Luxeuil-Les-Bains: Thermal History and Cultural Heritage

Thermal history, church architecture, archaeological evidence and crafts all shape the cultural character of Luxeuil-Les-Bains. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in the city, you can plan around the topics that interest you most: historic buildings, cultural heritage trails, lace or regional specialities. The attractions focus on different themes; check dates for seasonal events and tours in advance.

Thermal Baths and Historic Architecture

The thermal baths of Luxeuil-les-Bains were rebuilt in the 18th century and remain among the oldest thermal baths in France still in operation. A restoration in the 1930s gave the interior its many Art Deco-style mosaics. The baths therefore have a long architectural history, with their different phases reflected in the reconstruction and later design.

The Basilica of Saint-Pierre de Luxeuil-les-Bains was the abbey church of the Benedictine monastery of Saint Colomban. Its architecture combines Romanesque and Gothic styles, and its walls are made of pink Vosges sandstone. It also has a 17th-century organ with 3,137 pipes. The monastery’s history, architectural styles, building material and instrument each offer a different way to appreciate this building.

The Ecclesia, with the remains of the Church of Saint-Martin, traces 2,000 years of history in Luxeuil-les-Bains. The city’s archaeological evidence includes 380 graves, among them 150 Merovingian sarcophagi, which also testify to its long history.

Museums and Views of the City

The Tour des Echevins was built in the 15th century and stands 33 metres tall. It houses one of France’s oldest museums. Its roof terrace offers panoramic views of Luxeuil-les-Bains and the surrounding area. The building’s history, museum and views come together at a single attraction.

The Jules Adler Museum is devoted to the painter and his work. Paintings, sketches and personal belongings offer insight into Jules Adler’s artistic milieu and personal life. The collections are divided into three themes: Adler as a painter of ordinary people; his childhood in Luxeuil and artistic training; and the diversity of his work. The museum thus explores everything from his background to the different facets of his art.

Heritage Trails, Lace and Local Specialities

The Sentier du patrimoine is a heritage trail with 14 stops through Luxeuil-les-Bains. It takes in monuments, some of which are among the 17 sites classified as historic monuments. An audio guide can be borrowed from the tourist office reception desk for €2. Before your visit, check current access information and the audio guide’s price and availability.

The Circuit du Haut-Bois is an easy circular hiking trail that starts and ends in Luxeuil-les-Bains. It is 6 kilometres long and takes approximately two hours; the approximate duration and difficulty rating help you gauge how much time to allow. Check trail conditions before setting out. To compare the two routes: the Sentier focuses on its stops and the monuments along the way, while the Circuit also specifies distance, difficulty and approximate duration.

Luxeuil lace became well known primarily through its widespread popularity during the Second Empire. At the Conservatoire de la Dentelle, visitors can watch lacemakers at work. Introductory and advanced lace-making classes are also offered there. This makes lace a subject to explore both as a traditional craft and through hands-on practice.

Jambon de Luxeuil is part of the Comtois tradition of cured and smoked products. Visitors can tour a ham-drying room with Arnaud and finish with a tasting. As bookings and dates may vary, check them in advance. Night markets offer another seasonal option: they take place every Tuesday evening in July and August in the town centre. Dates and programmes may change, so check current event dates before your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Breurey-Lès-Faverney, Moffans-et-Vacheresse, Dampierre-Sur-Salon, Saint-Bresson, Miellin, Delain, Baulay, Esprels.

For the main travel overview: Haute-Saône.