Cultural loop No. 15 - the authentic village

Indulge in the authenticity of the cobbled streets of Fontenoy-le-Château, a medieval village dominated by the ruins of a powerful castle.

For those who wish to learn more about the heritage of this municipality, don't miss our pedestrian route booklet on La Vôge.

1) With the construction of the Vosges canal, Fontenoy-le-Château became, at the end of the 19th century, a very busy commercial port for local producers and industries. When you exit the port, stop for a moment: in front of you, on the other side of the bridge, you can get a glimpse of the massive earthworks that were necessary for the excavation of the Vosges canal.
2) Turn left onto rue de la Libération and follow the small signs. Turn at the first right onto rue du canal, which will take you alongside the Vosges canal dug between 1872 and 1882, to restore French river connections following the annexation of Alsace and Moselle by Germany.
3) In the heart of the village of Montmotier, take the road that goes down to the left. You will then discover on your right the Charrières washhouse built in the 19th century in pink sandstone, in remarkable condition. Cross the canal and take the bike route to the left until the bridge of May 8, in Fontenoy-le-Château. Turn right and cross the Côney.
4) A little further, turn left into the small Moulins alley to discover the Tower of the Lombards, a remnant of the 15th-century fortifications. In the 16th century, moneylenders called generically "Lombards" installed their strongroom there, giving its name to this tower.
5) Upon reaching Place Gilbert, you will see in front of the town hall, the statue of the poet Nicolas Joseph Florent Gilbert born in Fontenoy-le-Château in 1750. Cross the cobbled street and take the road that ascends to the right. You will see the embroidery museum. In the first half of the 19th century, the town of Fontenoy-le-Château became a major center for white embroidery, exported to royal courts around the world. You will also pass near the Saint-Mansuy church, dating from the late 15th to early 16th century. Mainly in flamboyant Gothic style, it also has several typical Renaissance elements.
6) Continue ascending towards the ruins of the castle, of which the keep, established in the 10th century, is the oldest keep in Lorraine. A site of great strategic importance, the castle was reinforced several times to adapt to artillery. Ravaged during the Thirty Years' War, it was gradually dismantled. Continue straight ahead. At the intersection with the D40, turn right. Further along, at the crossroads, turn left, then immediately right. Follow this road until Trémonzey. Rejoin the D20 and return towards Fontenoy-le-Château. Shortly after entering the village, a small footbridge on your right will allow you to return to your starting point.