La Montagne des singes (Kintzheim) walks

This route takes you across the Vosges in the Haut-Rhin, with moderate daily stages ranging from 15 to 20 km and an elevation gain generally between 800 and 900 m. These stages take between 6 and 7 hours, always ending near a mountain refuge, which must be booked in advance. The route follows paths marked by the Club Vosgien and passes through a wide variety of landscapes.

This first stage starts in Kintzheim, passes by Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, then crosses the pretty village of Thanenkirch before heading up alongside the ‘pagan wall’ with its beautiful rock formations to the Schelmenkopf mountain hut. It is not particularly difficult and is a good way to warm up for the rest of the journey.

This route forms the first part of the fifth stage of a 7-day tour on the Alsatian side of the Vosges. The route follows mainly forest tracks in good condition. The signposting, which is excellent, consists of signs bearing an orange or red mountain bike logo accompanied by the letters TMV (Traversée du Massif Vosgien).

Hiking trail from Sélestat station, easily accessible from many towns in Alsace, to Ribeauvillé, from where you can return to Sélestat station by bus. The route offers magnificent views of the Vosges mountains from the outskirts of Sélestat, with Kintzheim Castle and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle on your left, the village of Châtenois opposite you, and Ramstein and Ortenbourg castles above Scherwiller on your right. You will pass through part of Châtenois before tackling the climb to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, a major tourist attraction in Alsace. You will finally end your journey in the middle of the vineyards, between Bergheim, a charming fortified village in the foothills of the Vosges, and Ribeauvillé, your destination.

Vine growing is an integral part of the Alsatian landscape. There is also a route named after it. This route is the fifth stage of the vineyard walk and connects Dambach-la-Ville to Obernai. There are numerous vantage points, indeed they are almost everywhere outside the villages. The villages themselves are very typical, with pretty half-timbered houses and undeniable charm. The region’s heritage is equally well represented.

Stage thirteen, from Ribeauvillé to Le Bonhomme, is very long and involves a significant climb. It marks the hiker’s entry into the Hautes-Vosges and its first major peaks: Hirzberg and Brézouard, via the Lapoutroie valley. With a mountain atmosphere and superb views in store.

A lovely little walk that follows the edge of the woodland alongside the vineyards. Superb views of the surrounding villages.

A leisurely second stage, apart perhaps from the total distance. It takes place mainly in the shade on mostly flat paths. You’ll pass beneath the Petit Brézouard and give the Grand Brézouard a wide berth – as it is a wildlife sanctuary – before heading directly to Le Haïcot and then on to the Col des Bagenelles.

This is an educational trail. Discover BotaRied, thefirst free interactive digital trail in the Grand Ried region of central Alsace. Set off on a quest to find Hockemann, the legendary figure of the Ried. Follow the clues and solve puzzles by observing the plants, animals and landscapes that make this area so rich and varied. Whether with family or friends, come and enjoy a treasure hunt in the heart of nature!

This route is the first part of thefourth stage of a seven-day tour of the Alsatian side of the Vosges mountains. Most of the route is on forest roads in good condition. The signage is excellent, consisting of signs with an orange or red mountain bike logo and the letters TMV (Traversée du Massif Vosgien).