Col de Chantoiseau (920m) walks

A very beautiful hike with a stunning view from the summit of Ballon d'Alsace over two other ballons. This hike takes us to the remarkable sites of Saut de la Truite, Rummel Waterfall, Étang du Petit Haut and Vierge du Ballon.

A very pleasant walk in the foothills of the Vosges.The walk follows mostly wide, gently sloping paths.Beautiful views over the valleys.Several picnic spots with shelter.The route is marked by a Red Ring.

This is a moderate hike on a path that crosses a magnificent Vosges forest. Between the trees towards the Col du Chantoiseau, there is a view of the Swiss Jura. Experienced hikers can take a detour from the Chantoiseau to Tremonkopf for a 360° view. The descent from Chantoiseau reveals a view of Planche des Belles Filles and Ballon d'Alsace. The end of the route crosses the pretty village of Planche le Prêtre.

A lovely walk in the Southern Vosges with beautiful panoramic views, the Wissgrutt pastures and the chance to explore distinctive rocks and boulders (Grande Roche, Pierre Écrite, Roche du Serpent).

The walk is a bit of a challenge at the start with a significant climb, but it’s along a shaded forest track with a gentle gradient. The magic happens again when you emerge from the forest and reach the stubble fields, where you can enjoy a different atmosphere.

A lovely walk that alternates between pastures, woodland and views over the Savoureuse and Riervescemont valleys, as well as the surrounding hills. You’ll pass through enchanting spots, sometimes in the shade, sometimes with unobstructed views, along paths and forest tracks.

This hike takes you down from Ballon d'Alsace to Giromagny. It is the continuation of the Vosges crossing, proposed by DNA, Passion Vosges and the Journal d'Alsace (see practical information). The first few kilometres are along the ridges, with views of the Black Forest, the Rhine Valley and even the Alps. During this same section, you may come across several ski resorts, such as La Chaumière and La Gentiane. A farmhouse inn at Wissgrut offers lunch. Further on, a shelter at the Col du Chantoiseau provides a place to picnic. The descent then continues, sometimes more steeply than others. The arrival in Giromagny offers views of the city of Belfort.

This long circular hike will take you through or past a large number of remarkable, picturesque and spectacular spots, and you’ll have the satisfaction of having climbed the Ballon d’Alsace with a significant elevation gain – something not everyone gets to do. The route can be completed in a long day’s walk, provided you are in good shape and set off early in the morning. It is very manageable over two days at a more leisurely pace, with an overnight stay at the Ballon d’Alsace.