Saint-Sauveur: Nature and Heritage

Saint-Sauveur offers two distinct perspectives for your trip: the landscape of the Breuchin Valley and a heritage that ranges from an old church to industrial history. Depending on whether you are particularly interested in nature, architecture or history, you will find different themes to help you plan your stay.

Landscape and waterways in the Breuchin Valley

The Breuchin Valley has wetlands in its northern section, while forest areas extend across the south. The area of Saint-Sauveur also includes the type I ZNIEFF “Massifs forestiers des Communaux et du Vay de Brest.” In addition, part of the “Vallée de la Lanterne” Natura 2000 site lies in Saint-Sauveur. The two named surface watercourses are the Breuchin and the Ruisseau du Vay de Brest.

Information about the valley distinguishes the wetlands in the north from the forest areas in the south; the ZNIEFF and Natura 2000 designations provide two further points of reference for the landscape. If you choose Saint-Sauveur for its natural side, these different designations offer a concrete starting point for planning your trip.

Church, art and industrial history

The Église de Saint-Sauveur was rebuilt in the 19th century on the site of a 13th-century church. Inside is an octagonal baptismal font made of Vosges sandstone, decorated with eight biblical scenes and figures. The font is listed as a Monument historique. The painting “Nativité de la Vierge” also belongs to the church: it is located in the baptistery and dates from the 18th century.

Another chapter in the town’s history is told by the former Baudouin, Risler et Cie. cotton mill, later Koechlin et Cie. It was built between 1880 and 1883; originally, 20,000 steam-powered spindles operated there. Today, the building is the Fonderie de Saint-Sauveur and houses municipal workshops. The Fonderie d’art in Saint-Sauveur maintains craftsmanship in contemporary and historical design.

The Grand-Pont over the Breuchin also has a history in several phases: the civil engineer Charles Barbier rebuilt it in 1682. The bridge was destroyed in 1944 and completely rebuilt at the end of the war. For a stay focused on cultural history, sacred art, industrial use and architectural history can all be explored side by side.

The Espace Maurice Happe at BA 116 is dedicated to the history of Air Base 116. Its collection includes F84, Mirage IIIE, Mirage IV and Mirage 2000N aircraft and aviation artefacts. Tours must be booked at least seven days before the visit. Visits to the Fonderie de Saint-Sauveur are possible only for groups by request or during temporary exhibitions. Check these conditions before making your plans.

Circular route, fitness trail and local tradition

Saint-Sauveur is the start and finish point of a 23 km mountain bike circuit. Its length is a useful concrete figure to take into account when planning a bike ride. There is also a fitness trail in the woods on the edge of the town. A small children’s playground is next to its car park.

The Fontaine de Saint-Vaudre is associated with the Sainte-Ursulle spring. Local tradition held that its water could cure persistent fever. This is a traditional belief, not a medical claim.

Weekly market in the town centre

A weekly market in the town centre is scheduled every Sunday from 16 August 2026 to 7 February 2027. The stalls offer fruit, vegetables and local products. If your stay falls outside this period, check the dates again before including the market in your plans.

Discover more destinations: La Basse-Vaivre, Polaincourt-Et-Clairefontaine, Traves, La Neuvelle-Lès-Scey, Anjeux, Vesoul, Fondremand, Nantilly

Return to the broader travel overview: Haute-Saône.