A tour of the Lac des Corbeaux

Start and finish at the Col de Bramont.
This route will let you discover the Lac des Corbeaux from the Belvédère de la Roche du Lac 200m above it.
The view is stunning and its the perfect place for a snack!
A trail takes you down to the lake. It doesn't cross the embankment, but takes you round the lake on a pleasant, shady trail.
Return to the Col de Bramont via the Étang de Sèchemer.
A very beautiful circuit that's not too difficult, although very steep.

Technical sheet

n°5736

Creation:
23 May 2012

Last update:
22 Sep 2019

Last review:
2 Jun 2025

Activity: Walking
Distance: 14.93 km
Average duration: 6h 00
Difficulty: Moderate
Return to departure point: Yes
Vertical gain: + 595 m
Vertical drop: - 602 m
Highest point: 1,155 m
Lowest point: 851 m

Country: France
Area: Vosges mountains
District: La Bresse (88250)
Start/End: N 48.000403° / E 6.945427°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3618OT, 3618OTR, 3619OT, 3619OTR
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Description of the walk

Start from the Col de Bramont.

Park your car near the sign: "Col de Bramont - Altitude 956m".
Go in the direction of the "Col de Pourri Faing" (Marker = navy blue rectangle - GR531). Small pitfall to avoid: you leave the broad path for a narrow trail on the right after 20/25 minutes of walking, but the marker that remains the same is visible to those coming from the other direction. so you need to be vigilant!
In front of the "Col of Pourri Faing" on the descent, go in the direction of the "Col de la Vierge" (Marker = blue circle).
You cross the grasses of the "Viellie Montagne", and arrive at the forest "Chalet de l'Union".
Turn in the direction of "Croix Louis" (Marker = red cross).
At "Croix Louis" face the inscription on the cross and spot the entrance of the unmarked path behind it. On each side of this path, ONF lot numbers are clearly visible: 17 on the left, 16 on the right
take this path until you reach NFB lot No. 137 to the left and 138 to the right. Just after, there's a tight bend on the left. Continue on this same path.
You'll join a forest road. Follow it in the direction of the "Roche du Lac" (Marker = yellow circle)
After reaching the Belvédère de la Roche du Lac, continue in the direction of "Collet Mansui - Lac des Corbeaux" (same marker).
Then follow "Collet Mansui - Cornimont" (Markers = red cross and yellow circle).
At "Collet Mansui" go in the direction of the "Lac des Corbeaux" (Markers = green rectangle and yellow circle).
At the lake:1::, do not cross the embankment, but take the time to walk around the lake in a clockwise direction (30 minutes, completley flat).
At the embankment, go in the direction of "Étang de Sèchemer". (Marker = green diamond).
At the "Étang de Sechemer", go in the direction of "Col de la Vierge" (Marker = green triangle).
After a "serious" climb back up you'll arrive at a forest road. Follow this in the direction of the Col de Bramont (Marker = yellow cross).
Return to the start point.

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 956 m - Col de Bramont
1 : km 1.5 - alt. 1,138 m - Continue straight downhill
2 : km 2.11 - alt. 1,149 m - La Vieille Montagne
3 : km 3.08 - alt. 1,066 m - Refuge de l'Union - Col de la Vierge (1067m)
4 : km 4.73 - alt. 1,071 m - Croix Louis
5 : km 6.29 - alt. 1,045 m - Roche du Lac lookout
6 : km 7.03 - alt. 1,055 m - Mansui small pass
7 : km 7.81 - alt. 889 m - Lac des Corbeaux
8 : km 11.13 - alt. 863 m - Sechemer pond
9 : km 12.75 - alt. 1,015 m - Forest road, turn left
S/E : km 14.92 - alt. 956 m - Col de Bramont

Practical information

There are a few very very steep sections so walking poles may be useful.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5

Based on 130 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5

Clarity of route map
4.4 / 5

Route interest
4.7 / 5

Alex C1.

Jun 02, 2025 at 05:41 EDT

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Busy trail : No

There were only two good viewpoints, one 30 minutes from the start and the other on Lac des Corbeaux (which was very busy on this summer's day, but which made it possible to have a snack at the inn on the lake). (I could have looked at the itinerary better before setting off...)

