Tourism, holidays & weekend guide in Haute-Saône
The prefecture of Haute-Saône, Vesoul, began to develop in Roman times on the hill of La Motte. It eventually became an important industrial area, home to the world parts centre of the car manufacturer PSA Peugeot Citroën.
The city was immortalised in 1968 by Jacques Brel with his song « Vesoul ». A French-language song festival pays tribute to him every year in October.
Vesoul has a beautiful medieval historic centre, built with beige and blue-grey stones from the neighbouring quarries.
Exploring it on foot is the best way to immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of a city built on a human scale. The pretty streets of the hill of La Motte invite you to discover their elegant facades, peaceful courtyards and wine cellars.
Around the church of St. George, built in the 18th century, there are many old houses from the 16th to the 18th century. Things to see: the English garden, a protected Remarkable Garden with its rose garden and thematic flower beds, on the banks of the river.
At the top of the hill is an oratory, the chapel of Our Lady of La Motte, built on the former site of a castle and offering a magnificent view of the city. Another beautiful viewpoint: Le Sabot Nature Reserve, created in 1981, where walkers can see many plant species along a 2-kilometre path.
3 km from the city centre is the Vesoul-Vaivre lake with an area of 90 hectares. This is a beautiful place for a walk (its 5-kilometre perimeter makes it easily accessible to families for a quiet walk), water sports in the summer and bird watching with its ornithological reserve.
Visit Vesoul