La Tête du Lait and La Roche du Frey

This is a fairly easy hike through the forest around Tête du Lait, then towards the Vallon shelter and the boundary marker of the three municipalities. Descend via Roche du Frey, where you can take a break and admire the stubble fields of Saint-Maurice. The return journey is via Route du Lait, which overlooks Bussang and Saint-Maurice.

Details

28678827
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.98 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 265 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 266 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 870 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 598 m

Photos

Description of the walk

The route starts in Saint Maurice, on Route du Lait, at the path leading up to the Col du Lait. You can park a car at the entrance to the path.

(S/E) Head south-west and climb up the Col du Lait path. At the junction (670m), follow the path marked with Yellow Triangles straight ahead. Stay on this main, signposted path, which winds around the foot of the Tête du Lait and leads to the Abri du Vallon.

(1) Continue to the right on the path marked with a Yellow Triangle. After about 100 m, turn right onto a path, still marked with a Yellow Triangle.

(2) At the Borne des Trois Communes, continue to your left on the path marked with a Green Rectangle.

(3) At a fork, turn right onto the path marked with a Red Ring.

(4) At the next junction, turn sharply right onto a path marked with a Blue Cross (muddy sections in wet weather). Reach the Roche du Frey (beautiful view over the valley, picnic table and benches).

(5) Head back down the other side to the next junction.

(6) Take the path on the left marked with a Yellow Ring to continue towards Bussang.

(7) At the crossroads, continue straight on to the Route du Lait.

(8) Follow the road to the right.

(9) At the fork, continue straight on to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 624 m - Route du Lait
  2. 1 : km 3.25 - alt. 840 m - Abri du Vallon (Fresse-sur-Moselle)
  3. 2 : km 3.88 - alt. 850 m - Boundary stone of the Three Communes. Near the - Fontaine du Wallon (Le Thillot)
  4. 3 : km 4.65 - alt. 866 m - Fork
  5. 4 : km 4.93 - alt. 824 m - Start of the Blue Cross trail
  6. 5 : km 5.63 - alt. 763 m - Roche du Frey
  7. 6 : km 5.9 - alt. 711 m - Junction
  8. 7 : km 6.63 - alt. 665 m - Crossroads
  9. 8 : km 6.95 - alt. 633 m - Route du Lait
  10. 9 : km 7.71 - alt. 603 m - Fork
  11. S/E : km 8.98 - alt. 622 m - Route du Lait

Notes

Wear walking shoes.
In wet weather, some sections will be muddy.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Magali_J88
Magali_J88

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 02, 2026
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hiking mainly in the forest, which is pleasant in good weather. A nice viewpoint at the Frey rock.
The path is currently very muddy.

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User 2489119

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Great hike in the hills above Bussang.
Easy access and parking at the start.
The directions are clear and precise, so it's hard to get lost.
Ideal in warm weather as much of the route is in the forest.
Beautiful view for a snack at the Feu rock
I recommend this for an easy and enjoyable hike with the family.

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serrand.alain@sfr.fr
serrand.alain@sfr.fr

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A fairly short and easy hike, the view from Roche du Frey is lovely.

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RANDONNEUR88
RANDONNEUR88

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful hike. Beautiful panoramic views. A very well-located table.
Thank you very much.

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DomSy
DomSy

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike without too much difficulty. A shaded route... just a little sunny at the end with a short walk on tarmac to get back to the car. Worth doing again...

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nibalie
nibalie

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk in the woods with a beautiful view of the Saint Maurice and Bussang valley. At the end of the walk, enjoy a nice break on the terrace of the Auberge des Fontaines, which looks like a lovely place to eat.

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