chapelle Sainte-Claire du Saint-Mont

The Sainte-Claire chapel of Saint-Mont stands at the top of the Saint-Mont hill above Saint-Amé, in the Vosges department of northeastern France, right on the boundary with the neighboring commune of Saint-Étienne-lès-Remiremont. This small stone chapel was built around 1730 by the canons who then lived on the hill, and it was dedicated to Saint Claire — the third abbess of the former abbey that once stood here — together with Saint Romaric, one of the monastery's founders.

Where exactly is it?

The chapel sits at a spot known as Saint-Romary, on the summit of Saint-Mont, a hill that served as a major monastic site for the Remiremont region from the 7th century until the French Revolution. Its coordinates are roughly 48.021°N, 6.634°E. The hilltop also holds other remnants of the old abbey and several separate chapels — it's worth noting this is specifically the chapel dedicated to Saint Claire, distinct from other chapels on the same hill, such as the one dedicated to Saint Marguerite.

How do you get there?

Saint-Mont rises above Saint-Amé and Saint-Étienne-lès-Remiremont, close to the town of Remiremont. Access is on foot via marked trails; one popular approach goes through the "vieux Saint-Amé," the old quarter at the foot of the hill. The climb typically takes thirty minutes to an hour depending on the path chosen and your pace. Sturdy footwear is recommended, as the terrain is steep and rocky in places.

What's the history behind the site?

Devotion to the Sainte-Claire chapel dates back to the Middle Ages, when pilgrimages to the site were already common; the tradition was revived in the 17th century through the efforts of Catherine of Lorraine. On the southern slope of Saint-Mont, a short walk from a former farmstead, there is a spring traditionally considered miraculous and linked to the cult of Saint Claire — a destination for pilgrims seeking healing or spiritual comfort. The whole hill had been home to an abbey founded in the 7th century by Saints Romaric and Amé, which operated continuously until the French Revolution, when the monastic buildings were destroyed or abandoned.

What will you see on site?

The chapel itself is a modest stone building, a surviving trace of an era when popular devotion and pilgrimage played a central role in local religious life. Around it, visitors can still see remains of the old monastic complex, plus sweeping views over the Moselle valley and the surrounding Vosges hills. The combination of historical depth and scenic reward makes it appealing both to visitors interested in regional religious history and to hikers.

When should you visit?

Spring through autumn is the best window, when the trails up the hill are dry and easier to walk, and the views from the summit are at their clearest. Winter climbs can be trickier because of snow and icy paths.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sainte-Claire chapel the same as the Sainte-Marguerite chapel on Saint-Mont? No — they are two separate chapels on the same hill. Sainte-Claire is dedicated to Saint Claire, the abbey's third abbess, and stands at the Saint-Romary site.

Is the chapel open to visitors? As a small wayside chapel along a hiking route, the exterior is generally accessible year-round; access to the interior may be limited.

Can the visit be combined with other sights on Saint-Mont? Yes — nearby you'll find the remains of the old abbey and several viewpoints, so the chapel is easy to fold into a longer walk around the hill.

How long does a visit take? The chapel itself is a brief stop, but combined with the climb and a look around the summit, plan for one to two hours.