The Baerenkopf in Rougemont-le-Château

Car park at Place de l’Église in Rougemont-le-Château.

The walk is signposted with a Green Disc.

(S/E) Follow the street opposite the car park, cross Rue de Masevaux after the war memorial, then take Rue de la Bavière.

(1) The street splits into two; take the left-hand branch. 400m further on, it becomes a footpath. After a fairly steep climb, at a place called La Coiche, it joins the GR®532, marked with a Yellow Rectangle. Turn right onto it and shortly afterwards you’ll emerge at Le Plainot. A sign indicates that you are entering the Natura 2000 area.

(2) Leave the forest track on your left, pass by the hunters’ hut, and climb a fairly steep path leading to the Vieux Château. You can visit the ruins. Go round it on the right and carry on straight ahead. The path joins the forest track.

(3) Continue along the forest track to the Chapel of St Catherine. Retrace your steps.

(3) Take the path that climbs (on the left when returning from the chapel, on the right if coming directly from the Vieux Château). The path climbs steeply, then veers off to the left. You’ll reach the end of the forest road.

(4) Cross the timber storage yard and continue straight ahead; the path continues to climb and soon reaches the ridge and the GR®5, marked with a Red Rectangle.

(5) Follow the old Customs Officers’ Path to the left; it runs alongside a low stone wall. 1 km further on, take a break at the Neuberg hiking shelter. The path winds through fir forests, offering beautiful views of the Doller Valley in places. Don’t miss the view from the Roche Marchal, then leave the GR®5 to continue along the ridge path.

(6) Pass the Ballon de Saint-Nicolas.

(7) Turn right and, after a short but very steep climb, reach the summit of the Baerenkopf.

(8) Retrace your steps.

(7) Continue straight on along the path leading back down. To ensure you stay on the right track, look out for the Green Disc and Blue Ring markings. The return route involves descending from the summit due south, following another ridge – the Mont Brûlé and the Tête Hacquin – and heading down to the Trou du Loup. Take a moment to admire the small wayside shrine.

(9) Turn left. After 200 m, the forest track makes a hairpin bend. Continue downhill. 400 m after the second hairpin bend, turn right. The path then leads onto a tarmac road. Take this to the right and you’ll arrive at Saint-Nicolas

(10) In the hamlet of Saint-Nicolas, after the chapel, opposite the convent, take the road on the right towards Etueffont. 200 m after the third hairpin bend, head down to the left along a footpath. About 800 m further on, the footpath joins a tarmac track,

(11) Follow it to the left for 100 m. Walk slightly uphill along the road to the left and take the path branching off to the right, leading to the centre of Rougemont-le-Château (S/E).

Start at Rougemont-le-Château, 17 km north-east of Belfort
Car park: Place de l’Église, 90110 Rougemont-le-Château

Visorando was provided with information by Mr Chevalley, a volunteer member of Balisage90, based on leaflets published by the Belfort Territorial Department.

The route is signposted with a Green Disc.

At the point (5), if you have time, take a round trip by following the ridge path to the right, which leads to the Sudel (alt. 915 m; picnic table).

The ruins of Rougemont Castle
At the end of the 12th century, the Counts of Ferrette built the ‘Château Haut’. Situated at an altitude of 736m, this structure allowed them to overlook the entire plain and strengthen their defences. Archaeological excavations of the building have dated its destruction to 1375. Information boards provide details about the castle.

The Maison du Moine and St Catherine’s Chapel
First mentioned in 1441, the Monk’s House is described as being in ruins in the 16th century. A chapel was rebuilt nearby; it was frequented by the inhabitants of Masevaux, who came there on pilgrimage for its water with healing properties. Information boards provide details of the excavations.

The Baerenkopf
It rises to an altitude of 1,074 metres. Just below its summit stands a small traditional wooden chalet: this is the refuge of the same name, run by the French Alpine Club. At the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view. Furthermore, as part of the ‘Vosges Piedmont’ Natura 2000 site, management measures have been put in place to promote forest biodiversity.

The Convent and Chapel of Saint-Nicolas
Dating from the mid-19th century, these two buildings, run by the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena, were built by Émile Keller (1828–1909), who was elected MP for Belfort on several occasions.

The ‘House of Watering Cans’ in Rougemont
It’s hard not to be charmed by this florist’s shop and the magic of its world. The owner has indeed scattered watering cans all around and across the façade of his shop! It’s a world straight out of Alice in Wonderland (address: 1 Rue Leval, Rougemont-le-Château).