Heritage loop No. 9 - Bouzey and its forts

Initially built to serve as a reservoir for the Vosges canal, the Bouzey site is now a place for leisure and relaxation.

From your starting point, leave the bike route and take the road to Darnieulles. In the Middle Ages, Darnieulles was the capital of a barony.
1) Its castle is one of the oldest in the Vosges. Demolished in the 18th century, you will pass near its ruins.
2) In Uxegney, you will pass by the Saint-Romaric church, but you will especially discover an impressive fort dating from 1882 built by General Séré de Rivières. Taken over by a dynamic association that organizes many guided tours, you can discover a large number of facilities still in place. Several times, this route will lead you along the Vosges canal, dug between 1872 and 1882, to restore French river connections following the annexation of Alsace and Moselle by Germany. For nearly a century, it was a true economic artery of the territory, generating the establishment of numerous factories and companies along its course and leading to economic and demographic growth in the area.
3) A little further on, in Sanchey, you can discover a structure similar to the Uxegney fort: the Sanchey battery. Built between 1881 and 1883, it is also part of the fortified complex of the Place d’Épinal. It notably features an exceptional functioning drawbridge, activated during the European Heritage Days.
4) Shortly after, you will arrive at the Bouzey water plan. Built between 1878 and 1884 to serve as a reservoir for the Vosges canal, it has also become a highly appreciated leisure area, equipped with monitored swimming zones (in season), pedal boat rentals, a walking circuit, and panels on the local wildlife and flora.

Option: 5) Those who wish can take a small detour into the heart of the forest to discover the Comtesse pond, a protected site under the ENS (Sensitive Natural Areas). Indeed, the upstream part of the pond is home to a peat bog of great ecological and landscape value.

6) On the other side of the lake stood the great Abbey of Chaumousey, which thrived in the area throughout the Middle Ages. Completely destroyed, only a few isolated remnants remain.
7) On the road to Girancourt, you will discover the Croix des Brûlées. According to ancient traditions, this cross is said to be located where supposed witches were burned between 1550 and 1630. In Girancourt, your route will lead you to the Saint-Brice church, built between 1720 and 1722. Following the canal, you will then return to your starting point.