Saint-Loup-sur-Semouse is a commune in the Haute-Saône department, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, 12 km northwest of Luxeuil-les-Bains.
Its 16 km² territory borders the massif and the Vosges department to the east. The locality developed in a plain where three rivers meet: the Augronne flows into the Semouse upstream from the city center, then the Combeauté joins it a few kilometers downstream.
This rich hydrography and the verdant environment of Saint-Loup-sur-Semouse (forests cover 43% of its area, grasslands 26% for only 6% of cultivated land) have shaped its history. Long torn in the Middle Ages between the duchies of Burgundy and Lorraine, the city saw the establishment from the 17th century of tanneries, nail factories and weaving workshops that took advantage of the rivers. Then, in the 19th century, the crafts of footwear and embroidery appeared before the furniture industry took over (factories manufacturing seats and then furniture). The locality is still classified today as a "city of furniture" thanks to this know-how.
Nowadays, the small town of nearly 3300 inhabitants makes it a tourist asset, and also highlights its heritage and its "nature" leisure offer.
A route in the form of discovery of the heritage of the town can begin, in the center, by the Château des Bouly, also known as "Château de Malliard". Now protected as historical monuments, it was built in 1755 on behalf of Jean-Baptiste Bouly, a prosperous forge master. In neo-classical style, it has a central main building with three levels (including the second attic floor) and two wings behind. The facade which overlooks a park is decorated with a pediment and we read this motto (translated from Latin): "By striking, the hammer heats up". According to tradition, the ramps and balconies were made at the owner's forge. The estate was then acquired by the Malliard family and then during the 20th century, first housing a hospice and then a retirement home, it was sold to the town. The castle is also famous for its huge buffet in the dining room, with carved and curved wooden panels, made by a craftsman from the city, Xavier Gura.
The site regularly hosts cultural and association events and the park has become a public garden. Information on +33 3 84 49 06 22.
Next, the parish church of Saint-Loup, built from 1785 to 1790 to replace a medieval building that has become obsolete. The style is generally austere, the whole forming a hall dotted with columns, but the facade is elegant. There is a triangular pediment resting on four pilasters and, above the basket-handle portal, a large bay with balustraded balcony and oculus. As for the rectangular bell tower with bevelled angles, its spire ends in a ball bearing a cross. Inside, there is a 16th century Italian marble altar, noble statues including a 14th century polychrome wood Madonna and Child, an 18th century altarpiece and a canvas on the left side of the transept. Finally, there is a large gallery with balusters which surmounts a painting representing Saint Loup facing the barbarians (1927).
The city being crossed by the river, we also observe the Grand Bridge which dates from the 18th century, the so-called Pont d'Avignon, first built in wood then replaced by a metal bridge in 1824 and the charm of the stone quays which have replaced quays made up of fascines (assembled branches).
Then head to the Usines Réuniées site (which closed in 2013): the municipality has acquired this former stronghold of local industry to house the "Conservatoire de la Cité du Meuble". Managed by an association, its vocation is to transmit the memory of centuries-old know-how. We discover a unique collection of 900 chairs but also old tools and documents. The establishment, the development of which has not yet been completed, can already be visited from time to time. Information on +33 3 84 94 18 51 or +33 7 87 31 53 37.
In terms of culture, events and exhibitions are regularly scheduled at the media library. Contact +33 3 84 49 09 38.
For athletes, it is possible to reserve a tennis court with the local club: call +33 6 81 06 64 11.
For walks, hikes and "nature" activities, to note first of all that one can enjoy in the city itself the park of the castle but also, from the hill of the Old Castle, to the west, a point of view on the city and the plain.
Then go to the southwest of the territory dotted with ponds. The first is the Gravières site made up of three water features. The set is dedicated to fishermen and walkers. Eventually, a path in the form of a greenway will connect them. The site is managed by the fishing association: information on +33 6 30 37 13 27. Nearby, the Tournant des Îles site includes two bodies of water for a total area of 25 hectares. Playful arrangements have been made as well as bird observation posts and footbridges are reserved for walkers. Information on +33 3 84 49 06 22.
For lovers of hiking or mountain biking, circuits have been laid out and marked out along the course of the Semouse in particular or dedicated to the discovery of the neighboring forests. A route also leads to the source of Le Planey (in the neighboring town of Anjeux), and larger loops allow you to reach the first reliefs of the Vosges. Maps and information on +33 3 84 40 06 41.
Every Monday morning, a market highlights the products and gastronomy of the region.
The first weekend of April, over three days, exhibition fair with marquees to accommodate commercial stands, garage sales (Saturdays), street clearance sale, carnival.
The first or second weekend of May, Deux Ponts slalom (car rally race).
The last weekend of June, Celtic festival.
Saturdays in July, local market at the Château des Bouly.
On Sundays in July, concerts at the Château des Bouly.
The second weekend of December, festival of lights and Christmas market.
