80 000 à 10 000 ans av. J.-C. (glaciation de Würm)
Lake formation
Lake formation 80 000 à 10 000 ans av. J.-C. (glaciation de Würm) (≈ 0)
Creation by the Vosges glaciers
1056
Legend of Hermitage
Legend of Hermitage 1056 (≈ 1056)
Bilon erects an oratory (traditional)
1449
Reconstruction of the chapel
Reconstruction of the chapel 1449 (≈ 1449)
Chapel Saint Florent rebuilt
1727
New chapel
New chapel 1727 (≈ 1727)
Saint-Laurent des Graviers built
2002
Site classification
Site classification 2002 (≈ 2002)
900 hectares protected
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Bilon - Legendary hermit
After an oratory in 1056
Gérard Ier de Lorraine - Duke of the 11th century
Former Lord of Bilon
Origin and history
Lake Longemer is a mountain lake in the Massif des Vosges, born during the glaciation of Würm (80,000 to 10,000 BC). It occupies a river-glacial flood basin, crossed by Vologne, and stretches over 76 hectares with a depth exceeding 30 meters. Its banks are bordered by peaks such as the Haut de Saint-Jacques (1,138 m) or the Boulard (1,075 m).
On its west bank, a chapel dedicated to Saint Florent, rebuilt in 1449 and then in 1727 under the name of Saint-Laurent des Graviers, replaces an 11th century oratory. According to one legend, this site would have housed the hermitage of Bilon, officer of Duke Gérard I of Lorraine, in 1056. The site, classified since 2002 for its beauty, today attracts tourists and fishermen.
The touristic vocation of the lake is manifested by 13 campsites and nautical activities. In 2002, he hosted World Fly Fishing Championship rounds. Its remarkable site classification (900 hectares) aims to preserve its landscape identity and natural heritage, shaped by glaciers and local religious history.
