Attractions and Places To See in Haute-Saône - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Haute-Saône, a department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of Central France, offers a diverse range of attractions. This area is characterized by tranquil countryside, charming villages, and a rich heritage, providing a blend of natural beauty and cultural sites. Visitors can explore a variety of landscapes, from picturesque ponds to mountain summits, alongside historical landmarks.
Best attractions and places to see in Haute-Saône
- The most popular attractions is La Planche des Belles Filles, a summit known for its challenging cycling ascent. This summit has been a finish line for the Tour de France multiple times.
- Another must-see spot is Ballon de Servance, a summit in the Vosges mountains. The highest point in the Haute-Saône department, its summit is accessible to the public.
- Visitors also love Savoyeux Tunnel, an underground canal that diverts the Saône. This 642.5-meter-long tunnel facilitates navigation on the Saône by cutting a meander in the river.
- Haute-Saône is known for its natural features like the Plateau des Mille Étangs, historical sites such as castles, and religious buildings. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from modern architecture to medieval fortresses.
- The attractions in Haute-Saône are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 230 upvotes and 60 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: October 9, 2026
La Planche des Belles Filles
Highlight • Summit
La Planche-des-Belles-Filles has been the finish line of a stage of the Tour de France 5 times.
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Col des Croix
Highlight • Mountain Pass
At the top, you will find the well-known Le Chalet Snack du Col des Croix, and the road splits towards the D16 (Route des Forts), the route that continues to the higher Ballon de Servance.
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Ballon de Servance
Highlight • Summit
The highest point in the Haute-Saône department, the Ballon de Servance is partly requisitioned by the army but the summit is accessible to the public.
Access roads partially close in winter because the road is not cleared of snow.
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Mont de Fourche Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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View from Ormoy-Richecourt bridge
Highlight • River
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Ascent to the Servance balloon from Plancher-Bas
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
The road is little used by cars and the road surface is of good quality. The vegetation is quite dense and allows an ascent mainly in the shade in summer.
Please note, in winter access is not guaranteed because the roads are not cleared of snow and may therefore be closed to traffic.
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Ray-sur-Saône washhouse
Highlight • Monument
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Chevrères Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Savoyeux Tunnel
Highlight • Structure
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Pont de Pierre of Gray
Highlight • Bridge
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Tips from the Community
De Col des Croix is a 679-meter-high mountain pass in the French Vogezen massif, located on the border of the Vosges and Haute-Saône departments. The pass forms an accessible connecting road (the D486) between the northern Le Thillot and the southern Servance. At the top, you will find the well-known Le Chalet Snack du Col des Croix, and the road splits towards the D16 (Route des Forts), the route that continues to the higher Ballon de Servance.
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The end of the climb is somewhat disappointing. There is nothing marked. No photo opportunity. You have a small parking lot, a closed military road, and a picnic spot well hidden under the trees. At the two yellow signs (mainly for hikers) there is the only indication that you are at the Ballon de Servance and at 1158 m. The climb is "cozy". No cars, completely shaded, a few kilometer markers.
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Officially, this beautiful climb is 18 km long, but the first 8 km are rather flat. At the fork at the water tower (Ballon de Servance or Planche de Belles Filles), the real climb begins. The last 7 km have a gradient between 5 and 9%. The top is rather disappointing. The end is closed off as a military road and there is nothing to see. Not even a reference to the col/top. There is a small parking area and a picnic spot. The descent is quite short when you ride to the Col de la Croix. The Ballon de Servance is one of the three "Ballons" in the area.
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A small pass after the Ballon de Severance. Refreshment stand with a view.
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Very beautiful small route in wild nature. Nothing to see at the summit but a parking lot to take a break. Access to the summit of the Ballon is in a military area.
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The washhouse with the oval washbasin was built in 1844.
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The highlight here is taken from the resting point above the exit. There is also a table here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places for hiking in Haute-Saône?
Haute-Saône offers diverse hiking opportunities. The Ballon de Servance, located in the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, is the highest point in the department and accessible to the public, offering great trails. The Plateau des Mille Étangs, often called 'Little Finland,' is another unique landscape perfect for walking and observing wildlife. For specific routes, you can explore waterfall hikes or easy hikes in the region.
Are there good cycling routes in Haute-Saône?
