The cathedral of Saint-Dié-Des-Vosges brings together Romanesque, Gothic, neoclassical and modern styles in a building made of the pink sandstone characteristic of the Vosges. Its contemporary ensemble of stained-glass windows by Jean Bazaine is unique in Europe. Other highlights include museums, archaeological remains, murals and marked forest trails. If you are looking for a hotel in Saint-Dié-Des-Vosges, you can shape your stay around whether you want to focus on architecture and the city’s history or on cultural attractions and forest trails.
Architecture, Art and the History of Cartography
Saint-Dié-Des-Vosges’ connection with the history of cartography dates back to 1507: the “Cosmographiae Introductio” was published by scholars who had gathered there, and accompanied a world map printed in 1507. The name “America” is a tribute to Amerigo Vespucci.
Two murals also make their own distinctive mark. In Allée Émile-Lambert, the French artist Rasto created “Du Graduel à la Cosmographiae Introductio” in April 2024. The title explicitly references the Cosmographiae Introductio. “La Cafourotte” was created in June 2022 by the French artist Primal at 6 rue d’Alsace. The Manufacture Duval is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Museums and Railways
The Musée Pierre-Noël has been awarded the “Musée de France” designation and presents seven permanent exhibitions across three exhibition levels. A renovated wing is devoted primarily to the work of Le Corbusier, whose architecture has shaped the city. The visitor programme includes tours, hands-on workshops, activity booklets and participatory activities. As museum displays and programmes may change, check current opening hours and offerings before your visit.
Train Land traces the history and development of rail transport from the late 19th century to the present day. The exhibition includes more than 1,500 locomotives and carriages. Here too, check the latest opening information before your visit. This lets you plan museum visits around their respective opening hours without losing sight of the different subjects covered by each museum.
Archaeological Traces
The Camp celtique de la Bure is an archaeological site classified as a “Monument Historique” in 1982. On the three-hectare site, traces of craft, agricultural and ritual activities have been uncovered, along with more than 1,000 Gallic and Roman coins.
Forest Trails, Views and a Cycling Route
Saint-Dié-Des-Vosges has 220 kilometres of marked forest trails across four mountain ranges that dominate the city. Roche Saint-Martin is in the Kemberg massif and offers views of Saint-Dié-Des-Vosges from an altitude of 600 metres. It can be visited independently, following marked trails; check locally for visitor information before setting out.
For a cycling trip, the Boucle patrimoine n°21: Le Kemberg route leads from the centre of Saint-Dié-Des-Vosges by bike into the Kemberg massif. This offers different ways to explore: an extensive network of marked forest trails and a specifically named cycling loop. Check route conditions and markings before setting off.
Festival at the Start of Autumn
The Festival International de Géographie is a recurring event held at the start of autumn in Saint-Dié-Des-Vosges. The programme includes conferences, debates, meetings and dedications, as well as exhibitions, geodigital activities, gastronomy, cinema and performances. Dates and programme change each year. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the information for the relevant year.
Discover more destinations: Wisembach, Autigny-La-Tour, Coussey, Cleurie, Senones, Gironcourt-Sur-Vraine, Contrexéville, Le Valtin
For the regional travel overview: Vosges.
