Halfway between Remiremont and La Bresse, Vagney is a peaceful Vosges village, ideal for a stop or as a discreet base to discover the region.
The village
Traditional houses, church with its stained glass windows, the Moselotte river winding through the centre. The atmosphere is that of an ordinary Vosges town, far from mass tourism.
Industrial history: textile and bleacheries of the Moselotte
Vagney carries the traces of a dense industrial past, characteristic of the Moselotte valley. From the 19th century until the mid-20th century, the valley lived to the rhythm of Vosges textiles: cotton spinning mills, weaving works, linen finishing. The Moselotte powered dozens of mills and workshops with hydraulic energy. Vagney had several bleaching and dyeing establishments, benefiting from the quality of the mountain water, which was particularly soft and low in calcium: ideal for treating fine textiles.
After progressive deindustrialisation in the 1960s to 1980s, many of these factories closed or converted their buildings. Some riverside industrial buildings have been rehabilitated into housing or craft workshops. You can still recognise, along the river, characteristic buildings with their large workshop windows, saw-tooth roofs (allowing even top lighting) and the water channels that fed the hydraulic wheels.
Architectural heritage
Several architectural elements are worth noticing on a walk through Vagney:
Wash houses. Vagney has preserved several 19th-century communal wash houses built in Vosges sandstone. These buildings, once at the heart of village social life, have been restored and represent precious vernacular heritage. The central wash house near the Moselotte bridge is the best preserved.
Converted factories. Along the river, 19th and 20th-century industrial buildings have been repurposed. Their cut-stone or brick facades, visible metal roof structures and industrial proportions contrast with traditional Vosges architecture.
The parish church. Rebuilt at the turn of the 20th century, it houses remarkable stained glass windows depicting scenes from rural and industrial Vosges life, commissioned locally as a reflection of the village’s prosperity at that time.
The greenway: 20 km of cycling paradise
One of the major draws: the Vagney-Saulxures-Cornimont greenway, 20 km long, accessible on foot, by bike or on rollers. Practically flat (cumulative elevation under 50 metres along the whole route), it follows the Moselotte in a superb forest setting.
Surface and accessibility. The greenway is fully paved with a regularly maintained surface. Width of 3 to 4 metres for two-way cycle passing. Suitable for road bikes, hybrid bikes, e-MTBs, tandems and wide pushchairs. Anti-motor barriers are in place at the entrances to the most frequented sections.
Starting points. Several access points with car parks: Vagney centre, Saulxures-sur-Moselotte (water sports base car park), Cornimont (sports centre car park). Bike shuttles available on certain July-August dates for one-way trips.
Perfect for families with children, including cargo bikes or child seats. Walkers also love the first 5 to 6 km from Vagney, shaded and very pleasant in warm weather.
Fishing in the Moselotte
The Moselotte is a category 1 fishery, meaning salmonid-dominant. Brown trout thrive here, along with grayling in some sections. Fishing is open from the second Saturday in March to the third Sunday in September.
Day tickets are available from the local fishing association (AAPPMA), certain village shops or online. Expect around 12 to 15 € per day for non-residents. Local regulations set minimum capture sizes and permitted methods (fly fishing often regulated on certain sections).
The best spots are riffle zones between pools, where trout chase surface insects. Early morning and evening offer the most favourable conditions.
Road cycling: Vagney in the regional loops
The Vagney area is crossed by several well-known cycling loops among Vosges riders. The road climbing towards La Bresse via Cornimont is a regional training classic: 18 km of steady climbing at around 3% average, ideal for endurance work. The descent towards Remiremont is fast and technical.
Vagney is also a natural staging post on the circuit known as the “Tour du Ballon d’Alsace on the Vosges side”, a 120 km loop regularly ridden by cycling clubs from across the Grand Est region. The village has drinking water fountains in the centre (handy for refilling) and a bakery open early for riders making an early start.
Accommodation in Vagney: comparison with La Bresse
Vagney offers several accommodation options at noticeably lower prices than La Bresse or Gérardmer:
Rural gîtes. Several 2 and 3-star classified gîtes, rented by the week (400 to 650 € depending on capacity), ideal for families or groups wanting a whole property. For comparison, an equivalent gîte in La Bresse rents for 600 to 900 € per week in high season.
Guesthouses. Two or three addresses in the village and its hamlets, with breakfast included. Expect 60 to 80 € per night for two, versus 90 to 130 € in La Bresse centre.
Village hotel. Vagney has a small family hotel (Logis de France) with a restaurant. Rates from 55 to 75 € for a double room, half-board available.
The advantage of staying in Vagney: proximity to Remiremont (shops, hospital, train station), quick access to La Bresse and Gérardmer, peaceful setting. The downside: no ski area within walking distance in winter, a car is necessary.
Around
- Saulxures water sports base: swimming, sailing, paddle in summer
- Tête des Cuveaux: panoramic hike from Eloyes 15 min away
- La Bresse Bike Park 20 min away
- Remiremont 15 min away
Gastronomy
Several family restaurants, inns by the Moselotte, weekly markets. Excellent patisseries, especially bakers still making their sourdough bread.
See also
As an alternative, our chalet in La Bresse is 15 min away and offers hotel-grade comfort.
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Vagney?
Forest hikes, greenway along the Moselotte, visit to the Saulxures water sports base 5 min away, markets, good eateries.
Is it lively at night?
No, Vagney is a quiet town. A few village restaurants open in the evening. For nightlife, head to La Bresse or Gérardmer.
Is it a good base to tour the Vosges?
Yes, central position (15 min from La Bresse, 15 min from Remiremont), gentler prices than in the famous resorts.
How long is the greenway?
20 km between Vagney, Saulxures and Cornimont. Practically flat, suitable for bikes, walking and rollers.