Docelles offers two distinct ways to enjoy a stay: its paper-making history and routes connecting the town with the surrounding countryside. Alongside the historic mills, you’ll find a puzzle trail through the streets, the Haut-du-Bois loop and the La vallée du papier cycling route. This lets you decide whether to focus more on local history, outdoor activity or a mix of both.
The Paper History of Docelles
The paper history of Docelles includes several named mills. The Moulin du Grand Meix was established in Docelles in 1478 as the town’s first paper mill. The Papeterie de Vraichamp was established downstream of the Barba in 1492. The Vraichamp paper mill was destroyed by an accidental fire in 1789 and closed in 1914.
The Papeterie de Lana was built in 1590 and acquired by the Krantz family in 1792. Its high-quality papers with fine watermarks helped make Docelles known around the world. The three mills offer different points of interest: Grand Meix represents the town’s first paper mill, Vraichamp its location downstream of the Barba and its later turning point, and Lana its history of ownership and watermark paper.
The Haut-du-Bois Loop and the Countryside
The Haut-du-Bois loop passes the former LANA paper mills. It also crosses varied countryside, where woodland paths alternate with open areas; numerous viewpoints offer views over the surrounding valleys. The loop is marked with a red disc to help you find your way. A red triangle connects the forest with the centre of Docelles. As trail markings may change, check the route markers on site.
Cycling Across the Barba
The La vallée du papier cycling route starts at the motorhome parking area on Place de l'Espine and crosses the Barba via a small bridge. Access and route details may change; check the information before setting out.
Puzzle Trail Through Docelles
If you’d like to explore Docelles by solving puzzles, the family-friendly Randoland trail takes you through the town’s streets. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are four puzzle sheets in total: one for adults and three for children, divided by age group. The sheets therefore offer different activities for different age ranges. Check whether the puzzle sheets are available before you travel.
A Yew Tree on Rue du Colonel Bertin
A yew tree (Taxus baccata) on Rue du Colonel Bertin is 7 metres tall and 45 centimetres in diameter; it is estimated to be 85 years old. Its measurements and estimated age may change. Unlike the mills and trails, this tree draws attention to a single natural feature on a specific street.
Discover more destinations: Le Menil, Bulgnéville, Saulxures-Sur-Moselotte, Rouvres-En-Xaintois, Rupt-Sur-Moselle, Frebécourt, Ramonchamp, Landaville.
For the broader travel overview: Vosges.
