lake Pierre-Percée, are at their most vibrant.

Beyond the Vieux-Pré Dam, a notable man-made structure in the wider region is the Golbey canal bridge (Pont Barbelouze). Built between 1882 and 1885, this impressive structure serves as a historical site and is popular with cyclists and pedestrians.