Col du Banc du Forestier walks

This route is the first part of thefourth stage of a seven-day tour of the Alsatian side of the Vosges mountains. Most of the route is on forest roads in good condition. The signage is excellent, consisting of signs with an orange or red mountain bike logo and the letters TMV (Traversée du Massif Vosgien).

Hiking trail from Sélestat station, easily accessible from many towns in Alsace, to Ribeauvillé, from where you can return to Sélestat station by bus. The route offers magnificent views of the Vosges mountains from the outskirts of Sélestat, with Kintzheim Castle and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle on your left, the village of Châtenois opposite you, and Ramstein and Ortenbourg castles above Scherwiller on your right. You will pass through part of Châtenois before tackling the climb to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, a major tourist attraction in Alsace. You will finally end your journey in the middle of the vineyards, between Bergheim, a charming fortified village in the foothills of the Vosges, and Ribeauvillé, your destination.

Three days of hiking and camping around the Val de Senones, passing by beautiful viewpoints. Campsites at the Tête du Coquin and the Haute Loge.

This first stage is probably the hardest day of the route. Beautiful views, pleasant trails and few forest roads. A steep climb at the end of the day explains the "Difficult" rating.