Lac de Retournemer walks

In the Vosges forest, discover three lakes with very different surroundings, peat bogs and forest sections that can be quite technical at times. ⚠️ 27/05/2026: The Diehlaine trail between (9) and (S/E) is currently closed for safety works.If this trail reopens, please let us know in the comments section for this hike.

Five lakes, two waterfalls, a peat bog and beautiful views to feast your eyes on.

Starting point at the Col de la Schlucht car park.This is a very strenuous hike. Good equipment and physical condition are recommended!

A hike through the forest towards Chaume Balveurche. Along the way, you can admire the view of the Longemer valley from the Roche Boulard shelter. A short round trip to Belle Roche offers a panoramic view of Lake Retournemer. The Irénée Duvoid crossroads is a nice spot to rest and relax. Finally, you can admire the Belbriette stream in its green setting, which is particularly pretty in autumn.

The path is steep and very rugged at the start, running along the edge of the cliff, then continues along a dirt track. There is a beautiful viewpoint at the top of Haut Gazon.

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.

By completing a circular route starting from Lac de Retournemer (a natural lake formed by glacial over-excavation), you will pass successively by Col de Malakoff, near Roche du Diable, and small pass, crossing the high stubble field. From small pass, you will return to the starting point.

This walk takes you around Retournemer Lake and to its outlet, a waterfall about ten metres high, then makes a short detour to the statue of Our Lady of the Snows, which stands in front of the lake, looking towards the peaks. This wild lake is located at the foot of the Hohneck massif and is the first in the Vologne valley.

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.

The Hohneck is one of the must-see peaks in the Vosges. This peak is directly accessible by car. It is also possible to climb it via the paths that start at the bottom of the surrounding valleys. This hike takes you from the La Bresse ski resort to the Hohneck, in a circular fashion, before returning via the Roche du Diable, Lac de Retournemer and the Cascade Charlemagne. The walk is not particularly difficult, but does involve a significant climb, rewarded by splendid panoramic views on the upper section of the route, and several sections on the descent to Lac de Retournemer that require caution.