Attractions and Places To See around Maxey-Sur-Vaise - Top 20

Maxey-sur-Vaise is rich in history. You can visit the Église Saint-Pierre, an early 19th-century church with a distinctive basket-handle ceiling. Don't miss the two historic Lavoirs, especially the one near the Vaise river springs with its ingenious movable wooden floors. The Old Cemetery, one of the oldest in the department, features fascinating 17th to 19th-century funerary art. Additionally, you'll find the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and several Chemin Crosses dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. For more details on the lavoir, you can visit tourisme-cc-cvv.fr.

Yes, the village is traversed by the Vaise River, known for its trout population. The river originates within the village, and its sources, along with the nearby historic lavoir, are considered a natural point of interest. Maxey-sur-Vaise is also nestled at the foot of a wooded hill, offering a picturesque setting.

The region has strong ties to Joan of Arc. You can visit the Bois-Chenu Basilica, built near where Joan of Arc reportedly heard her voices, offering breathtaking views of the Meuse Valley. Also, explore the Birthplace of Joan of Arc in Domrémy-la-Pucelle, a 15th-century house with an adjacent museum. The Saint-Remy Church in Domrémy-la-Pucelle is where Joan of Arc was baptized and features beautiful stained glass windows dedicated to her.

The area around Maxey-sur-Vaise offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including the challenging 'Au Pays de Jeanne d'Arc Trail' or the moderate 'Joan of Arc Monuments – Birthplace of Joan of Arc loop from Domrémy-la-Pucelle'. For more options, check out the hiking guide for Maxey-sur-Vaise. Mountain biking and road cycling routes are also available, such as the 'Vaucouleurs – Fountain of Chalaines loop' for MTB or longer road cycling tours like the 'Basilica of Saint Joan of Arc – Birthplace of Joan of Arc loop'. Explore these and more in the MTB trails guide and road cycling routes guide.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Bois-Chenu Basilica, the Birthplace of Joan of Arc, and the Saint-Remy Church in Domrémy-la-Pucelle are all categorized as family-friendly. These sites offer historical insights and engaging experiences for all ages, particularly for those interested in the story of Joan of Arc.

Vaucouleurs is a settlement with significant historical importance, especially concerning Joan of Arc. It features a beautiful town hall built in the Italian Renaissance style and a gigantic equestrian statue of Joan of Arc. The town's history and its connection to Joan of Arc's early mission make it a compelling visit.

Beyond the Église Saint-Pierre in Maxey-sur-Vaise, you can visit the Saint Martin's Church. This unique round church is dedicated to Saint Martin and features remarkable stained glass windows, including one depicting Saint Martin and another with Saint-Jacques.

While not always highlighted, the Old Cemetery on the hillside, with its 17th to 19th-century funerary art and oldest stele from 1645, offers a unique glimpse into local heritage. The restored Lavoirs, particularly the one with movable wooden floors, showcase ingenious 19th-century engineering and public hygiene efforts. Additionally, substructures from the Gallo-Roman period have been found at a place called Maizières, indicating ancient roots.

Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical context and the picturesque natural settings. The Joan of Arc related sites, such as the Bois-Chenu Basilica and the Birthplace of Joan of Arc, are highly valued for their historical depth and educational value. The beautiful Gothic style of the Saint-Remy Church and the charming historical atmosphere of Vaucouleurs also receive high praise.

Maxey-sur-Vaise has two châteaux: the Château Haut (Upper Castle), dating back to the 14th century, and the Château Bas (Lower Castle), a fortified house from the late 16th century. While historically significant, including a reported stop by Joan of Arc at Château Haut, both are private properties and are not open for public visits.

For more information on the local heritage, you can consult resources from the regional tourism office. For example, details on the Église Saint-Pierre are available at tourisme-cc-cvv.fr, and information on the lavoir at tourisme-cc-cvv.fr. General information about the village's monuments can also be found at tourisme-cc-cvv.fr.