Grandrupt-de-Bains: Maquis History and Routes

Grandrupt-de-Bains combines the history of the Maquis de Grandrupt with several named routes. The circular trail “Dans les pas des Maquisards de Grandrupt” has a historical focus; the mountain bike circuit “Circuit n°13 - Les Chattis” offers a different route profile. For travel planning, the two options are interesting in different ways: one passes through historic sites, while the other has a specified distance and a moderate difficulty level.

Maquis History and Remembrance

On 7 September 1944, the fighters of the Maquis de Grandrupt surrendered after an unequal battle. During the fighting, German troops held about 700 residents of Grandrupt-de-Bains and Vioménil hostage. The trail passes through former places of residence, training and combat, explaining their history with information panels. It therefore connects the specific events with places that once served different purposes.

The Maquis de Grandrupt memorial was erected in honour of the Vosges Maquis fighters. While the trail conveys history through its locations and information panels, the memorial focuses on honouring the Maquis fighters. Together, the interpretive stops and the memorial offer two perspectives on the same historical subject.

Circular Routes and Choosing a Route

The historic trail can be completed on foot, by mountain bike or, in part, by vehicle. Vehicle use is limited to part of the route. If you plan to use a vehicle, bear in mind that it is only permitted on part of the route; the trail can also be completed on foot or by mountain bike.

The signposted circular route “La Pille” extends the tour to the source of the Saône in Vioménil. The full route is about twelve kilometres long; this approximate distance applies to the tour including the extension, not just the additional section. The named destination and total distance help distinguish this option from the other routes. Check the signs on site if you plan to follow the extended route.

The mountain bike circuit “Circuit n°13 - Les Chattis” passes through Grandrupt-de-Bains and then follows the Étangs à Pierrot. It is 10.7 kilometres long and has a moderate difficulty level. By comparison, La Pille leads to the source of the Saône and covers about twelve kilometres in total. The distance details refer to different routes; only the Les Chattis circuit is specified as having a moderate difficulty level. This lets you compare the approximately twelve-kilometre La Pille tour with the 10.7-kilometre mountain bike circuit based on their respective features.

Before Your Visit

The Maquis de Grandrupt site is freely accessible at all times and is signposted. As access conditions may change, check them before your visit. For “La Pille”, follow the local signs. The route and details for the Les Chattis circuit may also be updated, so check the latest distance and difficulty information before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Léonard, Moyemont, Igney, Légéville-Et-Bonfays, Martigny-Les-Bains, Landaville, Bellefontaine, La Grande-Fosse

See the regional travel overview: Vosges.