Attractions and Places To See around Pont-Du-Bois - Top 20

The area around Pont-du-Bois is rich in natural beauty. You can discover the scenic Coney River, which forms the commune's southern border, and the Morillon stream. The region is also characterized by extensive forests, part of the Vôge landscape unit. A captivating natural wonder nearby is the Source du Planey in Anjeux, known for its strikingly turquoise blue water in summer and royal blue in winter.

Yes, within Pont-du-Bois itself, you can visit the Church of the Nativity of Saint Jean-Baptiste, which was reconstructed in 1859. The commune also features two very old crosses: "La Belle Croix" in the village center and "La Grande Croix," dating back to 1743. Additionally, the site of a former forge, now a hydroelectric plant, offers a glimpse into the commune's industrial past.

The Canal des Vosges, also known as the Canal de l'Est, offers several interesting sights. You can observe the canal and its structures, such as Lock No. 39 in Pont-du-Bois. A notable highlight is the Selles Swing Bridge, a 19th-century bridge that rotates by hand to allow boat passage. Further along, the Canal breakthrough in Montmotier is a particularly scenic section where the canal passes through red sandstone.

Pont-du-Bois is an excellent base for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along the paved paths of the Canal des Vosges or explore sections of La voie bleue. For more structured routes, there are numerous options for hiking, road cycling, and running in the surrounding area, with routes catering to various difficulty levels.

Yes, the natural setting of Pont-du-Bois and its surroundings offers several family-friendly options. Cycling along the Canal des Vosges on its paved paths is suitable for families. The Selles Swing Bridge can be an interesting stop for children to see a working historical mechanism. Exploring the Source du Planey with its short forest paths and picnic tables also makes for a pleasant family outing.

The Source du Planey is beautiful year-round, but its water color changes with the seasons. It is renowned for its strikingly turquoise blue water in summer and a royal blue hue in winter, offering a unique visual experience depending on when you visit.

A significant historical industrial site accessible from Pont-du-Bois is The Royal Factory of Bains-les-Bains. This site, dating back to 1733, was once France's most important tinsmith factory. It includes a château, chapel, workers' housing, and industrial buildings set within a park, offering insights into the region's rich industrial heritage.

Yes, you can experience local culture by visiting the markets in surrounding towns. Markets are held in Saint-Loup-sur-Semouse (Mondays), Jussey (Tuesdays), Plombières-les-Bains (Fridays), and Épinal (Wednesdays, Tuesdays, & Saturdays).

Yes, the area offers easy walking paths, particularly along the Canal des Vosges. The paved paths alongside the canal are generally flat and provide a pleasant, easy stroll with scenic views. You can also find easy hiking routes listed in the hiking guide for Pont-du-Bois, such as the 'St. Mansuy – Canal des Vosges loop from Fontenoy-le-Château'.

Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic beauty of the Canal des Vosges, especially sections like the Canal breakthrough in Montmotier, which is noted for its bizarre passage through red sandstone. The peaceful cycling opportunities along the canal and the historical significance of sites like The Royal Factory of Bains-les-Bains are also highly valued.

While Pont-du-Bois itself is a tranquil village, the surrounding Vôge landscape offers scenic views, particularly along the Coney River and the Canal des Vosges. The Canal breakthrough in Montmotier is specifically highlighted as one of the most scenic sections of the Canal des Vosges, offering unique vistas of the canal cutting through red sandstone.

La Voie Bleue is a cycling route that offers a large, very pleasant stretch between the canal and the Coney river. You can access sections of it, for example, between Fontenoy le Château and La Forge de Thunimont, providing a peaceful, car-free experience with beautiful scenery.