The Ballon de Servance via the Sentier de l'If

Head to Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle via the A66. Near the stadium, follow Rue de Presles, which heads south-west to the pond of the same name. Park in the car park opposite the pond.

(S/E) Continue along the tarmac road, following the Green Rectangle markings of^{the GR®533}. Walk alongside a small canal until you reach a reservoir.

(1) Turn right towards Ballon de Servance – Sentier de l’If. At the last house, take the path on the left and follow the Petit Creux stream with its pretty little waterfalls. You’ll come out onto a forest track.

(2) Climb the embankment on the left to follow the steeply ascending path through the forest. After a series of hairpin bends, you’ll reach a second forest track.

(3) Cross it and continue straight ahead, still on the^GR®. After a fairly steep climb, you’ll reach the first scree slopes of the Ballon de Servance, near one of the boundary markers of the military zone surrounding Fort de Servance.

(4) Head down to the left to follow the^GR®553(which merges here with the^GR® 5, 7 & 59). Pass by the memorial to the USAF pilots, then walk alongside the Sailley chalet. Continue the descent through the blueberry bushes and meadow geraniums. Reach the Col du Luthier.

(5) Enter the forest to follow the correct path and descend gently to the Col du Stalon and its strategic crossroads, which is well signposted.

(6) Leave the^GR® and its Green Rectangle markings here to turn left onto the Chemin Godignon, then immediately left again onto the path marked with Yellow Discs. Continue the descent along this stony path, which is initially quite arduous and difficult but becomes easier. Cross the Pont des Soupirs and then arrive at the Cabane du Four.

(7) Continue now along a wider, easier road, still following the Yellow Disc markings. Leave the Protected Area and enter the Presles valley. Follow the Presles stream and return to the reservoir you passed on the way out.

(1) Head back along the same route you took on the way out, but in the opposite direction, to return to the car park by the pond (S/E).

Important note: this hike crosses the Ballons Comtois nature reserve. Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead.
Two shelters along the route: the well-equipped Chalet Sailley with a spring (water quality unknown) and the fairly comfortable Cabane du Four.
The climb via the Sentier de l’If is relatively strenuous and the Yellow Disc section is quite difficult. Good walking shoes and a walking stick are strongly recommended.

Signposting by the Club Vosgien.

Between (3) and ::4: take the time to enjoy a beautiful view of the valley.
(4) Superb views over the Moselle valley towards Fresse-sur-Moselle and Bussang.
Shortly after (4) at the start of the descent: take a moment to stop at the superb Sailley chalet with its terrace and landscaped fountain. Enjoy this magical spot and, at times, its magnificent view of the Alps.
(6) Col du Stalon and its ridge: this is the watershed, with the source of the Rahin on the right, whose waters flow towards the Mediterranean Sea, and the Goutte du Stalon on the left, which flows via the Moselle into the North Sea.
(7) Cabane du Four: fairly new, it is a charming and welcoming spot for a coffee break.