Belval (Vosges) walks

A fun hiking trail where around forty very diverse works produced during previous biennials remain in place. From the start, the ascent runs alongside the Grand Goutte stream and leads to stubble fields halfway along the route, offering a 360° view of breathtaking horizons. We reach the highest point at an altitude of 933 metres. The descent is just as interesting, with many surprises along the way.

From Moussey (Vosges), a circular hike that passes through the Rouges Terres to climb the Hautes Chaumes and then the Haute Loge: 360° view. Return to the starting point via the Sentier des Passeurs. This section of the historic trail is the Vosges part, with the French part starting at the Maison Forestière de Salm in Alsace. From 1940 onwards, this trail was used by smugglers to guide escapees, those refusing to participate in the STO (compulsory labour service) and all kinds of people who wanted to flee Nazi barbarism to free France. Most of the elevation gain is concentrated in the first part of the hike, up to Haute Loge.

This hike starts on a forest trail in a wild environment and then continues in open country on the Hautes Chaumes. Next, head south towards the Abri de la Haute Loge shelter, then north to walk along the ridge. Return via the Basse des Loges and the Chemin des Italiens.

A beautiful hike in the heart of nature to the Hautes Chaumes from Moussey. The length and elevation gain are perfect for an average hiker.

This varied and fairly easy hike starts in front of Senones Abbey and climbs to the Quatre-Bancs crossroads and then the Col du Dialtrepoix in a fairly wild environment. On the way back, you descend gently along a forest road that offers wide views of the valley at times.

At the Col du Hantz, we cross into Lorraine; then, after a fairly long stretch along a quiet road, we follow a stream along an impressive medieval cobbled path, adorned with installations by ‘art student’ from the University of Nancy; a little further up, the tranquillity of a secluded peat bog is disturbed only by birdsong. The Chemin des Passeurs then takes us to La Haute-Loge and La Chatte Pendue. A journey for lovers of nature and history.

A circular walk starting from Senones, climbing up Rue de Lauviot, passing the ruins from the First World War. Passing the Fontaine de la Loge des Gardes, then arriving at the Quatre Bancs crossroads to climb towards the Roche Mère Henry, with a beautiful viewpoint and ruins from the First World War. The route continues along the “Chemin de la Roche Mère Henry” memorial trail, passing German and French remains from the First World War, then the Croix du Pelé and the Sartorio Monument, before reaching the Croix de Malfosse crossroads. We then head towards the Chêne de la Vierge and the Malfosse Chapel. We return to the Quatre Bancs crossroads and descend along a small path, passing a blockhouse and the Source des Oiseaux.

This is a hike with two different atmospheres: first a little mysterious and timeless with the Adrienne Fountain and the Malfosse Chapel, then historical and educational with the Roche Mère Henry memorial trail and its belvedere offering a breathtaking view of Senones and the Rabodeau valley.

Here is a walking route between Senones and Moyenmoutier, offering beautiful views of both towns and the Rabodeau Valley. Remains from the First World War can be seen towards the end of the route.

A pleasant walk around Saulxures, much of it in the shade. Beautiful views along the route.

A hike in the forest of Celles-sur-Plaine, from Pain de Sucre to Roche du Coquin. Discover an observatory built and used by the Germans from 1915 onwards to alert the anti-aircraft defences along the route, knowing that the French air force was entering Alsace via the Col du Donon.

Mainly on shaded paths through the woods, this hike offers various points of interest, including the pretty Étang du Coucou lake surrounded by fir trees, the Chatte Pendue with its magnificent view of the Bruche valley and the Champs du Feu massif, and the Romanesque ruins of Salm Castle.

This walk will allow you to admire some stunning views whilst enjoying the tranquillity of the frequently used forest paths. A walk mainly through the forest, offering a chance to enjoy the cool, refreshing air.

A circular walk mainly through forest. Starting from the enchanting setting of the Étang du Coucou, you will discover the ruins of the Château de Salm, currently undergoing restoration. You will then climb up to the promontory of the Chatte Pendue with its orientation table, make a short stop at the Monument des Passeurs, and then follow a slightly wilder path to the Tourbière de la Maxe. July 2022 modification of the route between (8) and (9) due to poor trail maintenance: temporarily leave the blue cross markings in place.

