Plainfaing walks

The La Costelle heritage conservation association, volunteers from the Haute-Meurthe branch of the Club Vosgien, the tourist development organisation (ATEHM) and the municipality of Fraize have joined forces to breathe new life into this heritage site. The route has been redesigned, the site cleared and the walls showcased. The information board at the start provides all the details on the history of these walls (see QR code) and on walks in the area.

A pleasant walk for the whole family, with a lovely climb at the end. Recommended in good weather; otherwise, the start of the path is muddy.

By making a loop from the Étang des Dames, you can quickly reach the Rudlin Waterfall. This is a pretty waterfall about ten metres high, accessible via a path through the woods from the bottom of the valley.

This hike takes you to the Hautes Chaumes in the Tanet-Gazon du Faing Nature Reserve, starting on the Vosges side via the Ruhlock trail along a stream and returning via the Rudlin waterfall.There are beautiful views from the ridges over Lac Blanc and Lac des Truites or Lac du Forlet.

An easy hike through pine and blueberry forests, allowing you to discover relics from the 1914-1918 war and offering wide views of the Orbey valley and the Vosges mountain ranges in the first part of the hike.

A lovely walk through the woods starting from the Lac Blanc winter sports resort.The Étang du Devin is the main attraction of this hike, offering beautiful views of the Béhtine Valley.Memories of the First World War hang over the first part of the walk.A hike best undertaken in fine weather or in winter when there is a lack of snow.

This circular route, starting from the Lac Blanc resort, takes in some of the most beautiful sites in the Hautes Vosges (Gazon du Faing, Château Hans) and ends at the Ferme-auberge du Pré Bracot.

A memorial hike to a small peak that was the scene of violent clashes in 1914-1915, traces of which are still visible on the ground. Along the way, you will pass the very moving Duchesne Cemetery located in the middle of the forest.

A very beautiful circular hike from Le Bonhomme, which is not too busy. We were lucky enough to pass through areas filled with flowering foxgloves... magnificent.A varied route through forests and pastures.

This circular hike starts in the village of Le Bonhomme and follows the "Circuit de la Grande Guerre sur le massif de la Tête des Faux" (Great War Trail on the Tête des Faux massif), which was a fierce battlefield between 1914 and 1915. Here you will find remnants of the 1914-18 war, two imposing cemeteries, as well as fortifications and technical installations erected by the Germans. The Étang du Devin and its bucolic setting offer a place to rest.

This route was chosen for the Popular Walk on 18 June 2017 in Gerbepal.

A lovely snowshoe walk in a place steeped in legends and the history of the 1914-1918 war.

A circular hike starting from Le Bonhomme. It takes us through the forest to Lac Blanc. The return journey crosses a small section of the battlefields of theFirst World War. There are numerous military structures, as well as a national necropolis and a German military cemetery. An important place of remembrance in the history of the Alsace region.

This hike will take you from Le Bonhomme to the 1914-1918 battlefields of Tête des Faux, then to the three passes of Calvaire, Louschbach and Bonhomme. Along the way, depending on the season, you can enjoy the abundance of blueberry bushes along the path.

A hike that circles the Grand Brézouard, one of the peaks over 1,200 m located furthest north in the Vosges massif. A fairly demanding route with the main ascent taking place right from the start. Varied terrain and landscapes (woodland, rocky ridge, high-altitude meadows).Please note: at (6) => The quiet zone, in force from 1 December to 1 July, is primarily aimed at preserving habitats favourable to the wildlife of old-growth forests. Furthermore, conditions of silence and tranquillity must be strictly maintained, particularly during the winter and breeding seasons. (INPN - ZNIEFF). 20/08/2024: Route modified to avoid the Grand Brézouard, which has been cleared of signposts to reinforce the quiet zone.

Beautiful hike in the Val d'Argent, via the Tree of Liberty, to discover the old mines of the village of Échery and its clock tower. Climb to the summit of Grand Brézouard and enjoy a 360° panorama of the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines valley and the Vosges mountain ranges.

If you want to go on a beautiful hike starting from the Col des Bagenelles, between the valleys of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines and Kaysersberg, the Petit and Grand Brezouard tour is for you. Here is the Tour des Petit and Grand Brezouard, which offers views of these two valleys, the Alsace plain and, in the distance, the Black Forest. Very well marked by the Club Vosgien, it is suitable for all types of hikers, including children. 20/08/2024: Hike modified to avoid the Grand Brézouard, which has been unmarked to reinforce the quiet zone.

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.

