In Marbranche, in Plancher-les-Mines, there is a Neolithic extraction site; the Circuit Le Périmètre also starts in Plancher-les-Mines. At La Planche des Belles Filles, seasonal activities take center stage. You can therefore consider different focuses for your trip: cultural history, a specific hiking route, or activities for summer and winter.

The Neolithic period and later cultural history

The Carrière d'extraction de matière première in Marbranche is a Neolithic archaeological site. Black aphanite, or pelite quartz, was extracted there to make polished stone axes. The extraction dates from 4600 to 3700 BC. The site is considered remarkably well preserved and one of the rare European extraction sites in hilly terrain; a visible extraction face remains. The connection between quarrying and toolmaking makes the specific purpose of the extraction clear.

A different period is represented by the sacristy of the church in Plancher-les-Mines: it houses an 18th-century silver Pyxide des malades-chrismatoire. This historical object was classified on April 7, 1971. The pyx and the Neolithic extraction site thus represent very different eras. If you would like to visit the sites in person, check access to each site in advance.

La Planche des Belles Filles: activities by season

La Planche des Belles Filles is in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park and reaches an altitude of 1,148 meters. Summer activities include cycling, mountain biking, hiking, Roll'herbe, tubing and Accro'Planche. There are six downhill ski runs, suitable for skiers of all levels. The season therefore makes a significant difference to the activities available. As seasonal availability can change, check which activities are running on your dates before you travel.

ACCRO'PLANCHE offers three treetop courses for children and adults. The Belle Aventure course has 18 stations and five zip lines. A safety briefing is required to access the courses; facility rules may change. Allow time for the briefing and confirm the current requirements before your visit.

Hikes with different profiles

The Circuit Le Périmètre is a 3.7-kilometer snowshoe route that starts in Plancher-les-Mines. It runs through the heart of the Réserve Naturelle des Ballons Comtois nature reserve. About 700 meters from the starting point, the route has a steep climb. A second trail, “RANDONNÉE - LA RONDE DE LA FORET DOMANIALE DE,” also starts in Plancher-les-Mines; it is a moderately difficult 5.0-kilometer hiking trail. To choose between the two routes, you can compare the activity and distance and, for the Circuit Le Périmètre, also take the described climb into account. Trail conditions may vary; access rules in the nature reserve may also change. Check these details before your hike.

Discover more destinations: Esprels, Hugier, Bousseraucourt, Étuz, Esboz-Brest, Leffond, La Barre, Gray-La-Ville

For the full travel overview: Haute-Saône.