This walk leads to the Chatte Pendue viewpoint and the summit of the Hautes Loges, which offer a breathtaking 360° view of the neighbouring peaks: Donon, Rocher de Mutzig, the Champ du Feu massif and the Col du Hantz.The only challenging part is the climb up to La Chatte Pendue. So, take it easy to start with.

In the Bruche Valley, this circular route on the heights of Rothau, starting from the Étang du Coucou, takes us towards the peaks of La Chatte Pendue and La Haute Loge. The Auberge du Bambois is the perfect stop for a gourmet meal.

The walk takes you through the Fontenelle site and its surroundings, which were the scene of fighting during the First World War.

A circular hike starting in the forest and leading to the remarkable rock formation of the Chapelle de Bipierre, then continuing along the ridge via the Hautes Chaumes, with views of the Donon throughout. The hike ends at the peaceful Lac de la Maix.

Leaving from the Lac de la Maix, in a beautiful setting, we pass through the Clairière de Prayé, the Haut du Bon Dieu and the charming Fontaine Colas Lorrain spring. We also visit two sites of trough or cup rock. A hike through beautiful woodland with pleasant stretches of open country.

The Fontenelle National War Memorial is a major site commemorating the Vosges Front during the First World War. This route passes through hamlets that no longer exist, of which only a sign remains today to indicate their former existence.

A walk offering a close-up view of the wind turbines at Bois de Belfays. In this longer version, you reach the wind farm via Pré Leroy (La Grande Fosse) and return via Pré Lannequin (Châtas).

Set in the centre of a two-kilometre-long plateau, surrounded by mountains, the village of Saâles was built on the Via Salinaria at a convenient crossing point over the Vosges. The village has maintained its role as a market town throughout history. As early as 1743, it was granted the privilege of holding a fair and a market. In 1924, the rebuilt town hall housed the market halls on its ground floor.

Climont rises to an altitude of 965 metres. The Julius Tower stands atop its summit, offering a 360-degree view of Alsace and the Black Forest. This walk takes you to the summit starting from Saales. Half of the walk is on flat ground. A further quarter is uphill, and another quarter is downhill. The climbs aren’t very long, but they are quite steep, technical and stony. Most of the walk takes place in the forest. The return route takes you past the Voyemont and the Roche des Fées, offering views of the Bruche Valley and the Bas-Rhin on one side, and the Vosges department on the other.

A beautiful hike with stunning views of all the surrounding valleys: the Bruche Valley, Donon, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, Val de Villé, Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, Haut-Koenigsbourg, etc. It is quite difficult due to its length, elevation gain and rough terrain (narrow paths on the edge of the void or muddy forest paths).

This walk winds through a haven of peace and tranquillity at the foot of one of the valley's legendary peaks: Climont (966 m). The Bruche river rises at an altitude of 660 m and then crosses a vast basin: the Hang clearing. This is where families of glassmakers settled in 1723. Le Hang continued to prosper thanks to the arrival of Mennonite farmers of Swiss origin. They found here a place conducive to their pastoral and community life.

This hike follows part of the Sentier des Passeurs trail. It offers beautiful views of Haute Loge and the Hautes Chaumes, as well as picturesque surroundings around Lake Maix. This route is not difficult, except for its length.

A circular route following the border with Germany between 1870 and 1918 and the German and French fortifications from the First World War between Bionville and the Col de la Chapelotte.Walk along the ridge, between the rocky outcrops, blockhouses and trenches, following the Sentier de Mémoire (Memory Trail) between Roches Ganaux and Col de la Chapelotte.

A walk that follows the first section of the ‘smugglers’ trail’, which was used during the Second World War to smuggle escapees, draft dodgers and patriots from annexed Alsace into occupied France, emerging at Moussey 88. A memorial marking this historical event can be found along the route. At the former Franco-German border, you’ll discover sculptures created by contemporary artists. You’ll also pass through a nature reserve and a quiet zone. On the return leg, you’ll climb the Chatte Pendue; its summit offers breathtaking views of the Donon, the Alsace plain, the Champ du Feu and Climont mountain ranges, and the Hautes Vosges. TheGR®532also takes you to the ruins of Salm Castle, which is currently being restored.

This first stage is probably the hardest day of the route. Beautiful views, pleasant trails and few forest roads. A steep climb at the end of the day explains the "Difficult" rating.

Three days of hiking and camping around the Val de Senones, passing by beautiful viewpoints. Campsites at the Tête du Coquin and the Haute Loge.

