Via the Roche des Vieux Chevaux from Lac de Longemer

La Roche des Vieux Chevaux, a natural viewpoint, overlooks Lake Xonrupt-Longemer. A very pretty hike with a fairly challenging ascent for beginners.
Please note: the slope is steep for the first kilometre.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 1.99 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 820 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 817 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,278 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,457 ft

Description of the walk

Access the car park near Les Jonquilles campsite. See § Practical Information.

(S/E) Opposite the campsite snack bar, take the path on the left marked with a Red Triangle. Do not rely on the sign for Roche des Vieux Chevaux (0h30); allow for a 1-hour climb instead. After a very steep section, the slope levels out and, once you reach the top of the path, the rock is on your left.

(1) Take care, as the rock can be slippery in wet weather. In July/August, enjoy the berries on the Brinbelliers whilst admiring the view.
Set off from the rock, following the Red Triangles on a gentle climb. As the descent begins, you’ll reach a crossroads.

(2) Take the path on the right that goes downhill, marked with a Red Disc. Be careful, the descent is full of small, unstable rocks. Admire Lake Lispach on your left. You’ll arrive at the multi-way junction at Collet de la Mine.

(3) Turn right to join the “Basse de la Mine” path, marked with a Green Cross. Follow this fairly technical descent until you reach the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,457 ft - Les Jonquilles campsite car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.55 - alt. 3,222 ft - Roches des Vieux Chevaux
  3. 2 : mi 0.92 - alt. 3,268 ft - Crossroads
  4. 3 : mi 1.15 - alt. 3,054 ft - Collet de la Mine
  5. S/E : mi 1.99 - alt. 2,461 ft - Les Jonquilles car park - Lac de Longemer

Notes

(1) Wear suitable footwear and carry equipment suitable for technical trails. So don’t hesitate to bring walking poles to help you with the steep, rocky ascents and descents.
By taking your time, following the guidelines and being well-equipped, this viewpoint from the rock is accessible to everyone.
This hike is not suitable for children in unsuitable footwear or pushchairs.
Take water with you and take regular breaks.

Understand the Club Vosgien trail markings.

Worth a visit

Near this walk is an old copper mine.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
melpetitpanda
melpetitpanda

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We did this at the end of the day in June and only saw a few other runners.
The walk isn't long, but there's a steep climb and the descent over the rocks is quite technical, so I recommend wearing good shoes. The view from the rock is definitely worth it.
I recommend this hike. 👍

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Fanny Pil.
Fanny Pil.

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A steep climb 🥵, but with no major technical difficulties, completed in 30 minutes as indicated on the signposts.
At point 2, I recommend following the signs for the ‘old copper mine’ and heading down to the lake shore to follow part of the lakeside path (stunning 🤩) to point 3.

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Saratatouille54
Saratatouille54

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A really lovely, fairly technical hike. It’s quite a climb, but the view at the top is magnificent

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