Ballon de St-Nicolas walks

This stage is the last of the Club Vosgien's red rectangle trail through the Vosges. This stage is classified as moderate as there is virtually no elevation gain. Most of the hike takes place under forest cover. The stage starts in the small town of Giromagny and ends in the beautiful city of Belfort, passing by Bartholdi's Lion, a must-see photo spot for those completing the Vosges crossing!

This beautiful route begins with two remarkable peaks in the Vosges and offers beautiful views of the upper Moselle valley, before reaching the Pays des Étangs.

This hike takes you down from Ballon d'Alsace to Giromagny. It is the continuation of the Vosges crossing, proposed by DNA, Passion Vosges and the Journal d'Alsace (see practical information). The first few kilometres are along the ridges, with views of the Black Forest, the Rhine Valley and even the Alps. During this same section, you may come across several ski resorts, such as La Chaumière and La Gentiane. A farmhouse inn at Wissgrut offers lunch. Further on, a shelter at the Col du Chantoiseau provides a place to picnic. The descent then continues, sometimes more steeply than others. The arrival in Giromagny offers views of the city of Belfort.

This hike is the first of two stages linking the end of the Vosges crossing in Belfort to the start of the Grande Traversée du Jura (or GTJ on maps), located at the start of Mandeure. This hike is very cultural, starting in the historic town of Belfort. The first part takes you past three forts: Belfort, Basses Perches and Bosmont. The hike is never very far from urban areas and it is even possible to get there by TGV as the high-speed train passes through. It is a hike that alternates between woods, agricultural plains and villages of varying sizes, including Bourogne and its charming wash houses. The end of the hike is the most pleasant part of the route, crossing the dry grasslands of Bourogne and walking along the Rhône-Rhine Canal.

Hike to Ballon de Servance.Please note that for this hike, you will need two vehicles, one at (S) at the Col des Croix andthe other at the Sources de Presles reservoir (E). The path leading directly up to the Ballon is a quiet zone and is closed from 15 December to 14 July. See notices

An easy route, gently undulating across the highest peaks of the Vosges, through stubble fields and forests. Magnificent views over the surrounding valleys.