Yes, Haute-Saône is a popular destination for cyclists. La Planche des Belles Filles is a famous summit known for its challenging ascent, having been a finish line for the Tour de France multiple times. The Saône Valley also provides ideal conditions for cycling. You can find various road cycling routes, including loops around the 'Petite Finlande' or combining La Planche des Belles Filles with the Ballon de Servance.
What historical sites should I visit in Haute-Saône?
Haute-Saône is rich in history. The Chapel of Notre-Dame du Haut in Ronchamp, a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Le Corbusier, is a masterpiece of modern religious architecture. You can also explore the 12th-century Château d'Oricourt, the best-preserved fortified castle in Franche-Comté, or the historic spa town of Luxeuil-les-Bains with its ancient Abbey of St. Columban.
Where can I enjoy scenic views in Haute-Saône?
For breathtaking views, head to the Ballon de Servance, the highest point in the department. The Motte hill in Vesoul offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscape. The Château de Ray-sur-Saône, overlooking the Saône valley, also provides stunning vistas. Additionally, the Monts de Gy feature dry grasslands with exceptional flora and offer great viewpoints.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in Haute-Saône?
Many attractions in Haute-Saône are suitable for families. The Savoyeux Tunnel, an underground canal, is an interesting historical site. The Lac de Vesoul-Vaivre offers pleasant lakeside walks and various nautical activities, including swimming, perfect for a family day out. Exploring the charming historic center of Vesoul or visiting the Château de Champlitte, which houses a museum of popular arts and traditions, can also be engaging for all ages.
What natural landscapes are unique to Haute-Saône?
Haute-Saône is home to several unique natural features. The Plateau des Mille Étangs, also known as 'Little Finland,' is a distinctive landscape formed by glacial retreat, featuring numerous picturesque ponds and rare ecosystems. The Tourbière de la Grande Pile in Saint-Germain is an internationally recognized preserved peat bog, significant for its ecological value.
What is the best time to visit Haute-Saône for outdoor activities?
The best time for outdoor activities in Haute-Saône is generally from spring to autumn. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant for hiking, cycling, and water sports. Some roads, particularly those leading to higher elevations like the Ballon de Servance, may partially close in winter due to snow, making spring and summer ideal for accessing all areas.
Can I find cultural experiences beyond historical buildings?
Absolutely. You can visit the La Rochère Glassworks, the oldest art glassworks in France still in operation since 1475, to witness traditional glassmaking expertise. The Musée Georges-Garret in Vesoul offers insights into the town's history through its archaeology and fine arts collections. Additionally, the Château de Champlitte houses a departmental museum showcasing the daily life of peasants from the past.
Are there opportunities for water-based activities?
Yes, the region offers several water-based activities. The winding Saône River is perfect for gentle riverboat cruises, while the Ognon River is popular for canoeing and other watersports. Near Vesoul, the Lac de Vesoul-Vaivre provides opportunities for swimming and other nautical activities.
What do visitors enjoy most about Haute-Saône?
Visitors frequently praise Haute-Saône for its tranquil countryside, charming villages, and rich heritage. The region offers a peaceful escape, blending natural beauty with cultural sites. Many appreciate the challenging cycling ascents like La Planche des Belles Filles and the serene, less-trafficked routes around the Ballon de Servance. The unique landscapes of the Plateau des Mille Étangs also receive high acclaim for their beauty and wildlife.
Are there any military history sites to visit?
Yes, you can explore the Fort du Mont-Vaudois, which overlooks Héricourt. This military fort showcases 19th-century military ingenuity, combining the heritage of Vauban with more modern innovations, offering a glimpse into the region's defensive past.
What is there to see in the capital city, Vesoul?
Vesoul, the capital of Haute-Saône, features a charming historic center with narrow lanes and impressive Renaissance and classical architecture. Key sights include the Church of Saint-Georges and the Préfecture gardens. Don't miss climbing the Motte hill for panoramic views of the town and its surroundings. The Musée Georges-Garret also offers insights into Vesoul's history.
Are there any notable castles in Haute-Saône?
Haute-Saône boasts several impressive castles. The Château d'Oricourt is the best-preserved fortified castle in Franche-Comté, offering a glimpse into medieval life. Overlooking the Saône valley, the magnificent Château de Ray-sur-Saône provides guided tours and stunning views. The Château de Champlitte houses a museum, and the elegant 19th-century Château de Villersexel is also open for visits.
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