Plancher-les-Mines walks

This beautiful circular route will take you to the magnificent Rahin Waterfalls, a torrent that winds through the trees and rocks of the Saint-Antoine Forest. Most of the route is through the woods. You can visit the Saint-Antoine Cave and the viewpoint of the same name.

This walk takes you on a journey through geological time and the industrial and mining past of the Rahin Valley. It starts off along an old miners' path where, if you look carefully, you can find samples of minerals that were previously used as fill (look for anything that sparkles). Halfway along, it passes near the magnificent Goutte des Saules waterfall and its canyon. The return journey is along the valley floor, offering views of La Planche des Belles Filles to the east.

In a superb setting 30 km north-east of Belfort between Servance and Plancher les Mines, this beautiful hike will allow you to discover Belfahy and its surroundings. First of all, a very pretty, well-renovated village, surprisingly a Courchevel cabin, beautiful forests and, to finish, superb views.

A beautiful hike in the Vosges Saônoises, a stone’s throw from the Planche des Belles Filles between Plancher-les-Mines and Fresse, just north of Champagney. Along this route, information boards recount the actions of the resistance fighters and the battles of the Liberation from September to November 1944. Superb views of the Planche des Belles Filles, the Ballon d’Alsace, Champagney and its basin, as well as the mountains of Haute-Saône, Haut-Doubs and the Swiss Jura.

Perched at an altitude of 850 metres, the village of Belfahy is the highest in Haute-Saône and the Vosges Mountains. The village's name comes from the local word "foyard", meaning beech tree. Ideally located between the Ognon and Rahin valleys, in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, Belfahy has become a popular destination for snowshoeing and hiking enthusiasts. This circular route will take you through coniferous forests with beautiful views of the valley.

This hike takes us through two typical villages in the land of a thousand ponds: Belfahy and Miellin. Take a short detour to admire the Saint-Blaise Chapel and its spring with its saying: "eau de Saint-Blaise tout mal apaise" (the water of Saint Blaise soothes all ills).

Perched at an altitude of 850 metres, the village of Belfahy is the highest in Haute-Saône and the Vosges Mountains. Starting from Place des Brimbelles, the route takes you to the Ballons Comtois Nature Reserve and the Col Sans Nom, at an altitude of 1,000 metres, before descending to the Chapel of St Blaise in Miellin and then returning to the Col des Chevrères. Please note that the descent to the Chapelle Saint-Blaise is technically challenging (for experienced hikers).

A lovely hike undertaken in April. The route leads to the summit of the Ballon de Servance (the boundary marker is inaccessible as it is situated on military land). From this vantage point, hikers will enjoy views of Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle and the Ballon d'Alsace.

The hike begins with a forgotten path that deserves to be preserved. Access to the Querty grassland is very regular in a magnificent forest. Climb towards La Planche des Belles Filles then descend to Auxelles via the superb panorama of Mont Ménard.

This day-long hike combines the best of the hikes already offered in this area, including the mines, the Belles Filles pond, Le Querty, the summit of La Planche, the shelter and statue of the Virgin Mary at Mont Ménard, and memorial sites (steles and monuments).

This beautiful walk will take you from the charming village of Auxelles-Haut to the summit of the Planche des Belles Filles. You will cross the vast moorland of Mont Ménard with its statue of the Virgin Mary, protector of the village, and the thatched roof of the Querty. Several beautiful viewpoints punctuate a walk offering beautiful forest scenery.

The heritage of the Chemin de la Mémoire, in conjunction with the Association du Souvenir Français. You will find monuments, steles and explanatory panels commemorating the sacrifice of the resistance fighters in 1944. You will discover a wide variety of landscapes: the village of Auxelles-Haut, the forest, the Querty stubble field, the Planche des Belles Filles resort and a superb view of the Haute-Saône mountains, the Vosges, the Jura and the Alps. The hike is signposted.

A lovely hike to do in summer. A beautiful viewpoint over Saint Maurice sur Moselle and another lovely one over the Ballon d'Alsace.

This family-friendly route starts in the charming mountain village of Auxelles-Bas and alternates between river, rural and wooded areas. The route is marked.

