Bruyères for culture, views, and walks

If you’re looking for a hotel in Bruyères, you can first choose the focus of your stay based on your interests: art and architectural history, views, or trails. The town’s sights and activities offer specific options to explore. They range from a faience collection to a themed walking trail, as well as viewpoints and ponds.

Culture and architectural history

The Musée Henri-Mathieu is housed in the town’s former synagogue. It displays a collection of 18th- and 19th-century faience assembled by Henri Mathieu, as well as reproductions of works by the artist Jean Lurçat. The faience collection spans two centuries; Jean Lurçat’s works are represented by reproductions. The museum offers guided tours for groups on request through the Office de Tourisme. If you’re planning a group tour, confirm the arrangements before your trip.

The Chapelle de la Roche and the Château de Bruyères are also part of the area’s architectural history. The chapel is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and built into the rocks on the northern slope of the Avison. Only the remains of the fortress survive at the château; they allow for a partial reconstruction. The two sites have different points of interest: the chapel’s dedication is known, while the surviving parts of the fortress shape the impression made by the château.

Walking trails and a rocky destination

The Parcours des Fourmis is a four-kilometer walking trail in the Montagne de l’Helledraye. Information panels offer insights into the local natural environment; large ant figures made of wood, resin, or metal are also among its features. This gives the trail a specific theme that sets it apart from a hike to a rocky destination.

A roughly seven-kilometer walking trail leads to the Roches de Pointhaie. Iron rings are installed there for climbing. The two trails thus differ both in length and in what they focus on along the way: the natural environment and ant figures on the Parcours des Fourmis, and a rocky destination with climbing rings at the Roches. The distances are approximate guides to help you choose; they describe different trails. Check trail conditions locally. When climbing using the iron rings, you should also take local conditions and safety into account.

Views and planning your time

Le Mirador on the Avison is a 15-meter-high tower with 360-degree panoramic views. The Circuit de l’Avison reaches the Mirador after an approximately 20-minute climb, followed by a few more steps. When planning the ascent, take into account both the approximate climb time and the additional steps. The Point du Jour viewpoint offers a view over Bruyères. This lets you choose between the panoramic views from the tower and the view over the town from Point du Jour.

A stroll and a swimming pool

The Étangs de Pointhaie are a place for walks and quiet relaxation by the ponds. This is different from the walking trails with their named destinations or viewpoints. Another option for planning your stay is the Piscine Bruyères, an indoor swimming pool. Its roof can be opened in summer. Check the current opening hours before planning a visit.

Discover more destinations: Dommartin-Lès-Remiremont, Rochesson, Châtenois, Corcieux, Gérardmer, Docelles, Rehaupal, Saint-Amé

For the regional travel overview: Vosges.