Marked route – Yellow Rings
(S/E) Starting from the town hall, a renovated former school with a fountain sheltered within the tourist rest area, you can enjoy a picnic whilst discovering tools from days gone by and a wealth of information about the region. The fountain was built around 1880 and renovated in 1999.
The route climbs behind the town hall, passing close to an unusual artwork, “La Table du Partage”. You’ll reach an X-shaped junction.
(1) Follow the path which then climbs up, sheltered by a hedge. Continue climbing until you reach the D57, which you should follow for about a hundred metres to the left. You will then join theGR®7, which leads to the ruins of the old Bethlehem farm. Pass a first open area on the left, then re-enter the forest and take the first path on the right. Turn left immediately and continue straight on until you reach a viewpoint.
(2) The view over the Moselle valley and the Vosges hills is breathtaking. At the top of the climb lies the military site of Fort de Rupt, built largely within the commune. Continue downhill and, at the track, turn left. Following the forest path bordering the Vosges department, go round the entire Fort de Rupt site, overlooking the Moselle valley. The pine forest is majestic and offers glimpses of magnificent panoramic views over the valley. Depending on the season, it is not uncommon to spot a roe deer or a black woodpecker, and keen observers may even discover a tuft of club moss. You will come to a junction.
(3) Take the path leading uphill. Then stay on the path on the right and continue straight ahead before turning left and entering the plateau. You will arrive at the Croix du Geai.
(4) You reach the highest point of the circular route, 809m, at a place called La Croix du Geai. Follow the path to the left then to the right to find a track. Follow this track, which descends towards the hamlet of Les Saumages, keeping to the right.
(5) Turn sharply left then rejoin the ridge line. The view is then unobstructed as far as the Bernese Alps and even, in clear winter weather, as far as Mont Blanc. Continue downhill and straight ahead until you reach the road at the Croix de la Rouelle.
(6) This is the most distinctive in the commune and undoubtedly the oldest. Symbolising Celtic Christianity, the encircled cross represents the five wounds of Christ nailed to the cross. Follow the road to the left towards Breloufle. The landscape is open, offering a unique view of the Ballons d’Alsace and Servance, and we become aware of the commune’s scattered settlements.
(7) Continue along the road and head straight on to Maison Neuve. Go down the track. The return route follows the Echoé path to the Maison des Associations. At the road, go down it, then turn left before turning right towards La Rosière and its town hall.