Follow Voltaire’s footsteps through the era of the Princes and abbots and discover our historical heritage.

	Just as Voltaire did in 1754, visit the beautiful Benedictine abbeys in the Rabodeau Valley. The abbey in Moyenmoutier is the best example of baroque art in Lorraine and Senones has many fine examples of eighteenth century architecture. Just as the famous Dom Calmet did, walk through the cloisters and see the sandstone staircase with its wrought iron banisters.

The pride of the former independent State of Salm-Salm is regularly represented by a demonstration of the Changing of the Guard. On Sunday mornings, the music of drums, fifes and trumpets will accompany you from the Princes’ Palace to the abbey.

Throughout the guided tour, you will be able to appreciate the monastery buildings and imagine the long struggle between the Counts of Salm and the abbots that preceded the birth of the independent State which became part of France in 1793.

Leaving Senones, one can explore the rich heritage of ancient buildings in other towns and villages such as the Moussey Chateau, evidence of former textile factory owners’ wealth or the little church of Saint Jean d’Ormont built high up on a green pedestal and the many pink sandstone farms and villages. A bend in the road will often reveal signs of the world wars as a reminder that Salm has always been the scene of movement.

WINTER or SUMMER......

In winter or summer, there are unforgettable views among the hills and valleys

“Salm country” with its many unrivalled beauty spots, is situated halfway between Nancy and Strasbourg on the edge of the Vosges mountains, overlooked by the Donon peak. Rest and relax near a stream in the peace and quiet of one of the many valleys surrounded by huge state forests.

The extensive forest tracks and paths can be explored in any season and for days on end. You can walk or take to horseback or mountain bike, or try cross-country skiing and feel part of the magical winter landscape. Enjoy the views over the Rabodeau and Hure Valleys from one of the surrounding peaks.
Haute-Pierre, Prayé, Roche Mère Henry or Coquin. Look down among the hills and you will see crystal clear streams meeting and wending their way down through the peaceful villages to the great rivers on the plain.

Welcome to "Salm Country"

Good food and accommodation are essential for an enjoyable holiday and there is a wide choice waiting for you at the end of each day spent in the great outdoors.

There are well-quipped camping sites where you can appreciate the freshness of summer nights, or you can camp on a farm or rent a holiday home and enjoy the hospitality of the local people. There is also a choice of comfortable hotels.

Senones and the surrounding area offer a wide choice of good food including local specialities and “haute cuisine” for the most refined palate.

To get the best out of your stay in “Salm Country”, contact the tourist office in Senones where we will be pleased to provide you with all the detailed information you require.

A special and secluded place to visit.

In Salm Country, In the heart of the Vosges forests

History comes to meet you every step of the way between abbeys, castles, royal palaces, churches in pink sandstone and crucifixes in granite.

Just as Voltaire did centuries ago, visit the Principality of Salm and see the Changing of the Guard. The setting is surrounded by unspoilt nature and wild countryside which will delight walkers.

This lesser-known part of the Vosges is brought to life by village fairs, traditional festivities and guided tours of the abbeys.

Whether you prefer to see it on foot, horseback or mountain bike, you will encounter the history of the Vosges Princes wherever you go.

The Ban d’Etival

Due to their history, the villages belonging to the Ban d’Etival can be considered to be the link between Salm Country, the Etival Abbey which is a masterpiece of Roman art, and the Hure Valley.

Relaxing walks in the countryside, a visit to a farm museum with its collection of tools from former days or a visit to the Abbey, and your holiday will be unforgettable.