Fréland walks

The start of this walk, suggested by Passion Vosges magazine as part of its ‘gourmet walks’ series, begins at the car park of the Maison du Pays Welche, which is next to the museum restaurant, the gourmet stop on this outing.

In spring, there is nothing more pleasant than this circular starting from Fréland and passing through the Col de Chamont. Lovely panoramic views of the Pays Welche, the Fréland and Lapoutroie valleys, the magnificent Mont Kalblin and beautiful forest passages.

This route will take you from an ancient Roman road to the heights of Fréland. Done in good weather at the end of winter, it offers a varied and peaceful hike. Along the way, you will see the first primroses, streams and a view of the Lapoutroie valley. On the way back, it is always a pleasure to cross Fréland. A short visit to the Welche country museum and its adjoining inn will be a pleasant way to round off the walk.

An easy walk that takes you through the Vallon du Limbach and its moss-covered forests, which have unfortunately suffered greatly from various storms. The upper section of the route takes you through beautiful mixed woodland, with conifers, oaks and beech trees. Suitable for all seasons but ideal on a warm, sunny day, as the valley is very shaded. The rest of the route is also in the shade of tall trees.

A steep start, a few sections through the forest, but above all beautiful views of Lapoutroie and the Val d’Orbey, the Brézouard and the Tête des Faux, as well as Fréland and the Kaelblin massif.

A short walk starting from the village of Lapoutroie, heading up to see the Tour du Faudé via the Roche du Chat Noir.Standing 16.50 metres tall, the tower rises above the summit of the Faudé. It was inaugurated on 15 August 2002, offering visitors the chance to take in the superb landscapes of the Welche region and the surrounding area.And to round off your day, you can pop into the Haxaire cheese dairy, where Munster cheese is made.

This hike starts in the hills above Aubure, offering beautiful views of northern Alsace. When you reach the "Pierre des Trois Bans" chalet, there are a few tables where you can stop for a break. Continuing along the ridge path, you can admire the Sainte Marie-Aux-Mines valley. On the way back, there are beautiful views of the Orbey valley and the mountains to the south of Alsace. On a clear day, if you look carefully, you can see the Grand Ballon, the Petit Ballon and even the Hohneck in the distance.

A pleasant hike above the village of Aubure to discover the Refuge de la Pierre des Trois Bans and enjoy beautiful landscapes over Fréland, Lapoutroie, the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines valley and Aubure.

A short, shaded hike through a beautiful pine forest, surrounded by ferns and blueberry bushes and above Aubure, to Roche du Tétras.

Kaysersberg is a village well known for its architecture and historic centre. It is also possible to combine a visit to this village with a route that takes in Aspach, the Ermitage Saint-Joseph, the Roche du Tétras, the Chêne de la Chapelle and the Rocher des Corbeaux. Most of the route runs through woodland. The main viewpoints are largely concentrated towards the end of the walk, but the route offers several points of interest to liven up the day.

A lovely circular route through vineyards, forests and picturesque villages, passing over a little-used mountain pass. Beautiful views over the Alsace plain. The route follows the cycle path for part of the way, with a section on a quiet country road.

A lovely forest walk with a magnificent viewpoint from which to admire the Pays Welsche. From the top of the tower, you’ll enjoy a 360° panorama. The viewing platform is equipped with picnic tables, making it the perfect spot for a lunch break.

Breathtaking view of the Vosges peaks and the Tour du Faudé.

I suggest a fairly long hike with a significant elevation gain, classified as very difficult, which will allow you to discover the Orbey Valley with various remarkable viewpoints and several interesting sites: the Tour du Faudé, destroyed in 1915 and 1944 and rebuilt in the 1990s, the Duchesne Cemetery, a national necropolis for French soldiers who fell at Tête des Faux during theFirst World War, and the Gazon du Faing with its panoramic trail, a veritable balcony overlooking Lac Blanc and the Orbey Valley. Caution! This route includes a very technical and difficult section on the descent from the ridges to Lac Blanc, between points (14) and (15). Do not attempt in wet weather. Choose the alternative route described in the practical information.

A beautiful circular starting from Orbey and taking in two magnificent lakes. First, you will discover Lac Blanc, nestled in a granite basin. On the left, you will see the Rochers du Château Hans topped with a statue. The Chemin Cornélius will take you to Lac Noir, which is lined with fir trees and therefore much darker.

Starting from Orbey, this is an interesting hike thanks to its diversity and magnificent views. During the day, you’ll come across two sites named after rocks, and admire forests with their undergrowth—sometimes open, sometimes dense and serving as shelter for game, or even covered in moss—all along a very pleasant path. A moment to reflect on history as you pass through the battlefields near the Linge; the 1914–1918 war. Then superb views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.