From Ludres to Houdemont – Short route

Car park at the entrance to the Ludres Leisure Park on the right as you reach the plateau.

(S/E) Head east along the so-called “strategic” path, following the Blue Ring markings. After a wide bend, the path turns north-west. At a three-way junction, turn right towards the viewpoint until you reach a crossroads with an information sign.

(1) Take a moment to admire the limestone grasslands of the plateau. Continue to the right, heading south-southeast, following the Blue Ring markings to reach the viewpoint (you can get there more quickly by continuing straight on towards the high-voltage power line).

(2) Take in the view and the orientation table. From the orientation table, return to the path and follow the Red Ring markings to the left, which take you under the motorway and lead to the village. Just after a reservoir on your left, follow the Green Ring markings to the left (be careful, they are not very visible; do not follow these markings on the way down). You will arrive at Route de Chavigny.

(3) Walk up the road to the left for about a hundred metres and take a well-marked path on the right. It then runs alongside an orchard and descends into the Fonteno valley (spring a little further down). Walk up the opposite side, running alongside a fenced orchard, and follow the Yellow Ring markings.

(4) You will then join the GR®5F, which you should take to the left, heading uphill. Follow it for 200 m until it turns right. Join Rue de Houdemont and take it to the left.

(5) Leave it just before a wayside cross by taking a path on the left that climbs between the houses. After a straight section, follow the wide bend that leads to a side road of Rue de Bois-le-Duc and joins it on the left after about a hundred metres. Turn left onto Rue de Bois-le-Duc for a few dozen metres, then take the path on the left which then follows the contour line. At the end, head up to the right to reach the bridge over the A33.

(6) At this point, the A33 descends steeply along a stretch known as the Grand Canyon by regulars.
Cross the bridge and take the forest road opposite. Leave this to follow the path on the right at the edge of the forest. It then veers left into the forest. Continue along this stony path to the Parc de Loisirs du Plateau.

(7) As you leave the forest, follow the road on the left to reach the car park (S/E).

This route is primarily designed for Nordic walking; for traditional hiking, poles are recommended for the descent after the viewpoint.