La Petite-Pierre is situated on a rocky promontory in the Parc naturel régional des Vosges du Nord and is classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Nature and culture can be experienced here in gardens, viewpoints, fortifications and historic buildings.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in La Petite-Pierre is directing their accommodation search towards this specific destination.
Nature
The Jardin des Poètes offers a remarkable viewpoint over the old town of La Petite-Pierre. From the tourist information office, it can be reached via the Chemin de l’Altenbourg; it can be visited free of charge as part of a self-guided tour.
The Jardin des Païens is located behind La Petite-Pierre town hall and can be reached via a path between the town hall and the pharmacy. The terraced hillside garden, laid out above the ravine, features steps and stone paths and invites visitors to experience nature.
Culture and History
The Château de La Petite Pierre was built in the 13th century. Its fortifications were extensively modernized by Vauban in 1684. The Château is closed to the public; only the outer castle courtyard can be visited, with a tour and information panels about its history and most recent renovation.
The Eglise Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption is a simultaneous church where Protestant services and Catholic Masses have taken place alternately since 1737. The church contains restored frescoes classified as historic monuments, depicting biblical scenes including the Coronation of the Virgin. They are among the oldest frescoes in eastern France.
Le Relais des Arts is located in a former post relay station dating from 1788 and now serves as an exhibition venue. The Relais includes an art gallery, an insect garden, an entomologist’s office and a historic schoolroom with furniture and equipment from an earlier period.
Trails
The easily accessible Sentier des remparts runs along the fortified walls and offers views of underground cisterns carved entirely out of sandstone. In La Petite-Pierre, the Halte du poète is connected to the Sentier des trois rochers; the hike is stated to take 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Event
The Au Grès du Jazz festival takes place every August in the medieval town of La Petite Pierre.
