Running in Vesoul: the Nice of the East
- audreyubertino
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Immortalised by Belgian singer Jacques Brel in his song ‘Vesoul’, the capital of Haute-Saône is home to many treasures. Classified as a ‘Heritage City’, the town boasts a magnificent medieval historic centre, built with limestone from nearby quarries. Vesoul also has a diverse natural heritage of lakes, hills and plains. Add to this a microclimate offering unrivalled sunshine in the region, and you will understand why Vesoul has earned its nickname ‘Nice of the East’. Thanks to JOOKS, enjoy the gentle way of life in Vesoul and discover its riches through three audio-guided tours.
Although prehistoric remains have been discovered in the urban area, Vesoul only really began to develop in the early Middle Ages around Castrum Vesulium, a fortified castle perched on the hill of La Motte. First the seat of a viscountcy, then the capital of the bailiwick of Amont, Vesoul has evolved over the centuries. From a fortified market town to a bustling commercial centre, then a central judicial centre and strategic garrison town, Vesoul eventually took on important administrative and political roles.
Depending on allegiances, Vesoul was alternately part of the Holy Roman Empire and the Spanish Empire, until its annexation by France in 1678. In 1814, it briefly became the capital of the State of Franche-Comté before returning to French rule. After the Second World War, the city experienced considerable growth, becoming an important industrial centre. Today, the city perfectly combines historical past, nature and culture and is just waiting to be discovered.
A city of history
With its rich history, Vesoul now boasts a significant architectural and cultural heritage. Although the medieval castle has unfortunately disappeared, the town centre is full of mansions, religious buildings and other remarkable structures such as the town hall, the market halls and the former Paul Morel hospital.
A city on a human scale, Vesoul can be explored on foot, through its narrow streets, squares and bridges. The Old Vesoul district is home to many buildings listed as historic monuments, as well as the city's first houses, built at the foot of La Motte.
The city boasts a wide range of architectural styles — Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque — which blend harmoniously into its urban fabric. A stroll through the narrow streets allows you to admire the work of the craftsmen who adorn the façades, a real treat for architecture enthusiasts.
Our urban trail route will take you on a journey through this well-preserved historic centre and its iconic landmarks, from Place de la République to Place du Palais de Justice, all the way to La Motte hill.
A city of nature
Vesoul's appeal goes beyond its historical charm. Set amid varied natural landscapes, the town captivates visitors with its lush plains, green hills and serene bodies of water.
La Motte, a limestone hill rising to over 370 metres above sea level, offers a splendid panorama of the town and its surroundings. Once crowned by a fortified castle, it is now flanked by a chapel housing a 3.5-metre-high statue of the Virgin Mary. La Motte is now a place of contemplation and leisurely strolls, as well as one of the city's most iconic landmarks.
Known for its remarkable limestone formations, the Sabot de Frotey Nature Reserve also offers beautiful views of the region. Created in 1981, it covers nearly 100 hectares and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. More than 400 different plant species and 500 species of butterflies. Our Sabot Trail will take you from Vesoul town centre to the Reserve, where you can learn more about this exceptional site and the legend of the Sabot.
Vesoul is crossed by four rivers, including the Durgeon, which you can explore thanks to our fitness trail. This walk of just over 7 kilometres, punctuated by a few exercise stations, will take you from the English Garden to the small village of Coulevon, along the banks of the river. You will take the greenway, created in the 1980s, which starts north of the English Garden and continues towards the Rêpes district.
A few kilometres from the town centre lies Lake Vesoul-Vaivre. Covering an area of nearly 90 hectares, it will delight lovers of walking and sporting activities, both on land and water: cycling, archery, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing and pedalos.
Gastronomy and lifestyle
Vesoul is located in a region rich in culinary traditions. As a town in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, it shares many characteristics with Franche-Comté cuisine, known for its generous dishes and local produce. Charcuterie plays an important role, with specialities such as Morteau sausage and pork jambonnettes. Local restaurants often offer traditional dishes such as fondue comtoise, served with an assortment of regional cheeses, including Comté, Époisses and Cancoillotte.
To accompany these dishes, Vesoul benefits from its proximity to the vineyards of the Jura, famous for their yellow wine and straw wine. The region also offers desserts that will delight those with a sweet tooth, such as Vesoul cream waffles and light, golden Franche-Comté galettes. What's more, every market and shop in the town offers an opportunity to discover local products, where craftsmanship meets gastronomy, for a tasty souvenir of the region.
Run, walk or cycle with JOOKS, from Saint-Georges Church to the Sabot Nature Reserve!
Find all the routes in the town of Vesoul and more than 1,500 others in the JOOKS app.
Comments