A dinosaur footprint from the Vosges, a former steam railway station and a granite industry whose paving stones and kerbstones were largely destined for Paris illustrate the range of themes in Le Syndicat. There are also trails for cyclists, walkers and horse riders, as well as farm produce and tastings. If you’re looking for a hotel, it helps to first decide what you’d like to focus on during your stay: scenery, geological and industrial history, or local flavours.
Trails and scenery
Le Syndicat is one of the municipalities affected by the Zone de Protection Spéciale «Massif Vosgien». The area provides access to the Voie Verte, as well as trails for cyclists, walkers and horse riders. These trails offer views of the landscape from various viewpoints. So you’re not limited to cycling: you can also include walks or horse rides in your stay.
Minerals and granite heritage
Terrae Genesis is located in Le Syndicat, on the edge of the Voie Verte des Hautes Vosges between Remiremont and Vagney, on a historic site associated with granite. Terrae Genesis displays more than 2,000 minerals from the Vosges and around the world. An exhibition of more than 500 fossils explores the history of life on Earth; among them is the only dinosaur footprint from the Vosges. Minerals and fossils thus offer two distinct perspectives, from the diversity of rocks to the history of life.
The Plaine-Cleurie quarries tell another part of the granite story. A granite industry flourished in the Vosges from 1870 until the 1930s. At its peak, the quarries employed 300 workers who made paving stones and kerbstones, most of which were destined for the streets of Paris. Individual visits are possible as self-guided walks along marked trails. Check local visiting conditions before setting off.
Railway heritage in Julienrupt
Julienrupt station represents another kind of history. Between 1900 and 1935, it was an important stop on the steam railway that connected Remiremont to Gérardmer via the Cleurie valley. Today, the station is one of the few surviving reminders of this railway history. Together with the quarries, it offers two perspectives on the region’s former infrastructure: rail transport and granite processing.
Farm produce and tastings
Ferme du Xatis Amet sells farm produce directly. Its range includes farmhouse Munster, Tomme de montagne, farmhouse Grayeur, goat’s cheese, eggs and fresh milk; the selection may change. Individual visits and tastings are free. The farm also offers a visit to the goat shed every day at 5 pm, except Sundays and public holidays. If you plan to attend, check the time in advance, as the schedule may change.
At Lecomte-Blaise, the freely accessible tour includes the 1903 fruit cellar and a demonstration still. The tour, film and tasting are free. Visitor services may change; check visiting conditions before your trip. The Brasserie La PimbĂŞche sales outlet is in Nol, next to the Voie Verte; products can be consumed on site. Check the visit details if you plan to eat or drink there.
The visits also differ in their timing requirements: the goat shed visit is scheduled for 5 pm, while the quarries can be visited individually as self-guided walks along marked trails. This can help you fit the different activities into your daily schedule.
Discover more destinations: Travexin, Coussey, Tendon, Étival-Clairefontaine, Ban-De-Sapt, Liézey, Ambacourt, Hennezel
For the main travel overview: Vosges.