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Jean-fr

Mar 11, 2025 at 06:16 EDT

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A pleasant walk with easy access and no particular difficulties, enabling you to discover the beautiful Vosges countryside.

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Bountie

Mar 08, 2025 at 16:28 EST • Last modified: Mar 09, 2025 at 03:41 EDT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : N/A
Clarity of route map : N/A
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

This walk took place at the beginning of February.
A lot of roads and paths were cut off because of the snow and to "protect the flora and fauna". I understand that nature needs to be protected, but as a result we weren't able to follow the route indicated by Viso... so be careful if you do this walk in winter!
Otherwise, I'd recommend it, it's great (when you find the right path and it's possible to go over it).

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ricala

Aug 13, 2024 at 04:06 EDT

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

superb itinerary but very frequent in summer especially around the lake i recommend to do out of season technical circuit around the lake accident this day with two injured by helicopter

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MaDro

Aug 12, 2024 at 10:42 EDT

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very pretty walk, not very busy except at the lake and Belvedere. Picnic in the middle of the route by the lake, perfect.

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Dotis

Oct 09, 2023 at 13:15 EDT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 05, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very nice walk, with no particular difficulties.

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Romain 08

Sep 23, 2023 at 02:02 EDT

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 22, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Magnificent forests and a very pleasant break at Lac des Corbeaux. I did this walk in mid-September, so it's not very popular. No particular difficulties, only the passage around the belvedere requires a little more care, especially in the event of rain.

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Manureb277

Aug 21, 2023 at 14:04 EDT

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Great ride, pleasant singles to ride, beautiful views.
Tracking the route via the app is a real plus.

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randoviso17

Jun 13, 2023 at 08:02 EDT • Last modified: Jun 13, 2023 at 08:15 EDT

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very fine route, pleasant in these hot weather conditions.
The Lac des Corbeaux is magnificent, especially from the lookout point, and the Etang de Sechemer is a great place to recharge your batteries.
The descent after the lookout requires a little care (caution with children).
Bear in mind that the end of the route includes a good 200-metre climb.
The GPS track is always useful. 17.5 km, 600 m ascent, 6 hours including breaks.

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LeBarde

Jun 05, 2023 at 13:02 EDT

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 04, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Magnificent tour in very fine weather at the end of May.
Very quiet, surrounded by greenery and the Lac des Corbeaux is indeed a wonder to behold from the viewpoint.
The "little pitfall to avoid" at the beginning of the description no longer applies: everything is well signposted in both directions in a blue rectangle.

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jackybois

Sep 05, 2022 at 02:51 EDT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 04, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

This is a beautiful trail, mostly in the forest. The descent to Lac des Corbeaux is quite technical (stony path). The chalet at the lake is quite busy (Sundays). The Etang de Sechemer is magnificent in its green setting. The climb back up to the Col de la Vierge is quite strenuous. Thank you for this beautiful walk.

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Joêlle68

Aug 15, 2022 at 03:06 EDT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 14, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very nice route, often wide paths. Walked on a very hot day, but bearable because of the shade and altitude of around 1000 m. The climbs are a little steep but not long. Our group unanimously enjoyed it very much.

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peterschmitt jean jacques

Jul 25, 2022 at 03:31 EDT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 24, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very nice walk

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RafRuns

Jul 10, 2022 at 06:11 EDT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 01, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very pretty circuit between stubble fields and forest. The descent to the lake is very beautiful.
The path wasn't very busy in early July, but there were a few more people at the lake.
I particularly recommend the ice cream parlour where the homemade ice creams are a treat for the taste buds.
thank you for this route!

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romanamat

Jul 04, 2022 at 05:18 EDT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 02, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Superb hike above La Bresse on the upper reaches of Lac des Corbeaux on the border between the Vosges and Alsace... Very good description and recent, clearly visible signposting. The small unmarked section is very accessible. Superb viewpoint above the lake. Good gradient, a few good climbs and steep, rocky paths...a tiny, safe passage on the edge of the cliff just above the viewpoint... Pure mountain hiking... A real treat on a sunny but not too hot summer's day....

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