Although the climb up to Rocher Hans and the statue of the Virgin Mary at its summit may not look easy, it isn’t as difficult as it seems, even for little ones. After the effort (all the same), the reward!Of course, Rocher Hans itself is inaccessible, but the various viewpoints overlooking the lake are truly magnificent.Be careful, though – the descent is a bit trickier: less steep, but more slippery in places.The final few hundred metres, along the road, are safe: the path is separated and protected by a metal and wooden guardrail.

Hike in the Alsatian Vosges from Lac Blanc to Lac Vert and return via Lac des Truites and Lac Noir. These are three loops that follow on from each other so well that you can shorten the route at two points.

Five routes are marked out in the Lac Blanc 1200 ski resort, offering several levels of difficulty, with distances ranging from 3 to 14 km. This route is a compilation of sections from three of these routes, forming a circular route of approximately 11 km, taking into account the passages closed due to the marking of quiet zones. The route mainly follows forest paths through a forest of tall fir trees. It includes a beautiful but physically demanding climb on a path winding between the trees, a passage near a First World War necropolis, a short descent through the undergrowth, and then an arrival on a stubble field offering a superb view: first of the Alsace plain and the Black Forest in the distance, then of the Lac Blanc glacial cirque. The route continues through the Lac Blanc Adventure Park before returning to the car park.

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.

An exceptional hike offering panoramic views of successive lakes. There are a few challenging climbs, but it's well worth the effort. Best done in good weather to fully enjoy the views available to hikers.

A magnificent hike with trails that are sometimes alpine in character.

A pretty walk, alternating between rises and descents following sinuous winds and paths over ridges with magnificent views. ‘’The’’ meeting place for local chamois.

This easy circular route, on small mountain roads and very passable paths, will take you to the heights of Le Bonhomme towards the Col des Bagenelles, offering you beautiful postcard views of the Vosges mountain pastures. Taken in May, this walk can also be done in summer to escape the heatwave in the Alsace plain. The Club Vosgien markings are provided for information purposes only, as they may change over time.

Start by walking through this typical Vosges village. Continue up a challenging climb which, once reached the top, offers a breathtaking panorama of the Valtin glacial valley. Next, literature takes centre stage with over a dozen information panels featuring quotations from great authors: Hugo, Baudelaire, Chateaubriand, Musset and others, leading you to the banks of the Meurthe, which, at this point, is a veritable little torrent. Finish with a peaceful return to the town hall and the village church.

Nestled in the forest at an altitude of 940 m south of the village of Le Bonhomme, the Auberge de l’Étang du Devin is an ideal starting point for the climb up to Tête des Faux (1,208 m). Numerous remnants of the First World War dot the former battlefield, where a magnificent coniferous forest now thrives.

A good climb to get you warmed up as you start this tour in the woods, with several sumptuous panoramic views of the Haute Meurthe woods, before continuing on through the Rupt Frémiat and finishing your route at the Vierge de Haute Suisse.

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.

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.

This is a lovely walk with no particular difficulties, offering beautiful views of the Val d’Orbey, the Munster Valley and the Vosges ridges. Winding through woods and stubble fields, the route takes you from lake to lake to the Schupferen farmhouse inn, where you can enjoy a delicious break with the world’s best Fleischnacka! The welcome is lovely. Booking is essential, as the inn is small. The return journey is mainly downhill, which is very pleasant after a meal at the farmhouse inn.

A varied hike starting from Lac Noir, progressing through the beautiful Vosges forest, taking us to the Hans rock overlooking Lac Blanc. The return route, which is less busy, allows you to discover the source of the lake and the stubble fields near Gazon du Faing.

Starting from the Route des Crêtes between the Col du Calvaire and the Col de la Schlucht, this walk begins with a panoramic view of Lac du Forlet from the Crête du Gazon du Faing. The route continues, alternating between woodland and open terrain, taking you to discover Lac Noir, Lac du Forlet (also known as Lac des Truites) and Lac Vert.

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.

This easy loop allows you to discover Tanet, one of the most beautiful peaks in the Vosges, with stunning views and the Haut-Fourneau stone cairns. In late June or early July, you can also enjoy the mountain flowers. The return journey is sheltered by Lac Vert.

A magnificent circuit on the Vosges ridges with views of the Black Forest and, on clear, dry days, the Alps. 400 m of paved road, the rest on trails or wide paths.

Lac Vert (1,044 m) owes its name to the colour it takes on in summer due to the proliferation of algae. Lac des Truites (or Forlet) is the highest lake in the Vosges mountains at 1,066 m. Both are located in former glacial cirques dominated by the Hautes Chaumes.

A lovely, relatively easy hike that takes you to Lacs Blancs and Lacs Noirs via the lower route. The route is suitable for winter, when the ridges are too snow-covered to hike easily without snowshoes.

