Le Syndicat: Granite heritage, railways and regional discoveries

Landscapes and trails in Le Syndicat

Le Syndicat is one of the municipalities covered by the “Massif Vosgien” Special Protection Area. For finding your way around locally, trails and the different perspectives they offer on the landscape are also a focus: Le Syndicat provides access to the Voie Verte and to routes for cyclists, pedestrians and horseback riders. Landscapes can be admired from various viewpoints. When planning your time outdoors, you can choose routes according to whether you want to walk, cycle or ride a horse.

Another landmark is the Voie Verte des Hautes Vosges. Terrae Genesis is located in Le Syndicat, at the edge of this route between Remiremont and Vagney, on a historic site connected with granite. Here, minerals and fossils meet the history of the rock that also shaped the region’s quarries.

Railway and granite heritage

Julienrupt station was an important stop between 1900 and 1935 on the steam railway that connected Remiremont with Gérardmer via the Cleurie Valley. Today, the station is one of the few surviving reminders of this railway history. The dates indicate its former role; its value today lies in the surviving structure. If you are interested in historic transport routes, you can trace the connection between the places mentioned and the Cleurie Valley as part of the former railway line.

The quarries of Plaine-Cleurie also tell the story of working with granite. The granite industry flourished in the Vosges from 1870 until the 1930s. At its peak, the quarries employed 300 workers who made paving stones and kerbstones. Most of these products were destined for the streets of Paris. Individual visits to the quarries are possible as self-guided tours along marked trails. If you plan to explore this history, check the local visiting arrangements before setting out, as they may change.

Minerals and fossils at Terrae Genesis

Terrae Genesis displays more than 2,000 minerals from the Vosges and around the world. There is also an exhibition featuring more than 500 fossils that tell the story of life on Earth. Among the exhibits is the only dinosaur footprint from the Vosges. Minerals and fossils offer different perspectives: the former reveal the diversity of rocks, while the latter provide insight into the history of life. Terrae Genesis therefore offers a specific focus for anyone interested in the history of the Earth.

Farm products and tastings

At Lecomte-Blaise, the freely accessible tour includes the 1903 fruit cellar and a demonstration still. The tour, film and tasting are free of charge. As prices and visitor arrangements may change, check the current conditions before your visit.

Ferme du Xatis Amet sells farm products directly, including farmstead Munster, Tomme de montagne, farmstead Grayeur, goat’s cheese, eggs and fresh milk. Individual visits and tastings are free of charge. A visit to the goat barn is offered daily at 5 p.m., except Sundays and public holidays. Opening times and visiting arrangements may change, so check the schedule before setting out. The range of products may also vary.

The sales outlet of Brasserie La Pimbêche is in Nol, next to the Voie Verte; products can be consumed on site. This option complements visits with tastings and direct farm sales with another opportunity to enjoy local products. If you are planning a particular visit, it is a good idea to check the current arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Ventron, Ramonchamp, Saint-Maurice-Sur-Mortagne, Bains-Les-Bains, Gérardmer, Saint-Pierremont, Le Valtin, Ban-De-Laveline

For the broader travel overview: Vosges.