Servance: Hiking, Nature and Cultural Heritage

In Servance, hiking trails and nature destinations sit alongside historic landmarks. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to focus on a marked hike, a natural attraction, or cultural history. The trails differ significantly in length and difficulty, while the other destinations offer their own distinct points of interest.

Hiking trails with different highlights

The Sentier de la verrerie starts in Servance and is a challenging 9.5-kilometer hike. It passes through the Saint-Antoine state forest and near a former glassworks, where window glass and drinking glasses were made until 1837. The trail also leads to the Bataillon de Choc monument at Côte 820, which commemorates the battles of the 1944 liberation. The route thus combines a hike with insights into the history of glassmaking and a memorial site.

A shorter alternative is the Entre étangs et prairies walking trail. It also starts in Servance, is 3.4 kilometers long, and is rated easy. The difference from the Sentier de la verrerie is therefore not just the distance, but also the stated difficulty level. The route passes through peat bogs and by ponds, as well as through the forests and meadows of the Plateau des 1000 Étangs. The landscape conveys the plateau’s biological diversity. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Waterfall and landscape

The Saut de l’Ognon is a 14-meter-high waterfall in Servance. A 600-meter circular path with information boards leads to it. This makes the waterfall an easy-to-plan destination in its own right, separate from the longer hikes. At the entrance to Servance, there is a parking area with picnic tables by the Saut de l’Ognon. As the facilities are subject to local maintenance, check their condition before your visit.

The length and difficulty ratings provide a clear basis for choosing between the two trails: the Sentier de la verrerie is the longer, challenging hike; Entre étangs et prairies is the shorter, easy walk through the plateau landscape. If you are especially interested in nature, the trail to the Saut de l’Ognon also offers a destination in its own right. Your choice of route depends, among other things, on whether you want to include a longer hike, a shorter walk, or the waterfall in your plans.

Cultural heritage in Servance and the municipality

The church in Servance dates from 1689. Inside are an 18th-century Baroque high altar and figurative stained-glass windows from the 20th century. Their different periods of origin offer several historical points of reference in the church: its construction, the later high altar, and the more recent windows. The Calvary cross of Montandré is another of the heritage sites described. It stands on elevated ground with sweeping views over the Vosges saônoises.

In the municipality of Servance-Miellin stands the restored Martin sawmill. It includes a millrace, a waterwheel, and a saw frame. Tours are available on request; if interested, you can confirm the visiting arrangements locally. The listed components show how the facility works as a sawmill: water flows through the millrace to the waterwheel, while the saw frame is used for cutting wood.

Another possible place to visit is the Chèvrerie des Bois Pâturés in Servance, which offers free farm visits. Together with the trails, waterfall, and historic sites, this gives you several ways to shape your stay around your interests.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vesoul, Traves, Saint-Julien, La Villedieu-En-Fontenette, Leffond, Mélisey, Lure, La Résie-Saint-Martin.

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Saône.