Circuit des Moineaux in Roderen

Marked with the Club Vosgien'sred triangle (the IGN map shows a yellow disc)

Departure: car park at altitude 471 on the D35 between Bourbach-le-bas and Roderen.

(S/E) Cross the D35 at the cross between two trees and follow the small farm road, which is initially tarmac (no entry), along the fields to the forest. Continue left on the path that turns right towards Rammersmatt. This pleasant farm track, which runs through the forest and climbs gently, is also a botanical trail. There is a lovely view to the right over the Alsace plain and the Black Forest. Pass by the huge Rammersmatt farm (altitude 494).

(1) At the D36 (cross), turn right onto Rue Principale to enter the village of Rammersmatt. Pass the town hall, the "La Grange" multi-purpose hall on your right, Place Saint-Albin and Saint Jean-Gualbert Church.

(2) At the Place du 7 Décembre crossroads, after the fountain, turn right onto Rue de Roderen, and 100 metres further on, turn left onto an unmarked uphill path. Follow it along the hillside for about 1,500 metres through wasteland (former vineyards). Shady and well-trodden, this path seems to be frequented by wild boars. It joins Rue de Rammersmatt, which you follow to the left for 200 metres: here you will find the red triangle markings for the Sentier des Moineaux.

(3) At the crossroads, leave Rue de Rammersmatt and turn left onto Rue du Mühlberg for about 350 m. Pass in front of a house with a small plane decoration in its garden.

(4) When you reach the last house, take the pleasant path on the right (Chemin de Ronde du Mühlberg) overlooking the village of Roderen.

(5) At the end of this path, take the track on the right and then, almost immediately, turn left.

(6) After about 400 m, at an EDF power station, descend to the right into the village through the orchards, taking a grassy path that is not very visible at first (Haula path). At the end, at Rue du Ruisseau, turn left, then immediately cross the Petite Doller via the first footbridge and follow Rue des Forgerons opposite until it ends (Moineau circuit signpost). The street continues along a dirt track that approaches the forest. Pass close to the RD35 and join it at altitude 417 (small white cross).

(7) At the junction with the D35, in the hairpin bend, continue left on the uphill path. Soon, a beautiful old staircase leads to the picnic area (tables and benches) next to the D35 and the starting car park (S/E).

(S/E): view of the Alps and the Jura.
This historic site, linked to the liberation of Roderen in 1944, offers an incomparable panorama: you will see the Sundgau, the Belfort gap and, of course, the Vosges and, on a clear day, the Jura and the Alps.

(S/E): nice picnic area at the starting point with two tables.