Esprels combines a challenging hike with several tangible traces of local history. For planning, the time required for the circular route is key; nearby houses, the church and the washhouse offer different historical themes. The Ognon also flows through the village, and one business sells pork and charcuterie directly from the farm. This lets you decide whether a long day of hiking, culture or a specific shopping trip should be the focus of your visit.

Hikes and Route Planning

The “Autour du Montaigu et du Mont Jésus” hiking trail is a difficult 23-kilometre circular hike, estimated to take six hours. The tour therefore takes up a significant part of the day; allow extra time for breaks. It starts at the car park by the town hall in the centre of Esprels. Part of the route follows the GR de Pays, then continues to the village of Vallerois-le-Bois.

Another named hike, “Le prieuré de Marast et le Lauzin,” starts in Esprels. The Voie Verte is also associated with the village: an older route brochure shows it passing through Esprels. Check its current signage and route on site before adding it to your plans. Municipal route information may be updated; before setting out, also check the latest route description and access to the town hall car park.

Houses, Church and Washhouse

At the crossroads of the roads to Vesoul and Chassey stands a house with an early 17th-century lintel bearing the date 1616. Another house near the village square also dates from the early 17th century and has a distinctive tower. These details offer two different clues to the village’s building history: a specific date on the lintel and a tower on another house.

Esprels church houses a Pietà dating from 1511. Its bell tower, in the so-called Imperial style, was rebuilt under the supervision of the Bâtiments de France. Sacred art and a prominent architectural feature can therefore be found at the same church. The Saint Desle washhouse is located behind the church. It is named after an Irish monk who missionised in the area alongside Saint Colomban. A spring is associated with the washhouse; according to local tradition, its water has healing properties for eye diseases.

The Gallo-Roman period is also part of the village’s history: numerous remains of Gallo-Roman villas and fragments of mosaics have been found in Esprels. A separate nearby regional landmark is the Romanesque church of Marast. It was founded in the 1120s and is distinguished by architecture inspired by Cistercian style. The historical span thus extends from Gallo-Roman finds and Romanesque architecture to the houses of the early 17th century.

River and Farm Shop

The Ognon flows through Esprels and is another tangible geographical feature of the village. The Gaec Marchand farm sells pork and charcuterie directly from the farm, from its rearing of farm pigs. If you plan to shop there, arrange your visit with the business in advance.

Discover more destinations: Lavoncourt, Ronchamp, Confracourt, Traves, Pesmes, Chaux-lès-Port, Aillevans, Marnay

For the wider travel overview: Haute-Saône.