A beautiful hike that takes you up to the “Gazons”, the famous pastures of the Hautes Vosges, and along the steep slopes overlooking the magnificent cirques where the lakes of Lac Vert and Lac du Forlet lie. All of this is situated at an altitude and in landscapes that are reminiscent of the Alps.

An uphill section towards Lake Noir on the slope of Orbey.

A lovely little family circular path to discover Lac Vert nestled in the heart of the Vosges pine trees.

A beautiful hike with views of Lac Vert and Lac du Forlet (Lac des Truites) and a lovely stretch along the ridges.

This hike allows you to discover varied landscapes, access the ridge and enjoy superb views of the entire Vosges mountains and the Alsace plain. It crosses two nature reserves: the Franckenthal-Missheimle Reserve and the Tanet Gazon du Faing Reserve.The hike also passes by the Rocher de Hirchsteine, the summit of Tanet and Lac Vert. The entire climb is through forest. ⚠️ 21/07/2025: starting point of the hike changed.

Hike in the Kemberg massif and its pink sandstone rocks. Developed by the Club Vosgien, with footbridges and protective railings, these rocks offer magnificent views of Saint-Dié and its surroundings.

A lovely hike with no particular difficulties, suitable for both summer and winter snowshoeing in a forest setting. In winter, you can warm up and enjoy a meal at the Chaumes de Balveurche inn.

A fairly varied hike starting from Soultzeren, linking Lac du Forlet to Lac Vert. The route consists of pretty, shaded paths running alongside or through a few meadows. After afirst climb of 600 m, which is a little challenging, the rest of the hike is very pleasant and does not present any particular difficulties. Refreshments are available at the Ferme-auberge du Forlet and the Chalet Erichson run by the Club Vosgien (snacks or packed lunches).

A hike through the forest towards Chaume Balveurche. Along the way, you can admire the view of the Longemer valley from the Roche Boulard shelter. A short round trip to Belle Roche offers a panoramic view of Lake Retournemer. The Irénée Duvoid crossroads is a nice spot to rest and relax. Finally, you can admire the Belbriette stream in its green setting, which is particularly pretty in autumn.

The Kemberg massif offers numerous vantage points: Roche Saint-Martin, Kiosque, Anozel and Enclume; add to these the paragliding launch sites at Col du Kiosque and Kemberg. You will enjoy the panoramic views over Saint-Dié, the Meurthe valley, and the Ormont and Bure massifs.

The Kemberg massif is well known to the people who live nearby. The Tour du Kemberg is well shaded with fairly wide paths. Simply follow the blue circles and signs. Ideal for getting back into shape or for families, with no major difficulties.

Hike starting from Longemer towards the Géromois peaks, downhill skiing, then descending towards Lac de Lispach and the cross-country ski trails. Climb back up via the Roche des Vieux Chevaux viewpoint, then pass by Lac de Longemer and ascend towards the opposite slope of the Roche de Boulard. A fairly challenging hike.

Short hike connecting Lac de Longemer and Lac de Lispach through the forest.

Superb panoramic views over the Munster Valley and the Val d'Orbey. The hike follows the historic route of the Col du Wettstein, the Linge Memorial and the Barrenkopf defence line.

This hike offers beautiful views of the Munster Valley and the Val d'Orbey. The return route follows the historic Linge Barrenkopf trail.

Ascent to the Tête du Violu from the Col de Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines via the Carrefour des Biches and the Labyrinth.

A short circular walk from the Col de Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, offering the chance to explore the remains of theFirst World War (1914–1918), including the German army’s installations below the Tête du Violu front line.

A very pretty, varied walk with scenic views and fairly easy going, I've rated it as moderate as a precaution.

This short hike on trails marked by the Club Vosgien has in the first instance views of the valley of Munster, and also a view of the peaks of the Vosges. The many picnic opportunities around the Lac des Truites or Lac Forlet lakes, the trout spotting opportunities, as well the welcoming farmhouse make for an enjoyable outing.

Explore the forest, lakes and the Hautes Chaumes, the highlights of this hike that follows Vosges Club trails.

This circular hike links the Col de Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines to Chaume de Lusse, through typical Vosges forests of beech, fir, blueberry and high-altitude meadows. The forest paths and roads offer beautiful panoramic views of the Val d'Argent and Meurthe valleys. This is a fairly dynamic route that leads to Chaume de Lusse via a varied course, including sustained climbs (which is why we rate it as difficult), forest passages and open ridges. Part of the route runs between Alsace and Lorraine on paths and trails marked by the GR®531, the former border from 1871 to 1918, with boundary stones marked D (Deutschland), often hammered, and F, marking the historic border and named "Chemins de la Grande Guerre" (Paths of the Great War).

