Ranrupt

Ranrupt, now part of the Bas-Rhin department, has a history closely linked to Alsace and the Holy Roman Empire. From 1262, the village suffered devastation by the troops of the Bishop of Strasbourg, then in the 14th century, it was affected by English incursions. The 16th century was marked by peasant revolts and religious conflicts, while the Thirty Years' War, during which the Swedes ravaged the region, reduced its population to just one-tenth of its original size. After the Revolution, Ranrupt joined the canton of Saales, annexed by Germany in 1871 before returning to France in 1918, then again in 1944 after another occupation in 1940. These upheavals, combined with accelerated demographic decline from the mid-19th century, are explained by difficult living conditions: poor soils, unprofitable agriculture, an almost non-existent industrial sector, and the successive wars of 1870, 1914, and 1939 which pushed inhabitants to leave the village.

Today, Ranrupt relies on tourism to revitalize itself. The village offers various accommodations such as holiday cottages, furnished rentals, or bed and breakfasts, as well as two farm inns and an inn, inviting visitors to discover its authentic setting.

Among the must-see sites is the old communal sawmill, where one can admire traditional craftsmanship based on the use of hydraulic power and knowledge of local wood species, notably the "Sagar." The Notre-Dame des Malades chapel, with its remarkable ceiling, and the Stations of the Cross also offer historical and spiritual interest. The hamlets of Stampoumont and Fonrupt illustrate the typical rural architecture of the Vosges. Finally, at La Salcée, lovers of artisanal jams can taste up to thirty varieties prepared by Fabrice Krencker according to traditional recipes, which he will be happy to share.