La Chatte Pendue walks

A circular walk mainly through forest. Starting from the enchanting setting of the Étang du Coucou, you will discover the ruins of the Château de Salm, currently undergoing restoration. You will then climb up to the promontory of the Chatte Pendue with its orientation table, make a short stop at the Monument des Passeurs, and then follow a slightly wilder path to the Tourbière de la Maxe. July 2022 modification of the route between (8) and (9) due to poor trail maintenance: temporarily leave the blue cross markings in place.

Mainly on shaded paths through the woods, this hike offers various points of interest, including the pretty Étang du Coucou lake surrounded by fir trees, the Chatte Pendue with its magnificent view of the Bruche valley and the Champs du Feu massif, and the Romanesque ruins of Salm Castle.

This walk leads to the Chatte Pendue viewpoint and the summit of the Hautes Loges, which offer a breathtaking 360° view of the neighbouring peaks: Donon, Rocher de Mutzig, the Champ du Feu massif and the Col du Hantz.The only challenging part is the climb up to La Chatte Pendue. So, take it easy to start with.

A walk that follows the first section of the ‘smugglers’ trail’, which was used during the Second World War to smuggle escapees, draft dodgers and patriots from annexed Alsace into occupied France, emerging at Moussey 88. A memorial marking this historical event can be found along the route. At the former Franco-German border, you’ll discover sculptures created by contemporary artists. You’ll also pass through a nature reserve and a quiet zone. On the return leg, you’ll climb the Chatte Pendue; its summit offers breathtaking views of the Donon, the Alsace plain, the Champ du Feu and Climont mountain ranges, and the Hautes Vosges. TheGR®532also takes you to the ruins of Salm Castle, which is currently being restored.

At the Col du Hantz, we cross into Lorraine; then, after a fairly long stretch along a quiet road, we follow a stream along an impressive medieval cobbled path, adorned with installations by ‘art student’ from the University of Nancy; a little further up, the tranquillity of a secluded peat bog is disturbed only by birdsong. The Chemin des Passeurs then takes us to La Haute-Loge and La Chatte Pendue. A journey for lovers of nature and history.

This first stage is probably the hardest day of the route. Beautiful views, pleasant trails and few forest roads. A steep climb at the end of the day explains the "Difficult" rating.

This walk will allow you to admire some stunning views whilst enjoying the tranquillity of the frequently used forest paths. A walk mainly through the forest, offering a chance to enjoy the cool, refreshing air.

In the Bruche Valley, this circular route on the heights of Rothau, starting from the Étang du Coucou, takes us towards the peaks of La Chatte Pendue and La Haute Loge. The Auberge du Bambois is the perfect stop for a gourmet meal.

Three days of hiking and camping around the Val de Senones, passing by beautiful viewpoints. Campsites at the Tête du Coquin and the Haute Loge.