Pouxeux: Moselle setting, church history and Fort d’Arches

Pouxeux on the Moselle, opposite the mouth of the Vologne

Pouxeux developed on the left bank of the Moselle, opposite the mouth of the Vologne. This is the geographical starting point for the history of the town. Fort d’Arches stands at an altitude of 475 metres and overlooks the Vologne and Moselle valleys. This brings out two distinct landscape features: Pouxeux’s development on the riverbank and the fort’s elevated position overlooking both valleys. If you also choose a destination based on its landscape and history, these specific features of the town and the fort help put Pouxeux in context.

Church and religious history of the town

The church in Pouxeux replaced an older chapel. Its origins are traditionally traced back to the 7th century; the chapel was already dedicated to Saint Gorgon and Saint Nabord. The foundation stone of the church was blessed and laid on 16 September 1782. The distinction is important for understanding the chronology: the 7th century relates to the chapel’s traditional origins, while 16 September 1782 marks the specific event of laying the foundation stone. This sequence moves from a traditional dating of the chapel’s origins to a precisely dated event in the later construction of the church. If you are interested in the religious history of the town, the older chapel, its dedication and the construction of the church are three distinct aspects.

Fort d’Arches: construction, modernisation and use

Fort d’Arches was formerly called Fort Berwick and was built between 1875 and 1877 as part of the Haute Moselle defensive belt. It was modernised several times and equipped with armour plating, an electricity plant and a Galopin turret. The construction period and the technical changes thus represent two distinct historical layers: one relates to the fort’s construction as part of the defensive belt, the other to later modifications to the site. The fort therefore has a different historical focus from the church: military history and technological development take centre stage here.

During the First World War, the fort served as a training centre for mountain warfare. This use adds a specific military function to its construction history. In 2026, ARFA is working to restore and enhance the fort. The historical perspective thus extends from the defensive structure to training and restoration work in 2026.

Mountain biking and bus connections

Cycling can also be considered as a distinct focus. The mountain-bike route “De Pouxeux à Dinozé par le canal de Vouzey” is 23.1 kilometres long and rated moderate. The route description was updated on 4 June 2026. Distance and difficulty rating provide two different details to help you choose a route: 23.1 kilometres indicates the distance, while “moderate” indicates its rating. Alongside the cultural and historical themes, this offers a specific cycling route with a stated length and level of difficulty.

Regular bus services connect Pouxeux with Épinal and Remiremont. If you plan to use one of these connections for your journey or day out, check the timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Xertigny, Bruyères, Gemmelaincourt, Cleurie, Uzemain, Rouvres-La-Chétive, Gérardmer, Jeuxey

For the full travel overview: Vosges.