From Lac de Blanchemer to Lac de Longemer

(S) Take the path that climbs north-east to the right of the forest shelter to reach Chemin des Chaumes, 200m further on. Continue right on Chemin des Chaumes and, 500m further up, at the intersection, turn left onto Chemin du Tour d'Artimont. 300m after passing under the ski lift, follow the footpath on the right which leads to an intersection.

(1) Turn right again to follow the path that goes around Lac Lalande to its dam in an anti-clockwise direction. There are a few pontoons and a wooden footbridge along this path. You can also take a break on a bench and admire the lake.

(2) Once you are to the right of the dam, take the path in front of you, then descend to the left below the dam and join a forest path. Continue to the left to descend this path, which crosses a ski slope in winter (or a downhill mountain bike trail in summer). Then, before a sharp left turn, leave the path and take a small trail on the left that cuts across it, descending towards the shops and joining a car park further down.

(3) Turn right along the Route de la Vologne (D34d), then descend to the right along the bridge to pass underneath it and climb over the rocks on the other side of the small, almost dry river.

(4) Take the path on the left below the road. ( If there is too much water in the river, you can continue along the road and take the path on the left after the bridge). Walk along the Tourbière des Faignes sous Vologne on the right (the departmental road is a few metres above you). When you reach the houses at Col des Faignes sous Vologne, take the road on the right until you reach the "give way" sign 20 metres further on.

(5) Take the D34d on the left towards "Xonrupt-Longemer", then immediately left onto the forest path. At the next three-way junction, take the middle path which descends towards Lac de Retournemer, which you will reach after a 20-25 minute walk.

(6) When you reach the lake, turn right and, after the small lodge, head towards the Charlemagne Waterfall on the right. Continue towards the small hamlet, then turn left between the stacks of wood. Follow this marked path, which will take you across the D67 (take care) towards the Charlemagne Waterfall.

(7) Descend from the waterfall via the same path to rejoin the D67. Turn right and follow the road for 1 km to return to Lac de Retournemer. Take the path along the lake at the edge of the road.

(8) Go through a tunnel. After the tunnel, take the path on the left towards Retournemer Waterfall.
Cross the river via the wooden footbridge, then continue right along the forest path.

The route ends with these last two kilometres before returning to the start and finish point of our two-day route (E).

Water and food available.
Shops.
Possibility of finding shelter with locals at Lac de Retournemer.

Ibpindex rating
Difficulty of the route: ibp index 47 HKG Easy route with moderate training
Effort: 3/5
Technical difficulty: 3/5 Slightly more technical at the Charlemagne waterfall
Risk: 3/5

Wear very good walking shoes.

The La Bresse resort offers downhill mountain biking in summer and skiing in winter.
Fishing enthusiasts, don't forget your rods.
The Hohneck Massif 1363m.