This moderate-difficulty walk begins gently on the southern and then western slopes of the Lepuix-Malvaux valley. It follows the forest road for much of the way both out and back, offering fine views of the various surrounding hamlets and hills. The forest also offers various points of interest thanks to the majesty of its tall deciduous and coniferous trees; it is light and welcoming.

The circular Belles Filles in Lepuix Often shaded and very varied, this walk alternates between woodland and dry grasslands, natural curiosities and local heritage. The route is marked with a red disc.

A hike through the undergrowth of the magnificent Vosges forest, offering a cool respite on hot summer days. Discover the beautiful village of Lepuix and take a detour to the Col de la Rougerie to enjoy the panoramic view of the Ballon de Servance. Walk in the Ballons Comtois Nature Reserve: dogs not permitted.

After a circular walk around the fort’s moats and perhaps a visit to the fort itself, a gentle descent through the shade follows the route of the access road that once led to the fort, winding through the woodland. The return journey along the bottom of the valley beside the Ruisseau Le Gombois offers the chance to enjoy the cool, refreshing air to the full.

This hike will take you on a journey through history, right into the heart of the industrial golden age. This hike is signposted.

This relatively easy walk, which presents no navigational difficulties, starts in Giromagny. It heads towards Auxelles-Haut and forms a circular route halfway up Mont Ordon-Verrier. On the return journey, the path partly follows the Giromagny-Lepuix Mining Trail and passes through beautiful deciduous and coniferous forests throughout.

This long circular hike will take you through or past a large number of remarkable, picturesque and spectacular spots, and you’ll have the satisfaction of having climbed the Ballon d’Alsace with a significant elevation gain – something not everyone gets to do. The route can be completed in a long day’s walk, provided you are in good shape and set off early in the morning. It is very manageable over two days at a more leisurely pace, with an overnight stay at the Ballon d’Alsace.

A very pleasant walk that allows you to explore parts of Giromagny and Lepuix. During the walk, you’ll discover a flat landscape along the Savoureuse river and a beautiful forest on the foothills of the Vosges mountains. You’ll walk around the huge Lepuix quarry. A good climb, a gentle descent, a walk mostly through the forest. This walk is signposted.

This stage is the last of the Club Vosgien's red rectangle trail through the Vosges. This stage is classified as moderate as there is virtually no elevation gain. Most of the hike takes place under forest cover. The stage starts in the small town of Giromagny and ends in the beautiful city of Belfort, passing by Bartholdi's Lion, a must-see photo spot for those completing the Vosges crossing!

This hike will take you to the entrance of old silver and copper mines dating back to the 16th century, when the village of Giromagny surpassed Belfort in population. The trail is signposted.

This hike begins on the western flank of Mont Jean, through a forest interspersed with clearings offering magnificent views of the Savoureuse valley and the surrounding peaks. It reaches its peak at the Col du Chantoiseau, a haven of peace at the crossroads, at the foot of the Tremontkopf, which offers a view of the Riervescemont valley and its hills.

A very pleasant walk offering the chance to discover the architectural treasures of Giromagny. Some landscapes of meadows and forests with beautiful views over the Savoureuse valley. The route is signposted.

A lovely walk that alternates between pastures, woodland and views over the Savoureuse and Riervescemont valleys, as well as the surrounding hills. You’ll pass through enchanting spots, sometimes in the shade, sometimes with unobstructed views, along paths and forest tracks.

A very pleasant walk offering the chance to discover the architectural treasures of Giromagny. Some scenery featuring meadows and forests, and beautiful views over the Savoureuse valley. The route passes by Fort Dorsner, which formed part of the defence line after 1870. The route is signposted.

This lovely walk will take you to discover one of the forts designed by General Séré de Rivières to protect the Belfort Gap: Fort Dorsner, built in 1875 and reinforced in 1879. The walk is marked with a Red Ring.

Like a Tour de France climber! If you enjoy sporting challenges, then La Planche des Belles Filles is for you! Now a legendary climb in the Tour de France and a real challenge for cyclists, it offers a demanding ascent and spectacular views. At 5.9 km long with an average gradient of 8.5% and an elevation gain of over 600 metres, this demanding climb leaves no one indifferent. But before that, you'll have to tackle the Col des Chevrères and its steep gradients (an 8 km climb with an average gradient of 6.5% and sections of 12%), then return to Servance via the Ballon de Servance... an 18 km climb with an average gradient of 5% and sections of 12%. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Ponds, waterfalls, undergrowth: an authentic walk in the heart of nature to reconnect with yourself and breathe deeply. One of the most beautiful hikes near Belfort. If it has rained recently, the waterfalls are magnificent. The hike is marked with a blue disc.

