The village itself is sited on a raised shelf on the left bank of the river in the Madon valley, 2 kilometres (1 mi) to the north of Mirecourt.

It overlooks a meandering section of river set in a richly watered arboreal tapestry of that includes willow hedges, poplars and alder.

It was in the village, dominating from its limestone outcrop the Madon Valley, and also positioned across the old road from Nancy, that the great essayist Montaigne stayed around 1580 before he proceeded to Plombières en route for Italy.

Poussay has a rich history and each epoch has left traces, such as the ancient Roman road and the Merovingian era cemetery.

The Blessed Alix Le Clerc and her colleagues imparted the necessary elements of a good education to young girls: this initiative inspired the establishment of a network of similar schools across Lorraine.