Grand Valtin (le) walks

A very beautiful hike, taking in some remarkable sights: the Martinswand rocks, the summit of the Hohneck, the summit of the Kastelberg and the Grand Ballon (with the ‘Boule’ at the summit).

The first stage of a two-day bivouac hike with an overnight stay at Lac de Blanchemer, passing by Lac du Lispach, which is reminiscent of a Canadian landscape, and the Machais peat bog. Difficulty and beautiful views sum up this first stage.

day1: hike around Hohneck, snowfield route and descent to Schiessrothried Lake.

First stage of the Gérardmer Mini-Trek. On this first day, you will discover the aerial landscapes of Le Poli and the heights of Lispach, as well as the isolated stubble fields above the Vologne Valley. This stage allows you to make steady progress towards the Chalet des Champis, where you will spend the night. It is also an opportunity to spend a night in an unguarded cabin that has (almost) everything to please: isolated and at least a 30-minute walk from any built-up area, in the middle of the thatched cottages, accessible to all and all year round...It is a must-see in the area.

From Schiessrothried, tour of Petit Hohneck, Dagobert's cave, Frankenthal and Col de Falimont. This route is not accessible in winter. The route is closed between (3), (4), (5) and (6) from 1 November to 30 April 2022 (Prefectural Order of 18 May 2022).

This second stage of the Gérardmer Mini-Trek links the Chalet des Champis to Petit Xonrupt, passing through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Hautes-Vosges. After a descent into the Vologne valley, the route climbs back up to the heights of La Bresse-Hohneck, before reaching Lac de la Lande, the Schmargult farmhouse inn and the famous Route des Crêtes. The walk continues with a long descent past the Sotré mountain refuge, Lake Retournemer and the shores of Lake Longemer, before reaching the centre of Xonrupt-Longemer. A varied stage combining forests, high-altitude scree slopes, glacial lakes and remarkable panoramic views.

Starting from Les Champis, the route passes through the Marécage Rouge Feigne, the Col de Thiaville (alt. 1,112 m), the Hohneck (alt. 1,363 m) and the Col du Wormspel (alt. 1,277 m) before descending towards Lac de Blanchemer.

Starting from Lac de Blanchemer, the route follows theGR®531, taking you via the Rainkopf (alt. 1,305 m), before descending towards the Tourbière de Machais, the Col de Bramont and the Étang de Sèchemer to reach the Chalet de Rouge Mousse.

Second stage of this hike with bivouac. This time, Lac Lalande, Lac de Retournemer, Cascade Charlemagne and Cascade de Retournemer will be on your route, allowing you to discover magnificent colours.

A lovely climb towards the Vosges ridge along the River Pfahlrunz, with a stop at a charming little lake (unnamed). Lots of remarkable trees. Then an easy walk along theGR®5along the ridge before heading towards the farm inns at Salzbach and Uff Rain, with panoramic views of the Vosges peaks.