Étang des Forges (Belfort) walks

This hike is the first of two stages linking the end of the Vosges crossing in Belfort to the start of the Grande Traversée du Jura (or GTJ on maps), located at the start of Mandeure. This hike is very cultural, starting in the historic town of Belfort. The first part takes you past three forts: Belfort, Basses Perches and Bosmont. The hike is never very far from urban areas and it is even possible to get there by TGV as the high-speed train passes through. It is a hike that alternates between woods, agricultural plains and villages of varying sizes, including Bourogne and its charming wash houses. The end of the hike is the most pleasant part of the route, crossing the dry grasslands of Bourogne and walking along the Rhône-Rhine Canal.

This is the last stage before the start of the Grande Traversée du Jura. The hike is mainly through forest, crossing the woods of Sochaux, Fays and Goutils. At the end of the stage, you can explore the village of Thulay. Halfway along the route, there are shops where you can buy supplies in Seloncourt. There are also some interesting viewpoints along the way.

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 beautiful route begins with two remarkable peaks in the Vosges and offers beautiful views of the upper Moselle valley, before reaching the Pays des Étangs.