Anould is a commune in the Vosges, in the Grand Est region, 15 km south of Saint-Die.
The territory of the locality, with an area of 24 km², is crossed from north to south by the course of the Meurthe and, in parallel, by that of its tributary Anoux, which takes its source on the slopes of the Roche Fairies, the highest point of the municipality at 933 m altitude.
The village took off in the Middle Ages, dependent over the centuries of the chapter of Saint-Dié, the bailiwick of Nancy and even belonging to the Prince of Phalsbourg. It owes its prosperity to its geographical position, on the road to Gérardmer and Colmar via the Col du Bonhomme and agriculture (cereals, hemp, livestock). Anould has 2500 inhabitants in the Revolution. Its economy is boosted in the nineteenth century when is implanted a stationery. It will employ up to 850 employees but will close in 2010.
Very affected in 1944 (the church, the town hall, schools and hundreds of houses are destroyed), Anould today became a small city of about 3400 inhabitants turned to tourism near the neighboring resorts Vosges. Labeled Green Station, it is a good base to discover and enjoy this region of middle mountain and its environment, in summer and winter.
A martyred city at the end of the Second World War, Anould bravely rebuilt a number of homes for individuals and its public buildings.
This is the case of the Saint-Antoine church, dating back to 1828, which was rebuilt by taking inspiration from the original building from the time of the Liberation. Note the bell-tower overlooking a single nave, without transept. The style is inspired by the neo-Romanesque, very sober, but with touches of local granite. It was embellished by stained glass windows made by the Ateliers de Loire in 1967: the motifs are geometric with some stylized flowers at the nave, the facade and the baptistery, and those of the choir include saints or scenes of the Gospel. The church was also equipped with a new organ from Roethinger House in 1969.
To see again in terms of heritage, the chapel of Our Lady of the Hermits near the church, which contains a black Madonna, the monument to the dead which was enriched by a carved group by the Parisian artist Charles- Henri Pourquet representing a woman kissing a Hairy (which does not carry a rifle but a simple stick that reflects his departure to the afterlife).
During a walk, we will finally notice the oratory dedicated to Saint Richarde, native of Alsace, sheltering a cross in pink sandstone and the Virgin of the Deliverance, posted on a column, near the church, which was implanted at the end of the First War.
Then place the natural sites that will punctuate pleasant hikes. This is the case of the Rock of the Sphinx, which is accessed via a pleasant botanical trail. At the top, a panorama of the valley awaits the visitor. Nearby, a fitness trail is available to athletes.
The granitic site of the Rock of the Fairies in the south of the territory, consisting of granite blocks, is also to be included in a refreshing circuit.
For hikers, still, whether on foot or by bike, the track "multi-activities" built on an old railway is very pleasant to borrow.
Lastly, it should be noted that some hiking trails can be snowshoeed when it snows in the winter and others, this summer in summer, may include incursions to the surrounding peaks and ridges or tasting stages in beekeepers and producers located on Anould. Maps and information on +33 3 29 82 02 14.
For fishing enthusiasts, the Meurthe and its local tributary reserve beautiful locations. Inquire at +33 3 29 31 18 89.
Finally, the library of the town and its multimedia area regularly program animations. Information on +33 3 29 57 18 17.
At the end of May, Saint-Boscu festival (country party with meal and dance at the edge of the forest).
End of May-beginning of June, Arts Week.
In June, cycling race of the loops of Haute-Meurthe, race of motorcycles on meadow and flea market.
Late June or early July, St. John's fires.
In early October, the patronal feast.
In November, Lorraine products fair.
Every Wednesday morning, the traditional market allows you to discover all the flavors of the Lorraine region and the Hautes Vosges.
