The Thann hills, via the Croix du Rangen and the vineyard

Car park: park in the car park behind the Vieux-Thann stadium.

(S/E) Walk up through the car park then turn right towards the cycle path.

(1) Take the forest track on the right (^{the second} track, the one going uphill). Follow the uphill forest track for about 500 m until you reach a sharp bend to the right of the track.

(2) Take a path just after the bend, directly opposite the forest track (marked with a Yellow Triangle – towards the Waldkapelle) and follow this path uphill to the Waldkapelle.

(3) Continue along the forest track on the left, marked Red-White-Red, for about 600 m. Then, at the junction, keep left on this forest track for about 200 m until you reach a fork.

(4) On the descent, turn left onto a path leading down below (marked with a Red Disc). Continue downwards, following the markings, until you reach a small footbridge.

(5) Cross the stream and join a forest track. Please note: if there have been heavy storms in the preceding days, avoid taking this path; stay on the main forest track and go round it. Continue for about 1 km, skirting meadows and orchards, then, when you reach the junction, take the path on the right (towards Thann) for 200 m.

(6) Turn onto the path leading uphill immediately to the left (marked ‘Green Cross’, direction: la Croix du Rangen). Climb, following the same markings, to reach la Croix du Rangen.

(7) Take a short detour to the foot of the cross and admire the view over Thann and the surrounding area. Then continue along the hillside path for about 800 m until you reach the crossroads.

(8) Turn right and enter the vineyard. You may find a gate closed at this point: do not turn back, as this gate can be opened without a key (it is there to prevent animals from damaging the vines). Continue along the main path for about 500 m until you reach a path on the left.

(9) Take this small path on the left which leads down through the vines. The descent through the vines on this hillside can be tiring in hot weather, so make sure you protect yourself from the sun. Continue straight ahead on this path, then join a cross-country track.

(10) Immediately opposite, take the path that descends further through the vineyards (avoid taking the main path, unless you wish to make a detour to Thann, which is about 3 km away). Follow this path down until you reach the greenway. Turn left onto it and walk for about 400 m before reaching the bridge on the right.

(1) Cross the bridge, continue along the road for about 200 m and you’ll reach the car park (S/E).

Several picnic spots:
(3) The Walkapelle site is equipped with tables and benches in the shade.
(5) A hunters’ hut is situated directly opposite the small footbridge. The benches outside provide a place to sit in the shade.
(7) Next to the Croix du Rangen there are benches and a small clearing where you can sit (be careful in hot weather, as there is no shade here).

The Walkapelle.
The Rangen Cross.
The Rangen vineyard: the Rangen is a grand cru of Alsace. Harvesting here is a very delicate process, carried out using abseiling techniques. (You can see the pitons from the top of the hillside).

If you’re quiet, you might be lucky enough to spot some chamois.