Circular loop starting from Sapois

Head to Sapois, between Gérardmer and Vagney (D23). Parking available near the Salle des Fêtes.

(S/E) Head up towards the section known as “l’école est finie”. Cross the Ruisseau de Menaurupt then take the path immediately on the right. Return to the tarmac road and continue right until the junction.

(1) Turn right onto the Route du Droit and continue straight on towards the forest. Cross the A-road and take the Route de l'Envers opposite.

(2) Leave the road and take the path on the right, rejoining the tarmac at Rapois. Continue to the right to reach the D23.

(3) Cross it carefully, head right then take the first path on the left along the Bouchot. Further down, you’ll reach the Saut du Bouchot.

(4) Cross the stream, join the road at a small car park and follow it carefully until you reach the junction with the D23 again. Cross it carefully and follow the road opposite for about 200 m.

(5) Turn right. At a fork, turn left. You’ll come out onto a path marked with a Red Disc; follow it to the right until you reach the tarmac road to Lausson.

(6) Continue towards the D23 and, a few metres before reaching it, turn left to continue following the Red Disc markings and keep following them until you reach the first houses of Rochesson. Turn left at the junction and walk for about fifty metres.

(7) Turn right onto a track that climbs steeply towards the forest. The slope gradually becomes steeper and the path leads to a crossroads.

(8) Take the third path on the left and head right to climb the ridge along a good path until you reach the Roche des Ducs (magnificent viewpoint). N.B. The terrain may become rockier and more uneven as you approach the summit.

(9) Then return to the main path and begin the descent towards Menaurupt.

(10) Turn left and continue in the same direction, following the Red Disc markings.

(11) Take the track on the left and continue the descent, following the Green Ring markings. Keep going straight on, passing the entrance to a house on your right after about a hundred metres.

(12) Take the sharp right-hand bend onto the Sentier des Quatre Communes, marked with a Red Triangle. Cross the Ruisseau de Menaurupt and then a small road before joining the main road.

(13) Cross it carefully, take the path opposite to pass between the houses and reach a junction.

(14) Turn left, staying on the Sentier des Quatre Communes and following the Red Triangle. You’ll come out onto the forest track known as the Chemin du Hatta; follow it to the left.

(15) Leave this track and follow the path on the right, climbing steeply to reach a crossroads.

(16) Take the path on the right, climbing through the woods: marked with a Blue Cross. Keep going in the same direction until you come out onto a forest track.

(17) Cross this track and take the path opposite.

(18) Follow the Blue Ring markings to the right, then turn right again to complete a circular route and reach the Chambre du Loup, a distinctive rock formation nestled in the forest.

(19) Complete the circular loop and return to the starting junction.

(18) Go straight on, cross the Route de la Sotière and continue straight ahead, passing by the mast: Red Disc markings. You’ll come out onto a small road in a more open area; head right to reach the large crossroads and continue straight on along the road for about a hundred metres.

(20) Take the path on the left and begin the descent.

(21) Pass by the Étang de Blancfaing and continue the descent.

(22) Turn right, go round Moyemont to the north, then head for the orientation table by taking the track on the left at the house: enjoy the view.

(23) Turn back, turn left and head for a T-junction.

(24) Turn left and follow the path marked Blue Saltire. You’ll reach a hairpin bend at a place called Dramont.

(25) Take the Route de Dramont on the right and continue downhill.

(26) Leave this road on the left to follow the Blue Saltire marked trail and reach the “l’école est finie” area: cairn.

(27) Turn left onto a well-marked path known to local runners and head down a very steep descent.

(1) Follow the road to the right and retrace your steps in the opposite direction to return to the Salle des Fêtes car park (S/E).

Make sure you have good walking boots.

Bring the necessary kit in case of rain.

You will come across numerous streams where you can fill your water bottles and flasks. However, do bring enough food to keep you going.

(4) Saut du Bouchot waterfall: a pretty, enclosed waterfall in the forest, easily accessible. The water cascades down in several stages in a lush green setting, ideal for a peaceful break.

Rochesson: a small, typical Vosges village nestled in the valley. A transition point between the rolling section and the more challenging climb towards the ridges.

(9) Roche des Ducs: superb viewpoint perched on a rocky outcrop. Unobstructed panorama over the valley and the surrounding hills. The access is a bit more technical towards the end.

(19) Chambre du Loup: an intriguing rock formation, a sort of natural shelter in the heart of the forest. A wilder and more secluded atmosphere than the viewpoints.

(23) Moyemont orientation table: panoramic viewpoint offering a sweeping view of the Vosges. Allows you to identify the surrounding peaks. Ideal spot for a break.

(27) “L’école est finie” descent: a section well known locally, fun and sometimes steep. A fast descent through the forest, popular with keen hikers and trail runners.