Remiremont, a story of women

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The city of Remiremont is one of the few cities that can look back on its history since the Merovingian era. And what a story! That of young noble girls who would have a lasting influence on the history of Lorraine at a time when being a woman was not necessarily ideal.

Viewpoint over Remiremont, from the Fort du Parmont
A little history...

The origins of Remiremont

The origins of Remiremont date back to the 7th century with the founding of the double monastery on Saint-Mont by Saint Romaric and Saint Amé. The women's abbey quickly grew in importance. However, life on Saint-Mont was very difficult, both meteorologically and religiously. The nuns therefore decided to move down to the valley. And this was only the beginning of the remarkable story of these women, who wielded extraordinary political power, the most powerful in Lorraine.

Follow this splendid epic in the company of one of our guides or with our audio guide.

Religion

The abbey quarter and its church

In the beginning, in the 10th century, the nuns built a new abbey around a central church. Sadly, these early buildings were destroyed in a massive fire in the 11th century. The nuns then decided to rebuild the area, but with one difference: they would no longer live together, but each in their own individual house. Thus, the iconic Canonesses' Quarter of Remiremont was born.

Remiremont
Fountain of Remiremont
Curiosity

Remiremont and its fountains

In the 19th century, a problem arose in Remiremont: How could everyone have access to water and hygiene?

What's better than fountains? Of different shapes and sizes, they were built mainly at the request of Mayor Stanislas Bresson. One of them was even inaugurated by the Duchess of Angoulême, daughter of Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI.

military history

The fort of Parmont

The Fort du Parmont, located on the massif of the same name, overlooks the town of Remiremont. Built between 1874 and 1876 by General Séré de Rivières, it is part of the defensive line of the Upper Moselle. It served as the last rampart during the Great War of 1914-1918 with one of the most important garrisons in France, the entrenched camp of Épinal. 

Abandoned since 1960, the Fort du Parmont Conservation Committee was created in 2006 to rehabilitate the site. Since then, these Vosges volunteers have been working to restore the fort and offer guided tours.

Take the opportunity to also do the Séré de Rivières hike, which is accessible for families.

Visit the Parmont Fort
the 1er From Sundays in April to November 11th, volunteers offer guided tours of the fort:
  • From April to the end of August, Sundays at 14:30 pm and 16 pm
  • From September to November, Sundays at 15 p.m.
  • In July and August, an additional tour is offered at 14:30 pm on Tuesdays (reservations required at the tourist office).
Prices: €5 full price – €3 for ages 6-12 – Free for children under 6
The team's favorite
“Every day, I pass through the heart of Remiremont’s abbey district on my way to work. And every day, I marvel at the majesty of the church and the adjoining palace. In the warmer months, the flower-filled Place des Mesdames is an exceptionally pleasant place with its central fountain and the incredible architecture all around. A must-see in Remiremont for anyone who loves old stones, history, or simply admiring beauty!”

– Lydie

Lydie
Games booklet

In search of lost animals

The tourist office offers an activity booklet for children. Embark on an adventure with the Brimbelle family in search of lost animals. As a family, explore the history of the town and its monuments through games, riddles, tangrams, and solve our clever puzzles.

Fun and good humor guaranteed!

On sale at the tourist office, at the price of 2€.