If you’re looking for accommodation in Sanchey, you can plan your trip around the area’s local themes: water at Lac de Bouzey, protected nature at Étang de la Comtesse, or military history around the forts. Lac de Bouzey is an artificial reservoir, built between 1874 and 1882 to supply the Canal des Vosges. Its creation links the landscape with the history of water infrastructure. Each theme offers a different way to plan your day, without prescribing a fixed itinerary.

Walks and water sports at Lac de Bouzey

The shores of Lac de Bouzey are designed for walks, relaxation, and sporting activities. You can walk or cycle around the lake. Sailing, canoeing and kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boating, and recreational boating are also possible on the lake. This offers different ways to enjoy the shore and the water: walking or cycling focuses on the route around the lake, while the water sports listed here involve getting out on the water. The availability of water activities may vary by season and provider. Before your trip, check which options are available for your intended dates.

Protected nature at Étang de la Comtesse

Étang de la Comtesse is in Sanchey and is a protected natural area. A nature trail and wooden boardwalks allow visitors to explore the area while helping to protect its fragile ecosystem. Exploration here goes hand in hand with respect for the natural environment. This makes it different from the leisure and water sports available at Lac de Bouzey: at Étang de la Comtesse, the trail and boardwalks lead through a protected landscape. Check the current site conditions before visiting.

Orienteering on foot and by mountain bike

Loisir Orientation Sanchey organizes an orienteering walk open to all audiences. The association also promotes orienteering on foot and by mountain bike. This adds another way to engage with the area alongside the activities at the lake: here, the focus is on navigation and movement, rather than water sports or walking or cycling around the lake. The walk dates may change, so check them in advance if you’d like to plan your visit around one.

Fort de Sanchey and Batterie de Sanchey

Fort de Sanchey dates from 1883. Historically, it linked the forts of Girancourt and Uxegney; it is also a military heritage site. Batterie de Sanchey was built between 1881 and 1883 and has a working drawbridge, which was activated during the European Heritage Days. The fort and the battery are distinct points of interest in military history: the fort is notable for its historic role as a link, while the battery stands out for its construction period and drawbridge.

Heritage route No. 9, “Bouzey and Its Forts,” lets visitors discover Batterie de Sanchey and follows the Canal des Vosges in several places. The route thus combines military heritage with stretches alongside the canal. As of September 2020, guided tours for individual visitors were available on request; visits were limited to the exterior. Before visiting, check what options are currently available.

Discover more destinations: Colroy-La-Grande, Le Clerjus, Belval, Vittel, Fraize, Fremifontaine, Arches, Gerbepal.

For the main travel overview: Vosges.