The Maison de la Forêt... the House of Discovery!

History of the site

With over 70% of the Piémont Vosgien area forested, the forest is a major component of the region's landscape, economy and history.

Dating back to the 16th century, Norroy was the main sawmill of the former Saint-Sauveur abbey. Destroyed and rebuilt several times, its activity ceased in 1961.

After being used as a hunting lodge, the building was restored to create the Maison de la Forêt.

Why a Maison de la Forêt?

The forest is inseparable from the Vosges Piedmont and its inhabitants. Since the Middle Ages, the people who have lived here have worked with wood. The Maison de la Forêt is a place to enhance this cultural identity and promote forestry traditions.

The project aims to revitalize the area by promoting its assets through a welcoming space, and to encourage cohesion between its stakeholders.

The site is aimed at visitors, tourists, hikers and cyclists wishing to discover the magnificent forest massif and its riches. It is part of a tourism development strategy open to all forms of forest-related culture: art, literature, conferences, etc. It also aims to raise public awareness of the local environment, through an educational approach and original forms of discovery.

The Maison de la Forêt aims to promote the forest not only as a major element of the landscape and a source of leisure activities, but also as an economic, ecological and scientific resource.

It defines itself as a tool for reflection, meetings and the creation of projects around the forest in the broadest sense.

Gateway to the Vosges mountains

The Maison de la Forêt is located in the extreme south-east of the Meurthe-et-Moselle department, where four départements meet - Moselle, Vosges and Bas-Rhin - at the foot of the Donon massif, between the villages of Val-et-Châtillon and Saint-Sauveur.

Its position as the gateway to the Vosges sandstone massif, at the crossroads of numerous hiking trails, already in the forest but easily accessible by car, is ideal for this place of welcome, exchange, tourist and cultural development on the theme of the forest.

The team

Jacqueline

Visitor advisor

I'm proud to be able to present the different facets of my region, with its landscapes marked by war and its rich industrial and religious past. My pleasure lies in promoting the assets of the surrounding area and introducing visitors to the world of the forest: a green setting that has remained partly wild. I also like to share good advice on sightseeing, hiking and good addresses.

Lori-Anouk

Animator-coordinator

Originally from Quebec, I moved to the region to take on a new challenge, and I'm thrilled to welcome you into the world of the Maison de la Forêt. Passionate about discovery and sharing, my greatest desire is to offer you an enriching and unforgettable experience with every visit. I look forward to revealing the treasures of our environment and embarking with you on this adventure!

Philippe Arnould

President, Communauté de Communes de Vezouze en Piémont

There's no better way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and the worries of everyday life than to turn to the forest!
And here, where the door opens onto numerous trails that will help you discover the massif, you'll be well served! There's something for everyone, young and old, Sunday walker or experienced hiker, but what they all have in common is the beauty of the forest.
At the Maison de la Forêt, we welcome you with a smile for events, exhibitions, themed meetings..
We look forward to seeing you!

"The consolation of the forest: knowing that a cabin is waiting for you somewhere, where something is possible..." Sylvain Tesson