Attractions and Places To See around Nompatelize - Top 20

La Fontenelle (hill 627) forms a remarkable “balcony” overlooking the Rabodeau and Hure valleys. This strategic location, initially held by the French, was captured by the Germans on 22 June 1915. After a perfectly coordinated attack, the French recaptured the site on 8 and 9 July 1915 and held it until the end of the war. La Fontenelle was also the scene of a short mine warfare.

Super nice view

Two prominent rocks form a great viewing point here. They are connected by a bridge and can be reached via a staircase. On the first rock you will find a panoramic map on the brick parapet. There is a natural bench under this rock. The German command post for this section of the front during the First World War is also located here. It was fortified with reinforced concrete in 1916.

magnificent view of Senones

The Celtic camp of the Bure is a fortified plateau bordering the Haute-Meurthe valley in the Grand-East of France. The plateau, now wooded, lies between the communes of Saint-Dié-des-Vosges and that of Hurbache, at the western end of the Ormont massif. This site, known for 23 years of archaeological research from 1964 to 1986, has been classified as a Historical Monument since August 6, 1982. The site has been inhabited since at least the Neolithic period. Then used intensively by the Celts and later by the Romans. There is a lot to see from that time, also because there have not been any settlement activities worth mentioning for a long time. More information e.g. here: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_celtique_de_la_Bure

At this viewpoint stands a steel observation capsule from the First World War. It's hard to believe that brutal trench warfare took place here in 1914/15. Today, the landscape offers a peaceful view of meadows and forests.

La Fontanelle - military cemetery and battlefield Here are buried some French soldiers who lost their lives on the battlefield of Hill 627, as the military name goes, defending France against the German invaders in the First World War. There are several paths here, including around the old battlefield. The shortest way is about 600 meters long and also suitable for wheelchairs. There are some information boards with photos from the period 1914/15, when a cruel trench warfare took place here, which also killed three hamlets that were never rebuilt. At the car park there are large information boards in three languages (French, English and German). Ancient trenches and fortified positions can still be found throughout the area. Unfortunately, also ammunition that did not detonate and can therefore pose a great danger to the curious person. Take care of your children and leave any finds lying around. Here is some information in German: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Fontenelle

As early as the 7th century, Deodatus (French Dieudonné), who was revered by the people as a saint, is said to have founded a monastery here, from which a community of canons then developed in the 10th century. At that time the church wore the patron saint of St. Mauritius. The diocese of Saint-Dié was only established in 1777 by Pope Pius VI. († 1799) built. The church building, which was built in different architectural styles, was blown up by the Germans in 1944, destroying the entire nave and the choir area along with their vaults. The reconstruction lasted until 1974; in this year the church was newly consecrated. Most of the stained glass windows were made and inserted in the 1980s. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_Saint-Di%C3%A9