Sanchey: Lakes, Nature and Military Heritage

Between 1874 and 1882, Lac de Bouzey was created as an artificial reservoir to supply the Canal des Vosges. Its shores are designed for walks, relaxation and sporting activities; the lake can be circled on foot or by bicycle. The lake thus represents both a historic water-supply function and a range of ways to spend time along its shores.

Water, Shores and Protected Nature

Sailing, canoeing and kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boating and recreational boating are also possible at Lac de Bouzey. Which activity is suitable for your visit may vary depending on the season and provider. If a particular water sport is important to your plans, check what is available for your intended dates.

Étang de la Comtesse is in Sanchey and is a protected natural area. An educational trail and wooden boardwalks allow walkers to explore the area while preserving its fragile ecosystem. This makes it different from the lake: the focus here is on protecting the natural area and exploring it carefully, while the lake offers not only walks but also sporting activities and water sports. This contrast can help you choose between active recreation on the water and a nature-focused walk.

Get Active and Find Your Way

Loisir Orientation Sanchey organizes an orienteering walk that is open to all audiences. The association promotes orienteering on foot and by mountain bike. Its activities thus bring together different ways of getting around; orienteering itself is central to this activity. When planning your outing, this offers a different way to get active alongside circling the lake: the walk is open to all audiences, and the association also includes mountain biking in its activities.

Heritage Between Fort and Canal

Fort de Sanchey dates from 1883 and historically linked the forts of Girancourt and Uxegney. It is a site of military heritage. Batterie de Sanchey was built between 1881 and 1883. It has a working drawbridge, which was activated during the European Heritage Days. These offer two different perspectives on military heritage: the fort’s historic role as a link and a specific feature of the battery.

Heritage Circular Route No. 9, “Bouzey and Its Forts,” allows visitors to discover Batterie de Sanchey and follows the Canal des Vosges along several stretches. The route and the lake thus offer two different connections to the same canal: the circular route runs alongside it, while the reservoir was created to supply it. This adds a connection to the history of water infrastructure to the heritage theme of the forts.

From September 2020, guided tours of Fort de Sanchey were available to individual visitors on request; visits were limited to the exterior areas. Before visiting, check which access options currently apply.

Discover more destinations: Claudon, Saint-Amé, Rehaupal, Deycimont, Chavelot, Xertigny, Anould, Jeuxey

For the regional travel overview: Vosges.