Blancherupt walks

There is a proverb that says that everything small is cute. And it's true. With its 38 inhabitants, Blancherupt is the smallest municipality in Alsace and has a charm all of its own. In the 1990s, an award-winning advertising campaign described the commune as "In Blancherupt, there is nothing... nothing but the essentials", an invitation to discover this little corner of paradise without further delay.

With its 38 inhabitants, Blancherupt is the smallest commune in Alsace and has a charm all of its own. Discover this little corner of paradise.

Bellefosse, known as Béfoss in the local dialect, was part of the former seigneury of Ban de la Roche. This hike will take you to the heights of Bellefosse to explore the ruins of the Château de la Roche, known as "zum Stein" or "Steinschloss", then across the peaks to discover the former seigneurial farmstead of Lachamp. Finally, you will have the opportunity to eat at two farmhouse inns, Ban de la Roche or Promont.

This hike will take you through Ban-de-la-Roche, a place dear to Pastor Jean-Frédéric Oberlin, who served there for 60 years. The route will take you through magnificent landscapes, past a little-known castle (or what remains of it) and to the highest point in the Bas-Rhin.It is a fairly long hike with a significant elevation gain, classified as difficult, which I completed in about 7 hours of walking.

Loop connecting the various villages in the Chirgoutte valley, which were part of the former seigneury of Ban de la Roche. Circuit on the western slope of the Champ du Feu, alternating between forest, pastures and gorse heathland. Beautiful views of the Donon and Climont mountains.

This superb walk in the heart of the Vosges mountains is, in itself, an open-air history book. From Foudray, the route climbs towards Solbach and the legendary Col de la Perheux, reaching the green landscapes around Belmont before descending towards Waldersbach and then Foudray. Its church, with its 13th-century Romanesque bell tower, is now a temple, beside which lies the tomb of Pastor Oberlin.

This circular loop, which runs mostly through the woods, offers a pleasant variety of points of interest. Villages and landscapes, nature and habitat, crafts, history and places of worship (ornate chapels, sandstone crosses) all contribute to the appeal of this still little-known region of Alsace.

An easy walk to the hamlet of Stampoumont through a beautiful forest, then beautiful views of the pastures, the Donon and the Climont, not to mention the pretty chapel of Stampoumont with its minimalist stained glass windows. A calm and peaceful walk.

A hike through stubble fields and forests, with superb scenery. Departure from Belmont, with the option of refreshments at Col de la Charbonnière

Champ du Feu is the highest point in the Bas-Rhin at 1,099 m. At the summit, the viewing tower was erected in 1898 by the Club Vosgien. It is the symbol of Champ du Feu. There are many theories about the origin of the name Champ du Feu. It may derive from Vehfeld or ‘cattle field’, a corruption of the name Champ des Fées or Champ du Faîte (the summit), or even the charcoal burners’ fires...

A beautiful walk through the forest and meadows, taking you from a small village to the old castle of La Roche with a splendid view of the valley. The first hill you see is the Col de la Perheux. Behind this pass, you will see the Donon. Along the way, you will have several views of the Climont.

Explore the trails above the village of Ranrupt and discover the hamlet of Fonrupt, a haven of tranquillity. Along the way, treat your taste buds to authentic local produce while enjoying splendid views of the Climontaine and Chiregoutte valleys.

Following the course of the Haut Bois stream, set off to explore the hills above the village of Ranrupt, where you’ll enjoy unobstructed views over the Climontaine valley. On your way, stop off at the Hauts-Bois farm inn to sample some local cuisine.

A circular walk starting from Ranrupt, taking us towards Stampoumont as far as Colroy-la-Roche, returning via Fonrupt. A route alternating between open countryside and woodland, with two viewpoints overlooking the villages. The first half is fairly gentle, the second half a little more challenging, with the Climont massif in view.

The Climont is a curious conical massif which you will approach from the south face. The climb is steep, but the view from the top of the Julius Tower, at an altitude of over 960m, is well worth the effort. 21/04/2025: Five years after its first publication, I revisited this route to check that the description still matches the terrain. I took the opportunity to clarify certain sections and add a few waypoints. The descent is quite technical and difficult, and it is best to avoid it in wet weather, or else do the hike in the opposite direction. Enjoy the outing, everyone.

A circular loop starting from Wildersbach, leading gently up to the ridge-side paths and the Col de la Perheux. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (a few minor challenges)

Starting from Steige, this hike will take you to the summit of Climont to discover the Julius Tower and several magnificent viewpoints over the Villé Valley, as well as the Bruche Valley and the Vosges. This hike is difficult and includes sections with very steep climbs and technical passages. You will need to be in good physical condition and carry a small backpack.

This balcony trail offers a pleasant walk to discover the trees and plants of the local flora overlooking the village of Natzwiller and offers beautiful views of the picturesque landscape of the Rothaine valley. A variant along the way gives you the option of a round trip to a important memorial site.

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.

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.

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 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.

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).