Hennezel: Glassmaking history and local discoveries

Hennezel combines a rich history of glassmaking and craftsmanship with forests, ponds and activities to suit a range of interests. To choose where to stay, you can start with three questions: Would you like to discover local history, plan a discovery trail, or take account of a seasonal activity or an event that requires a reservation? Your answers can also help you plan when to travel and where to look for a hotel in Hennezel.

Glassmaking and craftsmanship in Hennezel

The Musée du verre, du fer, du bois et de la résistance is the only museum preserving the former activities of the Vôge forest. Its six themed rooms illustrate five centuries of local craft traditions. The glassmaking sections trace local glass production from the glassmakers of the late Middle Ages to modern glassmaking in the 1950s. The themed rooms and the timeline of the glassmaking sections offer two different ways to explore the history of craftsmanship.

Hennezel’s history also includes the clearing of the forest from around 1400: glassmakers from Bohemia cleared the vast forest, created large clearings, and several glassmaking families settled there. This approximate date provides a timeframe for the clearing; the museum’s glassmaking sections continue the story of glass production from the late Middle Ages through to the 1950s. You can therefore encounter both the early history of the glassmakers and a later period of local production.

Another precisely dated episode in Hennezel’s history took place on 14 September 1944. On that day, a column of armoured vehicles belonging to the RBFM (Régiment blindé de fusiliers marins), under the command of Lieutenant de vaisseau Chavanne, reached Hennezel from the direction of Darney as part of the liberation. This is distinct from the long history of glassmaking: here, the focus is on a single event in the liberation.

Trail, ponds and events

The moderate “Sur les traces des Maîtres verriers” discovery trail starts at the Musée du verre de Hennezel-Clairey and takes two and a half hours. Its starting point, difficulty level and duration give you concrete information for planning your schedule. Its name refers to the glassmakers.

Ponds are also part of the landscape: at least thirty ponds are still maintained in Hennezel today. The Ourche flows through the area and was used to harness water power. The ongoing maintenance of the ponds and the former use of water power are two distinct aspects of the landscape.

At the 19th edition of the Fête de l’Ourche in Hennezel-Clairey, a rally took place in the morning through the forest and along the valley’s ponds. The programme may vary from one edition to another. If you would like to include an event in your travel plans, check the details for the edition in question rather than assuming the programme stays the same.

Regional activities and when to visit

By prior reservation, OAZO offers a five-hour workshop on wild herbs and edible forest cuisine. It teaches participants how to prepare more than twenty wild and forest plants. The programme includes a visit, plant gathering and the preparation of a complete menu, from aperitif to dessert. Participants then share a meal featuring the dishes they have prepared. Factor in the reservation requirement when planning; booking details and the workshop format may change.

The Association OAZO also offers wellness massages in Hennezel. Dates and availability may change, so check in advance if you are interested. At Ferme Briseverre, blueberries can be picked in July and August. As seasonal availability may change, check before travelling whether the activity is available during your visit.

Find a hotel in Hennezel

The specific timeframes can help you compare options when planning your trip: the trail takes two and a half hours, the workshop takes five hours and requires a prior reservation, and blueberry picking is limited to July and August. These differences can help you narrow down when to travel and what to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Remy, Cleurie, Allarmont, Rupt-Sur-Moselle, Fresse-Sur-Moselle, Autigny-La-Tour, Celles-Sur-Plaine, Cornimont.

For the broader travel guide: Vosges.