From the Col de Prayé to the Lac de la Maix via La Corbeille, walk along the peaks to discover some interesting sights: cup-marked stones, remains from the First World War, views of Alsace and Donon. 16/09/2024: Starting point changed. The access road and car park at Lac de la Maix are inaccessible for an indefinite period.

A circular hike starting from Celles-sur-Plaine, climbing up into the forest towards the three German observatories from the First World War. La Pierre Piquée, then the Pain de Sucre, passing by the Vierge de Dialtrepoix, and ending at the highest point, the Tête du Coquin, passing by the Coquin and Riangoutte fountains. The walk is partly signposted by Tourisme de Mémoire signs.La Pierre Piquée, with its parapets and blockhouses, just outside the site, Le Pain de Sucre with its ramparts and a beautiful view from the top of Le Coquin.

Keen to explore the archaeological sites around Lac de la Maix and its surroundings, we followed the trails marked by the Club Vosgien. On the way back after La Haute-Côte, we came across a few sections that reminded us a little of the legendary Roches or Hirschsteine trails between La Schlucht and the Hohneck; namely, very rocky paths featuring quite challenging sections interspersed with numerous springs. Best avoided during wet weather

This walk winds through a haven of peace and tranquillity towards one of the legendary peaks of the Bruche Valley. Surrounded by green, wooded landscapes, Le Climont is the region's water tower. Three rivers originate in its vicinity: the Bruche, Giessen and Fave. This spot is marked by a stele created by sculptor Raymond Keller from a block of sandstone donated by the Champenay quarry.

A lovely walk in the Bruche Valley, with the climb up to Climont offering magnificent scenery. The ascent between (2) and (3) follows a footpath and is a bit of a challenge but well worth the effort. The descent is more gradual and follows a forest track.

A pleasant hike in warm weather as it is mainly in the shade and mostly on paths, allowing you to discover Lac de la Maix.

Starting from the Pierre Percée 14/18 Interpretation Centre, climb towards the Roches de la Soye, the Pierre à Cheval and the Vue. Pass through the historic Col de la Chapelotte. Climb towards the Haut de Faîte to visit the German remains from the 1914–18 war: a former hospital, command post and blockhouse. Walk through the Bois de Grandviller to see two German underground shelters, remnants of the 1914–18 war.Descent along a small path to see the German blockhouses and, below them, the French remains from the trench warfare between 1915 and 1917. Return via the Gros Pin, the Grotte des Poilus, the Rocher de l’Arche and the Grotte Dame Galle dating from 1135.

The Vallée de la Plaine or "Belle Vallée" (Beautiful Valley) boasts two lakes, a paradise for hikers and sports enthusiasts, where water, nature and forest are intimately linked.

A hike at the foot of the highest point in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department, in a mainly forest setting, far from the crowds and the beaten track. A moving visit to the graves of German soldiers from the First World War.

A circular hike near Saint-Dié to discover the Celtic camp of La Bure, a Gallic and Gallo-Roman fortified site listed as a historic monument. It is located on a vast rocky promontory, offering a magnificent view of the Meurthe valley. A discovery trail has been created, punctuated by around fifteen information panels.

Set off to explore the Cascade de la Crache waterfall, the Rocher de la Hazelle rock with its view over the Plaine valley, and the Dolmen de la Hazelle dolmen above the village of Raon-sur-Plaine.

From the Col de la Vierge Clarisse, where you leave your vehicle, you will hike between the weathered rocks and then follow a steep path that will take you to La Menelle before climbing back up to the village of Pierre Percée and finally following the peaceful banks of its lake.

A hike along the Donon fortified positions trail. From September 1914, the Vosges front stabilised on the ridges and the Donon became a defensive position of prime importance. In 1915, the Germans embarked on a colossal construction project.

Circuit passing through the peaks of Grand and Petit Donon, using the marked trails of the Club Vosgiens and theGR®5. Forestry work is taking place for one month until May 2024 between (10) and (11).

This walk offers some wonderful discoveries: first the temple perched on the summit of the Grand Donon, then the German military cemetery near the Col de la Côte de l’Engin, and finally the summit of the Petit Donon, which offers a beautiful view.

A short hike up one of the most famous peaks in the Vosges du Nord, famous for its Gallo-Roman remains and from where you can enjoy a wide panorama. The ascent is more gradual and less busy than the descent.