The Maquis de la Brayotte is a memorial site on the wooded heights above La Bresse, in the Hautes-Vosges (88250). It honours the Resistance fighters from the 4th grouping of the Vosges maquis who were killed during combat on 16 September 1944. Free to visit and open throughout the year, it can be explored on a signposted memorial trail through the forest and clearings.
What you will find on site
A signposted trail known as the “chemin du souvenir” (path of remembrance) leads through the Vosges woodland to a commemorative monument. Information panels are placed along the route, recounting the events of 16 September 1944 and naming the men who fought here.
Among those killed that day were men from the Gérardmer area aged between 21 and 38: carpenters, tool-smiths, carriers, FFI soldiers. Ordinary lives, given in the closing weeks of the Occupation. Two Resistance fighters captured during the same engagement were subsequently executed at Les Combes, near La Bresse.
These men belonged to the 4th grouping of the Vosges maquis (Corcieux-Gérardmer sector), one of the most active Resistance networks in the region during the summer of 1944.
The monument stands surrounded by forest. The experience of being in the actual landscape where these events unfolded gives the visit a weight that no museum can replicate.
Getting there and practical information
The Maquis de la Brayotte is roughly 5 km from the centre of La Bresse, on the heights near Cornimont. The site is open and free all year round. Dogs and groups are welcome.
For the exact route from La Bresse, contact the tourist office:
- Phone: +33 3 29 25 41 29
- Email: tourisme@labresse.net
- Official listing and directions
Wear walking shoes suited to forest terrain. In periods of heavy snowfall, check trail conditions before setting out.
When to visit
The site is accessible year-round. Spring through autumn is ideal when the path is clear. An autumn visit, with light filtering through the Vosges beech trees, has its own atmosphere. A visit in mid-September, near the anniversary of the 16 September 1944 combat, carries particular meaning.
Combine your visit
The Maquis de la Brayotte fits naturally into a stay that blends outdoor activity with heritage. Other stops worth considering:
- Things to do in La Bresse : full guide to activities in the area, all seasons
- Vosges peat bogs: nature walks : another kind of immersive walk combining nature and landscape history
- Family hiking near La Bresse : signposted routes suitable for children
- Visiting Remiremont : medieval Vosges town with arcaded streets, 30 km away
- Our chalets in La Bresse : stay locally and explore at your own pace
Key takeaways
The Maquis de la Brayotte is an understated but moving memorial, set within the forest where the events actually happened. Free, accessible without booking, it offers a signposted walk suited to families and anyone wishing to understand what the Liberation cost in these mountains. For the complete route and details on the names inscribed on the monument, contact the La Bresse tourist office before your visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Maquis de la Brayotte?
The Maquis de la Brayotte is a memorial site on the heights above La Bresse, in the Vosges (Alsace-Moselle region, north-eastern France). It commemorates Resistance fighters who fell during combat on 16 September 1944. A signposted memorial trail winds through the woodland to a commemorative monument, with information panels along the route.
How do I get to the Maquis de la Brayotte from La Bresse?
The site is roughly 5 km from the centre of La Bresse, near Cornimont. Access is free and open year-round. For the exact walking or driving directions, contact the La Bresse tourist office on +33 3 29 25 41 29 or at tourisme@labresse.net. A route description is also available on labresse.net.
What happened at La Brayotte in 1944?
On 16 September 1944, German forces clashed with Resistance fighters from the 4th grouping of the Vosges maquis on the Brayotte massif. Several fighters were killed that day, including men from the Gérardmer area aged between 21 and 38. Two others were captured and subsequently shot at Les Combes, near La Bresse.
Is the Maquis de la Brayotte suitable for families?
Yes. The memorial walk follows a signposted trail and is manageable for families with older children. The information panels along the route provide historical context. The site is open to groups and to dogs. Spring through autumn is the best time to visit, as heavy snowfall can make the trail difficult in winter.
Is there an entry fee?
No. The visit is entirely free, with no booking required. The trail is open access throughout the year.
How does La Brayotte differ from other memorial sites near La Bresse?
La Brayotte is the site of the forest combat on 16 September 1944. It is distinct from the Monument des Combes, which marks where captured Resistance fighters were executed, and from the Roche du Page stele, dedicated to the maquisards of Xonrupt-Gérardmer. Each site tells a different chapter of the Liberation of the Vosges.