Le Val-d'Ajol walks

Route in the Saône Vosges through the forest. The route is described for walking, but can also be done by mountain bike by following the indicated variations.

Discover Pré Bosson.

This short discovery route offers views of the spa resort from the hillside. It features information panels on architecture, thermal baths and the water system. Views of the church steeple, the town's rooftops, the Vierge hillside and Saint-Joseph Chapel.

Located in the Vosges department, Plombière-les-Bains is often regarded as a gem. With a history closely linked to thermal spas, its streets are picturesque and possess a certain charm. Surrounded by low mountains, the town was built on the Augronne river, which flows underground through the town. To round off your visit to this charming town, you can explore its miniature park. Of course, before you leave, you must try the ‘plombière’ (an ice cream) in one of the town’s restaurants.

This route takes you along country lanes to discover some of the most beautiful hamlets in Fougerolles. Marked by 23 discovery points, you’ll discover the architectural and historical richness through religious buildings, Fougerolles Castle, fountains, mills, chalots... as well as the geological and landscape context, explored through the observation of underground rocks and exceptional panoramic views.

A walk through meadows and forests. The route passes by the ruins of Les Rangs du Bois and Le Couvent, then through the hamlet of Béviau to reach Château Grenouille. Pretty ponds dot the route.

This walk passes close to the headwaters of the Raddon de Saint-Bresson (see Practical Information). The route takes you through forests, grassy plateaus and valleys in the Saône Vosges, as well as a short stretch along quiet roads.

A lovely family bike ride to explore the village of Ruaux in Plombières-les-Bains. This route follows forest paths and small local roads, presents no particular difficulties and offers the chance to discover magnificent rural landscapes as well as a viewpoint over the Jura and, weather permitting, a view of Mont Blanc.

An easy day’s ride with the option of a picnic stop at Géhard Waterfall, where a picnic area has been set up.

A beautiful hike that climbs and descends, sometimes steeply, on the way to a beautiful viewpoint, and climbs gently but steadily on the way back. Beautiful forest crossings and magnificent panoramas are the reward.

A complete change of scenery guaranteed! Through fields and woods, discover the southern Vosges on this easy, rural-style walk. Admire the beautiful farms that line the route, enjoy the tranquillity of the woods and savour the charms of the little village of Girmont-Val-d’Ajol, isolated from the world but so charming!

A pleasant route combining woodland, numerous ponds, lovely views and heritage sites.There are three possible starting points for the same route.Around the ponds, there are numerous paths and tracks; follow the route description and map carefully.

A pleasant, well-shaded walk through the Hérival State Forest, starting from the charming village of Girmont-Val-d’Ajol. Pretty ponds dot the route, along with several natural sites: the Eau Bénitier, the Roche Fendue, the Glacière and the Géhard Waterfall, as well as a number of places that recall the area’s historical past: the ruins of the Vieilles Abbayes, the Chalet de l’Empereur and, of course, the Priory of Hérival.

A beautiful walk through woods and countryside. You will discover a few ponds, magnificent panoramic views and a pretty waterfall.

From the church in Saint-Bresson, the route takes a small road and then winds its way up a shaded hill to reach a plateau. The route passes through numerous hamlets typical of the Vosges region. Traditional farms and small religious heritage sites punctuate this walk, which offers some very pretty views. This hike offers a wide variety of landscapes with numerous ponds.

This eight-kilometre route will introduce you to all the attractions of the Saint-Bresson valley through nine information panels covering the themes of geology, water, wood and farms of yesteryear. After a stretch along a small tarmac road, you’ll walk along the hillside on either side of the valley to reach a plateau dotted with ponds.

Starting from the church of Saint-Bresson with its glazed tile bell tower, this route invites you to discover the rural heritage of this small village nestled at the foot of the Vosges mountains. Chalot, chapels, wayside crosses, calvaries, boundary stones, fountains and carved stones punctuate this route, which is full of surprises. The natural heritage is also in the spotlight with some superb views.

A pleasant, easy walk in a typical area of the Vosges Saônoise, through meadows and forests with streams and ponds. The route takes you past some of the area’s religious heritage, notably nineteen crosses or calvaries and two chapels, as well as the ruins of several farms and several viewpoints over the Vosges mountains.

A walk that takes you mainly through magnificent beech and fir forests, with lovely views and several crosses.

A lovely walk, mostly through deciduous woodland. Beautiful panoramic views, a few surprises, lovely vegetation – plenty to feast your eyes on.

A short circular walk to discover two megaliths in Franche-Comté.

White cherry trees, red stones and the pearlescent building of the eco-museum – you’ll see a whole spectrum of colours, always a delight.

This short family-friendly route allows you to stop off at the Écomusée du Pays de la Cerise. Set amongst cherry trees, the eco-museum – the starting point of the Route des Chalots – invites you to discover a passion that has become an industry: the production of kirsch. Combining tradition and modernity, come and see, hear and smell the history of Fougerolles cherry brandy.

Every spring, cherry trees cover the Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert area with millions of white flowers. The town also reveals its well-preserved architectural heritage to attentive and curious hikers at every turn of the trail. A succession of streams, orchards, calvaries and farms typical of the Pays de la Vôge will reveal themselves as you wander along the paths. Explore the Pierres-de-Roûge site and admire its imposing blocks of purple sandstone. Route Anneaux Bleus marked.

An easy walk offering the chance to enjoy the varied landscapes and the traditional and sacred architecture of the region’s countryside: cart-style farmhouses, chalots (chello), chapels, stone crosses and oratories, wash-house fountains, etc. A highlight: the Pierres de Roûges site. A visit during or after the walk: the Pays de la Cerise Ecomuseum.

A bucolic hike through the pretty village of Girmont-Val-d'Ajol. There are numerous ponds (often private) and paths, many of which are shaded. A few kilometres on quiet roads.

