Wildersbach circular route via Rothau, Perheux and Neuviller

Car park at the AJK factory before reaching Wildersbach.

(S/E) Start of the walking trail (Yellow Triangle signposted towards Rothau). A short, flat stretch, cool and shaded, running alongside a lovely little canal for a few hundred metres. Enter Rothau, situated on the hillside.

(1) At the first junction, turn left onto the street which remains level, then bends to the right a few metres further on.

(2) Turn left to head uphill and, at the next junction, follow the Club Vosgien ‘Cercle Vert’ markings. Continue following these markings; the road turns into a forest track and enters the woodland.

(3) At the Ruisseau de la Bessate, take the path on the right which climbs gently (stay on the Cercle Vert route) to overlook the exit from Rothau.

(4) Stay on this path, which climbs gently, ignoring any other trails. You’ll reach another stream.

(5) Turn right onto the less steep path (still following the Cercle Vert). A few hundred metres further on, you’ll reach a forest track.

(6) Follow it to Solbach.

(7) In the village, turn right onto the Chemin du Chenot, then turn right on the descent. Turn left immediately towards the Chèvrerie le Solbet and its multicoloured sculpture standing proudly next to the barn, along with the trompe l’œil milk jug.

(8) Climb the short, steep slope, still on the Cercle Vert, passing the last houses in the village. Continue to the Col de la Perheux, enjoying the magnificent view and the numerous benches.

(9) Here: You can climb up to Mont Saint-Jean and enjoy a 360° view.
Then take the Yellow Circle marked hiking trail, which starts on level ground and leads through fenced pastures. Please note: do make sure to close the gates behind you as you pass through. Leave the stubble fields behind and head back into the forest. You’ll reach a large clearing, which is the junction of several paths,

(10) Continue along the ‘Cercle Jaune’ trail, and as soon as you’re back amongst the fir trees, turn left onto the downhill path, leaving the ‘Cercle Jaune’ markings behind.
About a hundred metres further on, turn left once more onto a little-used path; to do this, leave the forest track suitable for vehicles.
Carry on along this path, which runs alongside a slope for a while with a view of Natzwiller, before skirting and following a paddock. Walk round it to reach the upper end of the paddock.

(11) Take the lovely descent towards Neuviller, with views of the Donon. Keep to the right as you walk alongside the enclosure until you reach the entrance to Neuviller. Pass the first junction and turn right at the second, by the cemetery, onto Rue de la Schleiffe, a nearly flat road that leads away from the cemetery.

(12) After the last house, take the path on your left, Rue de Riangoutte, marked with a Yellow Triangle and a Red Triangle. Follow it through Neuviller and back down to the starting point at the AJK factory (S/E).

Water fountains and shops in Rothau (provided you go down into the village).
Water fountains in Solbach.
Cheese shop in Solbach.
Farm inn in La Perheux.
Water fountains in Neuviller