Plancher-Les-Mines: Hiking, heritage and seasonal activities

Two routes start in Plancher-Les-Mines: a snowshoe route and a moderately difficult hiking trail. There is also Neolithic heritage at Marbranche and seasonal activities at La Planche des Belles Filles. These highlights differ in trail profile, theme and season. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, you can first decide whether hiking, heritage or sports activities should be the deciding factor.

Hiking and snowshoeing: two different routes

The Circuit Le Périmètre is a 3.7-kilometre snowshoe route that starts in Plancher-Les-Mines. About 700 metres from the starting point, there is a steep climb. The route length alone therefore does not fully describe its profile: this climb is also a factor to consider when planning. The circuit runs through the heart of the Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois nature reserve. Before setting out, check the current trail conditions and applicable access rules.

The moderately difficult, 5.0-kilometre “RANDONNÉE - LA RONDE DE LA FORET DOMANIALE DE” hiking trail also starts in Plancher-Les-Mines. In direct comparison, this route is longer than the Circuit Le Périmètre, while the steep climb is a specific feature noted for the circuit. These details help distinguish between a snowshoe route and a hike rated as moderately difficult, without treating their requirements as equivalent. When choosing a route, you should also consider trail conditions, which can change with the seasons.

Archaeological heritage at Marbranche

The Carrière d'extraction de matière première in Marbranche is a Neolithic archaeological site in Plancher-Les-Mines. Between 4600 and 3700 BC, black aphanite, or pelite-quartz, was extracted there to make polished stone axes. The date refers to the extraction and makes this period a distinct historical reference point for the site. The site is considered remarkably well preserved and is one of the rare European extraction sites in rugged terrain. Its features include a visible extraction face. On 14 October 1994, the Carrière was listed as a historic monument.

Another historical trace can be found in the sacristy of the church in Plancher-Les-Mines: a silver pyx known as a malade-chrismatoire, dating from the 18th century. The object was classified as a historic object on 7 April 1971. The extraction site and the pyx represent different aspects of the heritage: the Neolithic extraction of material for stone axes on the one hand, and a liturgical object from a much later period on the other.

Seasonal activities at La Planche des Belles Filles

La Planche des Belles Filles lies in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park and reaches an altitude of 1,148 metres. In summer, activities include cycling, mountain biking, hiking, Roll'herbe, tubing and Accro'Planche. For alpine skiing, there are six ski runs suitable for skiers of all levels. The summer activities are therefore clearly distinct from the winter ski-run offering. As operating periods and seasonal availability can change, check the latest information before making any of these activities a fixed part of your travel plans.

ACCRO'PLANCHE has three treetop courses for children and adults. The Belle Aventure course has 18 stations and five zip lines. A safety briefing is required to access the courses. If you plan to include this activity, allow for the briefing and check the current procedures before your visit. This keeps the differences between activities, their seasons and the specific conditions for visiting in view as you plan.

Trail conditions, access rules in the nature reserve and activity operating periods are separate aspects to consider when planning. Check the relevant information for your travel dates, then look for hotels to suit your stay.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Bresson, Saint-Julien, Saulx, La Neuvelle-Lès-Scey, Montboillon, Errevet, Fougerolles, Quenoche

For the overview of the wider area: Haute-Saône.