A very beautiful hike with a stunning view from the summit of Ballon d'Alsace over two other ballons. This hike takes us to the remarkable sites of Saut de la Truite, Rummel Waterfall, Étang du Petit Haut and Vierge du Ballon.

Short hike on the Ballon de Servance hill with numerous viewpoints over the other hills of the Vosges, the Moselle valley and, on a clear day, the Bernese Alps. Ideal for a Sunday outing with afternoon tea at the chalet or an evening barbecue with friends.

A shaded hike in the Ballon d'Alsace massif, taking place entirely in the undergrowth, and therefore particularly pleasant during the intense summer heat.

A very pleasant walk, easily accessible to everyone, both in terms of difficulty and navigation. It starts from a car park on the edge of the forest and follows, for the most part, a forest track. This passes by the magnificent Rummel waterfalls, then leads to the beautiful site of the Étang des Roseaux. You then cross the Plain de l'Épine forest briefly to reach the Grande Goutte clearing and its refuge, a haven of peace between Haute-Saône and Ballon d'Alsace.

A very beautiful walk around the Goutte de la Louvière. This walk leads to the Plain Baleroy and then close to the Tête des Mineurs on the ridge between Vescemont and Lamadeleine-Val-des-Anges. It starts at a place called Le Plainot and passes through various locations, each as beautiful as the next. Pastures, coniferous and deciduous forests greet us at every turn.

This hike, starting from the commune of Lachapelle-sous-Chaux, takes you to the heart of the remarkable Étangs des Ayeux. It is located 8km north of Belfort. It is signposted.

Easy hike along the edge of the Champagney basin.

This walk leads, without any major difficulty, to the Col du Ballon. It begins on a forest track leading to the beautiful Étang du Petit Haut, which makes a good spot for a break. Then, through the shady Fagnes forest, it leads to the ridge path at a place called Les Démineurs, where a monument dedicated to the bomb disposal experts stands.

A walk without any particular difficulty in the southern foothills of the Vosges. Perfect for the start or end of the season.

A very pleasant walk in the foothills of the Vosges.The walk follows mostly wide, gently sloping paths.Beautiful views over the valleys.Several picnic spots with shelter.The route is marked by a Red Ring.

A superb snowshoe hike starting from the Col de la Gentiane, near Ballon d'Alsace, 30 km north of Belfort. This hike will allow you to discover the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Vosges and, if you are lucky enough to have clear weather, you can admire the Swiss Alps and even Mont Blanc.

This pretty route through meadows and woods is not difficult and the elevation gain is very moderate. It is a family walk suitable for young children. It offers some beautiful views and allows you to discover the grassy slopes of Gentiane, Wissgrut and Tremontkopf, as well as little-used forest paths.

A family walk in unspoilt, lush countryside at an average altitude of 950 m and with no difficulty. The first part of the route is below the Plain de la Gentiane, in the forest among century-old trees and lush vegetation. Once you reach the Wissgrut, the return journey is along the ridge through sun-drenched pastures with panoramic views of four departments.

A challenging hike to discover the secrets of the Ballon d'Alsace! It is not recommended for people who are prone to vertigo.

A hike for those who enjoy a good trudge. The hike can be done in winter, if necessary with snowshoes, bearing in mind the steep gradients encountered throughout the route and particularly over the final few hundred metres. A beautiful hike with Lac d'Alfed as the focal point and the climb up to the ridge.

This magnificent hike starting from the summit of the Ballon d'Alsace offers spectacular views of the Vosges, the Jura and the Swiss Alps. The hike is signposted.

Starting from the Col du Ballon d'Alsace, this circular route takes you on a circuit around the summit before crossing wild maple forests and the rocky, steep south-eastern slopes of the mountain. A visit to the summit plateau, a future Grand Site de France, is a highlight of this hike, offering breathtaking views over Lorraine, Alsace and Franche-Comté. On the other side, far from the “crowds” of the Ballon, the unassuming farmhouse inn at Grand Langenberg is a peaceful haven where it’s lovely to stop for a break before setting off again.