This walk is suitable for the whole family; we did it with our children aged 6 and 12, who walk regularly. Throughout the route, you’ll come across a number of ponds near Girmont-Val-d’Ajol.About two-thirds of the way along, you’ll be treated to a lovely view of the Moselle valley.Enjoy your walk. Please note that the ponds are on private property; please respect these areas.

This short hike allows you to discover three ponds and the beautiful Vosges forest, not far from Val d'Ajol, in just a few kilometres. A very varied walk, even if it is short.

Circular route on the plateau between Faucogney and Saint-Bresson. You will discover some of the thousand ponds, several calvaries including the Monumental Cross of Montdahin, a few hamlets, vestiges of the past (farm ruins) and new and beautiful views following the damage to the forest caused by the bark beetle. Please note that this is an unmarked route, using paths and small tarmac roads with no heavy traffic.

This circuit invites you to discover the natural and human heritage of the Vosges Saônoises. Scattered dwellings, crosses, fountains, chalots, lava roofs, typical farms, lavière and bread ovens line the route. Majestic forests, magical ponds, erratic boulders and cherry orchards transport you to a world where nature reigns supreme. Take the time to explore and soak up this unique atmosphere, perfect for meditation.

In its first section, this route alternates between forest trails and meadow paths, all dotted with pretty ponds.The second part, which is more ‘open’, offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding hills.The return to the hostel invites you to enjoy a well-deserved moment of relaxation overlooking the fishing ponds.

A circular loop to discover one of the megaliths recorded in Franche-Comté. Expect a steep climb from the start to point 1 and then between points 2 and 3.

This route revisits, refines and extends northwards the original“Route of Stones and Ponds starting from Raddon-et-Chapendu” proposed by the Luxeuil-les-Bains and Southern Vosges Tourist Office, adding two remarkable “stones” and offering a well-equipped picnic area, conveniently situated halfway along the route.Discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Saône Vosges: traditional dwellings (lava-tiled roofs), chalots, lavière (dry-stone huts), forest, ponds and erratic boulders.

A lovely walk through the woods, passing four ponds: Trésurier, Sommepey, la Remoulure and la Cubette.

A walk through the forest along the Rechentreux Stream. A lovely spot for a picnic by the waterfall.

Hike in the hills above the village of Breuchotte, passing through the heart of the forest, then near ponds and the Breuchin river. Some beautiful views to discover. A steep climb at the start.

Follow in the footsteps of Saint Columbanus, a monk from Ireland and founder of the Abbey of Luxeuil-les-Bains, and discover the religious heritage of Sainte-Marie-en-Chanois. From the top of the Saint-Colomban Chapel, take a break and admire the view over the Breuchin Valley. Next to the chapel is the cave, whose ceiling has now collapsed, where the monk liked to retreat to pray in solitude.

After the Breuchin plain followed by a beautiful climb, you will travel through the Beuletin valley and the unique landscapes of the 1000 Étangs with its stretches of water, peat bogs, viewpoints, small villages, crosses and calvaries. Then, at the end of the route, you will discover the site of the Saint-Martin Church overlooking the village of Faucogney. An unforgettable viewpoint!

This circular takes you through the woods to discover the wonderful forest landscapes of the Southern Vosges. The view from Rochenoz is unforgettable! Don't leave without taking a thorough tour of the Falconian village, a Burgundy Franche-Comté Town of Character! Restaurants and shops in Faucogney.

Starting from Faucogney, this trail route will allow you to discover the natural and cultural heritage of this charming town in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Starting from Place du Champ de Foire, you will reach Saint-Martin Chapel and its cemetery overlooking the valley. You will then set off to explore the ponds of the Oroz area, which bear witness to the rich fauna and flora of the region of 1,000 ponds. The end of the route will take you to the Rochenoz viewpoint.

Starting from Faucogney-et-la-Mer, the route climbs to La Voivre towards the ruins of the Annegray monastery, the first foundation on the European continent by the Irish monk Saint Columbanus in the6th century.The paths then take you on a journey of discovery through the forests, ponds and farms typical of the 1000 Étangs and the Southern Vosges.

The Petite Finlande circular route will reveal the unique landscapes of the 1000 Étangs, an exceptional setting in the Vosges Mountains.Between peat bogs, ponds, forests, mountains and meadows, you can admire the immense biodiversity of the Plateau.You can also discover Faucogney-et-la-Mer, a Burgundy-Franche-Comté Town of Character, the picturesque little village of Beulotte-Saint-Laurent, the typical farms of the Southern Vosges, and the crosses and calvaries (500 are listed in the 1000 Étangs area).The Mer (no. 4) and Belles Filles (no. 21) circulars share sections with the Petite Finlande circular. You can therefore adapt the route to suit your needs and make it more challenging. Electric bikes can be hired from the Tourist Office in Faucogney.

The sea in Haute-Saône! The Mer circular (no. 4) will prove it to you!Discover the villages of Faucogney (a Burgundy-Franche-Comté town of character) and Mélisey. This route also takes you on a journey of discovery through the Plateau des 1000 Étangs, particularly near the villages of Écromagny and La Mer.

A lovely walk featuring numerous ascents and descents of varying lengths and steepness, hence the nickname ‘rollercoaster’. After a view of Faucogney-et-la-Mer from the heights at Rochenoz, a lovely walk, mostly through woods and past ponds, leads to Saint-Martin Church. All that remains is to head back via the Chemin des Morts.

An easy hike that can be enjoyed by families with children. Magnificent view of the Remiremont valley from Roche Tocquaine.

The path leaves the Moselle valley and heads towards the Canal des Vosges. This mainly wooded walk is enhanced by traditional Lorraine farmhouses.