Attractions and Places To See around Arches - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Arches include a variety of historical sites, natural rock formations, and architectural landmarks within the Vosges department of France. The region offers opportunities to explore man-made structures like canal bridges and ancient fortifications, alongside natural features such as sandstone cliffs. These diverse points of interest reflect the area's rich heritage and varied landscape.
Best attractions and places to see around Arches
- The most popular attractions is Sandstone boulders at Les Archettes, a…
Last updated: May 25, 2026
Golbey canal bridge
Highlight • Structure
It was built between 1882 and 1885 and was used to transport …
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Sandstone boulders at Les Archettes
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Épinal
Highlight • Settlement
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The Basilica of Saint-Maurice
Highlight • Religious Site
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Fort du Parmont
Highlight • Historical Site
And thus a forerunner of the built in 1930 Maginot Line.
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Épinal consists of two distinct districts stretching across the Moselle: the historic district is on the right bank, and the new town is on the left. The thousand-year-old old town features the charming Place Vosges, lined with arcaded Renaissance houses, such as the Maison des Vogts (Bailiff's House) from 1604, the basilica, the covered market hall, and the Chapter Museum. Classified as a Historic Monument, the Saint-Maurice Basilica, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, was long a place of pilgrimage. Its architecture combines several styles, including Gothic, Champagne, and Burgundy.
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Epinal is a beautiful, compact town on the Moselle. The first stop on any Moselle cycling tour. Perhaps you can take the time to visit the castle ruins.
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On the route from Epinal to Nancy, you drive along the canal, which then crosses the Moselle at this bridge. The bridge structure can be seen below.
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Here you drive/walk alongside the canal, which in turn crosses the Moselle. It's kind of crazy.
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Located in the heart of the Vosges, Épinal is a dynamic city that combines heritage, culture and nature. Its green face, with the conifer and beech forests of the plateaus visible from the city center, makes the town particularly pleasant.
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historic canal bridge over the Moselle
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The Saint-Maurice basilica of Epinal is a Catholic basilica located in the French commune of Épinal. https://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilique_Saint-Maurice_d%27%C3%89pinal
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The sandstone rocks are made of red sandstone.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of attractions can I find around Arches?
The region around Arches in the Vosges department of France offers a diverse range of attractions, including historical sites, natural rock formations, and architectural landmarks. You can explore man-made structures like canal bridges and ancient fortifications, alongside natural features such as sandstone cliffs.
Are there any notable natural features to explore near Arches?
Yes, a prominent natural feature is the Sandstone boulders at Les Archettes. These huge sandstone cliffs are located between Remiremont and Epinal, offering a striking natural sight.
What historical sites are worth visiting in the Arches area?
The area boasts several historical sites. You can visit The Basilica of Saint-Maurice in Épinal, a Roman Catholic basilica built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Another significant historical site is Fort du Parmont near Remiremont, a 19th-century fortification that was part of the 'barrier de fer' defense system.
Are there any interesting architectural landmarks around Arches?
Absolutely. The Golbey canal bridge, also known as Barbelouze bridge, is a notable man-made and historical structure. Built between 1882 and 1885, it spans the Moselle at Golbey and is supported by stone arches.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The region around Arches is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and mountain biking. For hiking, explore trails like the 'La Salière du Loup loop from Épinal' or the 'Trail of the X loop from Dinozé'. For cycling, consider routes such as the 'Golbey canal bridge – Canal bridge over the Moselle loop from Épinal' for gravel biking, or the 'Archette Forest at Noirgueux loop from Arches' for mountain biking. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Hiking around Arches, Gravel biking around Arches, and MTB Trails around Arches.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Arches area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Both the Golbey canal bridge and The Basilica of Saint-Maurice are categorized as family-friendly, offering accessible points of interest for all ages.
What is Épinal like, and what can I see there?
Épinal is the capital of the French department of Vosges, known for its dynamic blend of heritage, culture, and nature. Its picturesque old town is vibrant and offers good dining options. The city is surrounded by conifer and beech forests, making it a pleasant place to visit. Don't miss The Basilica of Saint-Maurice while you're there.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Arches?
Visitors appreciate the diverse appeal of the region. For instance, the Golbey canal bridge is noted for its impressive stone arches and its role in river yachting and cycling. The Sandstone boulders at Les Archettes are admired for their sheer size and natural beauty. The historical depth of sites like The Basilica of Saint-Maurice and Fort du Parmont also draws significant interest.
Can I cycle along the Golbey canal bridge?
Yes, the Golbey canal bridge is usable for pedestrians and cyclists. It was originally built to transport coal and now benefits from the development of river yachting and cycling routes.
Where can I find ancient fortifications in the area?
You can visit Fort du Parmont near Remiremont. This fort was constructed between 1874 and 1876 as part of the 'barrier de fer' defense system on the border with Germany, predating the Maginot Line.
Are there any easy hiking trails near Arches?
Yes, for an easier hike, you can try the 'Trail of the X loop from Dinozé', which is categorized as an easy route. More options can be found in the Hiking around Arches guide.
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