In the French department of Moselle, on the edge of the Vosges Mountains, lies the small village of Saint-Quirin. With around 800 inhabitants, it is one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, a collection of some of the most beautiful villages in France. I visit Saint-Quirin during my road trip through the Vosges and spend some time exploring its streets and historic buildings. With its unusual church towers, old houses and location among wooded hills, it is a lovely place to wander around. In this article, I share what there is to see and do in Saint-Quirin, along with a few interesting places to visit nearby.
Read this article in DutchHistory of Saint-Quirin
The history of Saint-Quirin goes back to Roman times, and traces of this period can still be found in the surrounding area. The village received its present name during the Middle Ages, after relics of the Roman martyr Saint Quirinus were brought here in 1049. According to local tradition, some of the relics were left on the hill where Chapelle-Haute now stands. Over time, Saint-Quirin became an important place of pilgrimage, with a Benedictine priory and a church that were damaged and rebuilt several times throughout the centuries.
Église Saint-Quirin
The Église Saint-Quirin is one of the first buildings you notice when walking through the village, mainly because of its unusual towers. The original church dates back to the 12th century, but after centuries of damage and decline, it was rebuilt in Baroque style in 1722. Its two towers have distinctive onion-shaped roofs and are connected by a walkway high above the entrance. They rise above the surrounding houses and can already be seen from quite a distance. The church is also worth visiting inside, where you can admire its richly decorated interior and the historic organ built by Jean-André Silbermann in 1746.
Chapelle-Haute
On a hill above Saint-Quirin stands the Chapelle-Haute, a small chapel that dates back to the 12th century. According to local tradition, it was built on the spot where some of the relics of Saint Quirinus were left behind, giving the chapel a connection to the village’s history as a place of pilgrimage. You can walk up to the chapel from the village, and from the hill you have a lovely view over Saint-Quirin and the surrounding countryside.
The chapel is also beautiful when seen from the other side of the hill. If you follow the road through the forest, you can photograph it with nothing but trees in the background. I particularly like this view, as the little chapel stands out nicely against the surrounding woodland.
Croix Guillaume
Not far from Saint-Quirin, surrounded by forest, lies the archaeological site of Croix Guillaume. Remains of a Gallo-Roman settlement have been discovered here, dating from the 1st to the end of the 3rd century AD. Excavations revealed traces of houses, a burial ground and old sandstone quarries. Some of the objects found at the site are displayed at the Musée du Pays de Sarrebourg, which I also visit during my road trip.
I haven’t visited the archaeological site itself, but if you are interested in Roman history, it is worth considering. From Saint-Quirin, you can walk there in approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive towards the site, park nearby and walk the final section, which takes around 10 minutes.
Source miraculeuse
In the village, you will also find the Source miraculeuse, a natural spring that is closely connected to the history of Saint-Quirin. According to local tradition, its water has healing properties, which made it an important place for pilgrims visiting the village. Today, it is a quiet spot where you can stop for a moment while exploring Saint-Quirin.
How much time do you need in Saint-Quirin?
Saint-Quirin is a small village, so you don’t need an entire day to explore it. A morning or afternoon is enough to walk through the village, visit the church and make your way up to Chapelle-Haute. We stay in the area for three nights, but mainly use Saint-Quirin as a base for discovering other places in the Vosges.
Where to stay in Saint-Quirin
During our road trip through the Vosges, we spend three nights at Z-Lodges, a lovely cabin in the forest just outside Saint-Quirin. The cabin has large windows and a spacious terrace, making it feel as though you are staying right in the middle of nature. If you are looking for somewhere to stay in this area, there are also several other accommodations in and around Saint-Quirin.
Domaine de l'éclaircie
Relais du Moulin - Bed & Breakfast
Logis Hotel & Restaurant - Hostellerie du Prieuré
Things to do around Saint-Quirin
Saint-Quirin is also a good base for exploring other places in the Vosges. During our three-night stay, we visit Sarrebourg, where you can admire the impressive stained glass windows by Marc Chagall in the Chapelle des Cordeliers. If you enjoy walking, the nearby Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord offers plenty of trails through forests and small villages. Other interesting places in the area include the Rocher de Dabo, with its views over the surrounding landscape, and the Plan incliné de Saint-Louis-Arzviller, an impressive boat lift on the Marne-Rhine Canal. Nearby, you can also explore the Vallée des Éclusiers, where an old stretch of canal and former lock keepers’ houses can still be seen.
