The Hang clearing at the foot of Climont

Departure from the Bourg-Bruche station car park.

(S/E) From the station (behind you), head right for 200 metres. At the end of the street, turn left onto the road and take the first small street on the right to reach an intersection with a fountain.
Turn right and you will arrive at the junction of the circular route.

Yellow triangle markings

(1) Continue straight ahead and go up the street, keeping to the right, then turn left onto Chemin de Rassus. Follow the road, which becomes an unpaved path, to its end.

(2) Continue straight ahead on the same path until you reach the Fraise car park.

Red Horse Markings

(3) Take the path on the right to cross the hamlet of the same name and descend into the clearing. Leave the Yellow Triangle trail on the left and arrive at the buildings of the Ferme du Nouveau Chemin. Cross the farm, take the hairpin bend on the left, then keep to the right and descend into the clearing. Then cross the Bruche river on a bridge and take a path on the right to quickly reach a first intersection at the edge of the woods.

Unmarked section

(4) Take the path on the left that climbs into the forest. After 500 m, turn left and 250 m further on, descend to the left to leave the forest and cross the Ferme de l'Abatteux.

(5) Continue along the same path. After 300 m, at the intersection, turn right and follow the unpaved road for 600 m to reach a star-shaped crossroads.

(6) Continue along the path on the right (no entry sign) for 1 km. Pass in front of private properties (do not stop to respect the residents' peace and quiet). After the barrier, you will arrive at an intersection.

(7) Follow the left-hand path and stay on this side at the next two crossroads to go around the Hang clearing. When you reach the Hang building, go through the barrier.

(8) Take the path that climbs to the right for 600 m to the top of the hill. There are several possible routes here (see the Practical Information section).

Blue Cross markings

(9) Keep left and then immediately take the wide track opposite to return to the Fraise car park.

Red Horse Markings

(3) Continue straight ahead until you reach the junction from the outward journey.

(2) Continue along the paved road to the right to reach Bourg-Bruche. Stay on the road that descends, ignoring two tracks coming from the right, to reach a third crossroads, Rue de la Goutte.

(10) Turn right onto this street and return to the starting point.

(1) Turn left and return to the starting point by following the same route in reverse (S/E).

Walking shoes, drinks, clothing and protection appropriate for the weather.

Departure from the car park at Bourg-Bruche station.

Possible variations at (9):

Ascent of Le Climont (8 km round trip, +350 m, 2½ hours):

From this point, for the more adventurous, take the marked path on your right for 1.7 km, then follow the red rectangle with a white stripe on your left for 2.3 km towards the summit of Climont. A good climb (+ 300 m) with two hairpin bends will take you to the summit (tower, viewpoint, orientation table and picnic area).

Find other hiking trails on rando-bruche.fr, the hiking website of the Bruche Valley Tourist Office.

The Hang clearing has always been a special place, somewhat removed from transport routes and main population centres. Glassmaking families settled here as early as 1723, taking advantage of the combined presence of wood and water. A few charred stones and glass fragments bear witness to the presence of these glassworks, which closed in 1770 due to a lack of wood. Le Hang nevertheless continued to prosper thanks to the arrival of numerous Mennonite farmers of Swiss origin. They found here a place conducive to their pastoral and mystical life. Throughout the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century, these Mennonites were remarkable breeders, at the forefront of agricultural progress.

With its unusual conical shape, the Climont (966 m) is one of the symbols of the Bruche Valley. It is a special place, not to be missed, particularly for the vast panoramic view offered by the Julius Tower (17 m), erected in 1897 by the Strasbourg section of the Club Vosgien in honour of Julius Euting, the famous orientalist and founding president of the Club.

Producers and artisans in Bourg-Bruche.