A beautiful historical hike near the Wisembach National Forest.A reminder of the facts:1871 - Alsace/Moselle are annexed by Germany, which modernises many areas.1914 - The heir to the Austrian throne is assassinated / Germany declares war on Russia, France and Belgium. Soldiers occupy villages and mountains.November 1918: the trenches are filled in, the blockhouses and other structures destroyed, but around a hundred remain visible in the heights of the Val d'Argent.

An easy hike around the Basses Huttes towards the Ferme Auberge du Rain des Chênes on wide, shaded paths offering beautiful views of the Val d'Orbey through the gaps in the forest.

A beautiful hike starting from the Col du Wettstein, with steep climbs up to the ridge above Lac Noir and Lac Forlet, a descent towards Forlet, where caution is advised, then a gentle stretch to the Musmiss Farm Inn (a gourmet stop) and then, in ten minutes, back to the Col du Wettstein.

This is an easy hike with beautiful views of the Keysersberg valley to the east and the ridges to the west. You will always find a sunny spot for a picnic around Lac des Truites. The Auberge du Lac Noir welcomes you for a break and the Ferme Auberge du Forlet is open at the end of April. You can also eat at the Mussmiss farmhouse inn, which is clearly signposted on arrival at the Col du Wettstein.

An almost perfect circular route, worthy of a postcard. Along the entire route, points of interest follow one after another: military remains, historic sites, impressive rocks with remarkable shapes, magnificent panoramas and breathtaking scenery guaranteed. Between the Col du Wettstein, the Rain des Chênes, the village of Les Basses-Huttes, the small pass of Linge, the Schratzmaennele and the Glasborn, with trails and a few forest tracks, charming villages, authentic farm-inns and magnificent views of the Vosges ridges, every kilometre holds its own share of discoveries. A comprehensive hike that has it all: nature, history, heritage, gastronomy and exceptional scenery, for an experience as varied as it is unforgettable.

“Les Perles de Vologne” is a wonderful site on the shaded bank of the Vologne. You will pass on Pont des Fées and the Marie-Louise islands, before climbing along the torrent in the Roitelets Gorge, to reach the Roche des Bruyères from where you can admire the town of Gerardmer and its lake. Then, at the Gilet Fountain, located in the forest, you can refresh your hands. Take a break at the Belbriette Pond before descending to Longemer Lake and the Saint Florent chapel.

A long, challenging hike that takes you around a well-known town in the Vosges: Gérardmer. Nestled at an altitude of around 600 m, the town is home to the largest lake in the Vosges: Lake Gérardmer. It is also possible to take detours to explore the natural scenery. This hike offers a feast of rivers and waterfalls: the Saut des Cuves, the Saut de la Bourrique, the Cascade de Mérelle and other watercourses of varying sizes. It also passes close to several ski resorts, particularly during the first part of the circular route. Mainly through forest, there are also some rather pleasant views when the weather permits. In winter, the track between points (6) and (7) is used as a ski run. It is better to take the track going up to the left at (6) and then the road to the right leading to point (9). Point (13) Saut de la Bourrique has been closed by municipal order since 15 March 2024 for works; see practical information.

The Gérardmer region offers a wealth of hiking opportunities. This route starts from the Saut des Cuves, one of the best-known natural sites in the Gérardmer region, apart from the lakes. The hike passes various viewpoints, including La Roche des Bruyères, La Roche du Corbeau, La Roche du Chien and La Roche du Page. It follows the beautiful Gorges des Roitelets and passes near the Chapelle Sainte-Anne in Martimpré. The route consists of three major climbs, each with an elevation gain of between 200 and 300 metres.

A short route, to be done when there is enough snow, allowing you to warm up and get used to snowshoes before a longer hike.

First stage of the Gérardmer Mini-Trek. On this first day, you will discover the aerial landscapes of Le Poli and the heights of Lispach, as well as the isolated stubble fields above the Vologne Valley. This stage allows you to make steady progress towards the Chalet des Champis, where you will spend the night. It is also an opportunity to spend a night in an unguarded cabin that has (almost) everything to please: isolated and at least a 30-minute walk from any built-up area, in the middle of the thatched cottages, accessible to all and all year round...It is a must-see in the area.

This is a circular in the Gérardmer region. Overall, this hike is easy, but there is a fairly steep climb at the start of the route and a much more challenging section in the Gorge des Roitelets.Most of the route is through forest, which can be pleasant in hot weather. In wet weather, be careful as the rocks can be slippery.