Raon-L'étape: Holiday apartments and houses

In the town centre, Raon-l'Étape features monumental buildings made of pink Vosges sandstone. They are associated with the former timber rafting industry on the Meurthe and the city's related former prosperity. Wanting to rent a holiday apartment in Raon-l'Étape is a distinct part of planning the trip.

Culture

The Church of Saint-Luc has imposing columns and a symphonic organ. Its stained-glass windows have been classified as a Monument historique since 1986. The Halle aux Blés, restored in 2002, houses the town theatre, which also serves as a cinema, as well as the Espace Émile Gallé exhibition space.

The townscape also includes the Motel de l'Eau Vive with its contemporary “bubble houses”. They were designed in the late 1960s by Swiss architect Pascal Haüsermann and have been classified as a Monument historique since 2014.

The Pierre-Borne menhir is a regularly shaped monolith of pink granite that rises more than 3 metres above the ground. It has been classified as a Monument historique since 21 May 1925. The fountains of Raon-l'Étape primarily draw on Greek-Roman mythology and allegories; the Fontaine des Quatre Lions is considered a landmark of the town. Guided tours of the fountains of Raon-l'Étape are offered for groups throughout the year by prior reservation.

Trails

The Circuit pédestre - Bon Dieu is a marked circular trail from Raon-l'Étape that is freely accessible year-round, covering 9 km and rated as moderately difficult. The circular hiking trail passes the menhir, the Roche des Sacrifices, the Borne de l'Evêché and the Oratoire du Bon Dieu, a small chapel built in 1787.

The Voie verte de la Vallée de la Plaine is a 27.3 km-long, non-motorised multi-use trail. It mostly runs through the valley near the La Plaine River and partly follows the route of the former railway.

Surroundings

The area around Raon-l'Étape is home to the Musée du Cristal, a museum, Moyenmoutier Abbey, a monastery, the Mémorial de la Résistance, a memorial, and the Abbey of Senones, a monastery.

The mountains in the surrounding area include Moulin, Ortomont, La Borne Carée and La Pierre Piquée.

Other places: Lusse, Granges-Sur-Vologne, Gemmelaincourt, Claudon, Rochesson, Remiremont, Vagney, Tendon.

For the higher-level travel overview: Vosges.