Vittel Travel Guide (Grand Est/France/Europe)

Introduction to Vittel

Vittel is a quaint town located in the Grand Est region of France and is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning natural scenery, historical architecture, and cultural attractions. Vittel is also renowned for its natural hot springs, which have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries.

In this comprehensive Vittel travel guide, we will explore the various attractions the town has to offer, including the must-visit cultural and outdoor destinations, suggestions for hiking and biking routes, the best things to do, food and drink recommendations, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Vittel

Vittel offers a diverse range of places to visit, which caters to everyone’s needs and interests. Here is a list of the top attractions that you should put on your list.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Maison de la Résidence: This historical building in Vittel was built-in 1912 for the bottling and selling of Vittel water. It now serves as a cultural center and hosts various exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.
Musée du Patrimoine et du Thermalisme: This museum showcases the history of the hot springs of Vittel and the town’s development as a health resort. Visitors can learn about the therapeutic properties of the hot springs, the town’s architecture, and the famous personalities who have visited.
Église Saint-Rémi: This Roman Catholic church was built in the 16th century and showcases a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. It is renowned for its impressive stained-glass windows and beautiful interior.

Natural Attractions of Vittel: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Thermes de Vittel: Experience the therapeutic properties of Vittel’s natural hot springs at this modern spa complex. Enjoy a range of treatments, including hydrotherapy, massage, and wellness sessions.
Parc Thermal: Located next to Thermes de Vittel, it is a stunning park that features beautiful floral gardens, an artificial lake, and walking paths. You can relax and unwind while appreciating the natural scenery.
Lac de la Folie: This lake is situated within a 10-minute drive from Vittel and offers an excellent spot for swimming and water sports. It is surrounded by lush green forests and offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Vittel

Vittel is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts with a wide variety of scenic hiking and biking routes that suit different fitness levels. Here are some of the most popular trails:

Sentier des Sources: This hiking trail is 6.3 km long and takes you through the beautiful forests and rural landscapes surrounding Vittel. It offers a chance to explore the town’s history and appreciate the natural scenery.
Voie Verte des Vallées: This bike path extends across a distance of 36 km and follows the course of the canal through the heart of the Vittel region. It is a perfect route to appreciate the countryside and discover the nearby villages and towns.

Best Things to Do in Vittel: Activities and Tours

Vittel offers a host of exciting activities designed to cater to different interests and age groups. Here are some of the best things to do in Vittel:

Golfing: Vittel offers three golf courses, the oldest of which dates back to the early 20th century. These courses cater to different levels of golfers and offer stunning views of the Vosges Mountains.
Horse Riding Trails: Discover the lush green forests around Vittel on horseback and explore the town’s beautiful surroundings in the most natural way possible.
Visit the weekly markets: Discover local produce, such as cheese, fruits, vegetables, and flowers, while exploring the weekly markets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Week-Long Itinerary for Vittel

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week in Vittel:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Visit Thermes de Vittel and relax in the hot springs
Day 2	Visit the Maison de la Résidence and Musée du Patrimoine et du Thermalisme
Day 3	Go on a bike ride on Voie Verte des Vallées
Day 4	Visit Église Saint-Rémi and explore the town’s architecture
Day 5	Hike the Sentier des Sources trail
Day 6	Play golf at one of Vittel’s courses
Day 7	Explore the nearby towns and villages, such as Contrexéville and Bourbonne-les-Bains

Food and Drink Scene of Vittel

Vittel is renowned for its food and has several cafés, restaurants, and bars that cater to different tastes, from traditional French cuisine to international dishes. Here are some of the top dishes and local beverages to try:

Must-Try Dishes

Quiche Lorraine: A savory pastry with bacon and cheese filling, a typical dish of the Lorraine region.
Boeuf Bourguignon: A classic French stew made with beef, red wine, herbs, and vegetables, which creates a rich and flavorful taste.

Local Beverages

Vittel Water: Vittel is known for its naturally occurring thermal water, which you can drink straight from the source or enjoy in your meals.
Alsace Wine: The Alsace wine region is situated within a short drive from Vittel, and you can discover local whites or reds from small family-owned vineyards.

Where to Stay in Vittel: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Vittel offers plenty of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of our top recommendations:

Hôtel Mercure Vittel: This elegant hotel is situated next to the Parc Thermal and offers luxury rooms and suites with stunning views of the park or town. The hotel also has a restaurant, bar, and modern wellness center.
Appart’City Vittel: This budget-friendly option is perfect for those traveling with family or on extended stays. The apartments offer private kitchens and living areas.

What to Buy in Vittel: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Vittel is renowned for its excellent food and beverages, and there are several local products you can bring home as souvenirs of your trip:

Madeleines: These buttery and fluffy small cakes are a staple sweet snack in the Lorraine region and are perfect to enjoy with tea or coffee.
Local Wines: Bring back a bottle of Alsace wine, which is renowned for its light and refreshing whites and subtle reds, produced by small family wineries.

Local Culture and Customs of Vittel

Vittel is a small town with proud French traditions, and it is recommended to respect the cultural customs of the locals. A friendly smile and greeting in French will go a long way in showing respect for the local culture.

Best Time to Visit Vittel

The best time to visit Vittel is during the summer months, from June to September. The weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities, and several festivals and events take place during this period.

Do’s and Don’ts of Vittel

Do:

Try local dishes and beverages.
Be polite and courteous to the locals.

Don’t:

Assume everyone speaks English; it is courteous to learn a few French phrases before visiting.

Safety and Health

Safety in Vittel

Vittel is a peaceful town with low crime rates, and it is generally safe to walk around at any time of day or night. However, it is still good practice to be aware of your surroundings.

Health in Vittel

The hot springs of Vittel have been renowned for their therapeutic properties for centuries, and Thermes de Vittel offer a range of treatments to promote wellness and relaxation.

Getting to Vittel: Transportation Options and Logistics

Vittel is well-connected to major cities in France and Europe, making it a convenient destination to visit.

Airports Near Vittel

The nearest airports to Vittel are:

Strasbourg Airport: approximately 130 km away.
Nancy-Metz Airport: approximately 100 km away.

Bus Stations Near Vittel

The closest bus stations to Vittel are:

Vittel Bus Station: situated in the town center.
Contrexéville Bus Station: situated within a 10-minute drive from Vittel.

Other Options

Vittel is well-connected by train, with fast and efficient train services running daily from major French cities.

How to Get Around in Vittel

Vittel is a small town that can be explored on foot or by bicycle. However, if you want to discover the surrounding areas, you can rent a car or make use of the local bus services.

Where to Go Next from Vittel: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Vittel is situated in a region that offers several nearby destinations and excursions worth visiting, such as:

Contrexéville: This spa town is renowned for the Vittel water brand and offers a range of thermal spa facilities.
Bourbonne-les-Bains: This town is famous for its natural springs and historic buildings, such as the Romanesque church of Saint-Martin.

Conclusion

Vittel offers a diverse range of attractions, and it is a perfect destination for those looking for a healthy break or a peaceful retreat. In this comprehensive Vittel travel guide, we have explored the top places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and much more. Plan your trip to Vittel today and discover the wonders of this charming French town!