Discover Senones

The town brings these different interests together at specific points of interest: the abbey, historic centre, two museums and several routes. From the seasonal market to the route profiles, there are various highlights to help you plan your stay.

Market and tastings

The Marché Paysan de Senones takes place at the Dépôt on the first Sunday of each month from April to December. Around 20 producers take part. As the market is seasonal, it is advisable to check the date again before your trip.

Visitors can sample aged cheeses, local meat and charcuterie, seasonal vegetables, craft-brewed beers, jams, honey and homemade pastries. The range of products gives a visit to the market its own culinary focus. It takes place at a different time of year from the abbey, which can be visited year-round.

Abbey, principality and architectural history

The abbey can be visited year-round, either independently or with a guide. Visitors can explore the large courtyards, the cloister and the gardens. The Parc de l’Abbaye is located inside the abbey and is distinguished by its particularly beautiful trees.

Saint Gondelbert had an abbey built in Senones in 640. The convent buildings have largely retained their 18th-century appearance. Senones became the capital of the Principality of Salm in 1751. These dates mark different chapters in the town’s history: the abbey’s early foundation and Senones’ later political role.

The second castle of the Princes of Salm was built in 1773 and 1778. Since 19 May 1994, its façades and roofs, as well as its staircase with wrought-iron railing, have been classified as historic monuments. A stroll through the streets of the historic centre also reveals further architectural perspectives: Italian influences can be seen in the buildings of the monks, while those of the Princes of Salm-Salm show French or Germanic influences. The manufactories display eclectic and Art Nouveau influences.

Museums with different themes

The Musée de la Batterie displays more than 150 drum kits dating from 1900 to the present across 1,000 square metres. Many are rare and famous models. The museum also offers an introduction to the instrument and a treasure hunt. Check the current availability of these activities before your visit.

The Musée du Vélosolex traces the history of the VéloSolex and displays different versions of this bicycle. The two museums therefore focus on different subjects: one is dedicated to drums and their models, the other to the history and variants of the VéloSolex. Opening arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check them before your visit.

Trails and route profiles

The marked Les Roches Margos circular trail starts in Senones, is 5.6 kilometres long and has 140 metres of elevation gain. It is an easy walk and is freely accessible year-round; you should nevertheless check trail conditions before setting out.

The 16-kilometre, flat Voie verte Le Chemin des Abbayes offers a different kind of route. It can be used on foot, by bicycle or on inline skates, and passes the renovated sections of the cloister and library in Senones. Compared with Les Roches Margos, it is longer, flat and offers several ways to get around. You can take distance, elevation profile and mode of use into account when choosing your route.

The B7 L’Ormont cycling loop starts at the Senones tourist office and returns to Senones via the Rabodeau valley and the area’s wooded, hilly roads. The Boucle du Coquin starts in Senones at Roche Mère-Henry and leads to the Loge des Gardes. Coquin has a viewpoint on a sandstone rock of Tertiary sedimentary origin, which was used strategically by the Germans during the First World War. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Docelles, Liézey, Denipaire, Damblain, Le Valtin, La Bresse, Granges-Sur-Vologne, Lusse

Go to the broader travel overview: Vosges.