Observatoire Belmont walks

Looking for a varied hike with different terrain? Then look no further than the Three Lakes Hike. Rooted footpaths, forest tracks, uneven terrain, crossing the Gazon du Faing, Lac Noir, Lac Blanc and Lac des Truites (also known as Lac du Forlet) and, on a clear day, a diversion to the Belmont Rocher observatory or Rocher de Hans. A lovely hike to do in fine weather. It's better for the scenery.

10 km with stunning views of two glacial lakes. The largest and highest, Lac Blanc (depth 72 m) covers 29 ha at an altitude of 1,055 m; Lac Noir (depth 45 m) covers 14 ha at 955 m. Breathtaking views from the Belmont Observatory. Don’t forget your camera.

A long, challenging hike with a series of ups and downs: it goes up and down. Starting from Lac Blanc, the hike climbs quite steeply towards the Rocher du Hans, offering views over Lac Blanc. This is followed by a descent to Lac Noir, which adds to the beauty of the landscape. Next comes an ascent, then a flat section leading to Lac du Forlet. The hike climbs again and descends to the final lake: Lac Vert. Heading towards the Col de la Schlucht, the route takes you past the Hirschsteine steps and their viewpoint over the Munster valley, followed by a dizzying and somewhat technical section along the cliff face. The return journey then follows the ridge, offering numerous views, along a slightly flatter path that passes through the Tanet and the Gazon du Faing.

Starting from the car park at the Auberge du Gazon du Faing, this circular route links three glacial lakes, each with its own distinct character: Lac Blanc, the largest, dominated by the Rocher du Hans and the Belmont Observatory; Lac Noir, wilder and more enclosed; and Lac du Forlet (or Lac des Truites), nestled in a spectacular glacial cirque at an altitude of over 1,060 metres, the highest lake in the Vosges. Between the three lakes, the trail crosses the Gazon du Faing, a nature reserve of tall grasslands and peat bogs, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Vosges ridges. Around ten kilometres of varied trails, through woodland, along ridges and over rocky outcrops, making for one of the most beautiful hikes in the region.

A walk along the ridges of the Hautes-Vosges, taking in both well-known and lesser-known paths. The route passes near three lakes and offers magnificent views of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and the Alps on clear days. Plenty of blueberries in season.