This is a pleasant hike, starting with a slight descent into the woods, with almost the entire climb being open.

Discover an exceptional hike, starting from Chaux, a charming village nestled between countryside, forest and peaceful ponds. This route offers varied panoramic views of the surrounding villages, the Salbert and the majestic Vosges mountain range, allowing you to immerse yourself completely in the beauty of the area. Suitable for all levels, this walk reveals the natural and cultural richness of the region, ideal for a getaway with family or friends. Season after season, the hike reveals spectacular landscapes: in summer, intense greenery; in autumn, brightly coloured foliage; in winter, a magical panorama with the snow-covered Vosges mountains. Each stage offers unique viewpoints to fully appreciate the magic of the place.

It is very easy to walk around the summit of Ballon d'Alsace on a wide, easily accessible path. The route I suggest here is much longer but also more spectacular. It is a real little hike, sometimes a little alpine, along picturesque, little-known and little-used paths. It is more demanding than what we are used to in the Vosges and is reserved for experienced and well-equipped walkers. As with any hike, do not start it at the end of the day, as the duration can vary greatly depending on your fitness and experience, and it is dangerous at night. Please note that in spring there may still be snow (or even a lot of snow). Moderator's note added on 26/08/2021: Some hikers have found this hike to be quite difficult in certain sections. See the reviews at the bottom of this page.

This hike takes you down from Ballon d'Alsace to Giromagny. It is the continuation of the Vosges crossing, proposed by DNA, Passion Vosges and the Journal d'Alsace (see practical information). The first few kilometres are along the ridges, with views of the Black Forest, the Rhine Valley and even the Alps. During this same section, you may come across several ski resorts, such as La Chaumière and La Gentiane. A farmhouse inn at Wissgrut offers lunch. Further on, a shelter at the Col du Chantoiseau provides a place to picnic. The descent then continues, sometimes more steeply than others. The arrival in Giromagny offers views of the city of Belfort.

The ultimate Sunday outing for Belfort residents! In good weather, this short circuit allows you to get a breath of fresh air accompanied by a magnificent view of the Vosges, the Jura and the Alps (you can even see Mont Blanc on a very clear day!).

This circular walk starts and ends near the Grand Langenberg farmhouse inn. It follows the north-facing slope of the Ballon d’Alsace National Forest above the Wagenstallbach and Doller valleys. It leads to the ridge of the Wissgrut and Gentiane scree slopes, which marks the border between departments 68 and 90, then passes beneath the Tête des Redoutes to return to the starting point.

Discover part of the Champagney Canal, which was started in 1884 and abandoned in 1909.

Walk among the many ponds in the municipality of Evette-Salbert.

This beautiful route begins with two remarkable peaks in the Vosges and offers beautiful views of the upper Moselle valley, before reaching the Pays des Étangs.

A short family hike with no significant elevation gain, allowing you to discover the typical landscapes of the 1000 ponds plateau.

Between peat bogs and ponds, forests and meadows, you will discover the immense biodiversity of the Plateau des 1000 Étangs.

Meadows, forests, ponds... This walk winds its way through landscapes that are as unique as they are varied, revealing a natural heritage rich in biodiversity. This route is signposted.

Located in the heart of the 1000 Étangs region, this route is suitable for both hikers and mountain bikers. From the Plateau des Grilloux, where you can picnic, you will discover magnificent views of the Ballon de Servance and a multitude of ponds that make this region a unique natural site. We guarantee that your hike will be unforgettable!

Amidst peat bogs and ponds, forests and meadows, you’ll discover the immense biodiversity of the Plateau des 1000 Étangs.

This pleasant walk will take you past the many ponds that characterise a landscape shaped by man and nature. You will see beautiful scenery on the Malsaucy ponds and the Southern Vosges. An observatory allows you to admire the birds in their natural habitat.

This hike has been named the Marcel Lallemand trail in honour of a tireless hiker. An active community member, he worked hard to create and mark hiking trails in the Belfort area. A commemorative plaque has been erected near the Virgin of Evette This hike will take your breath away, between the Salbert hill, the blue line of the Vosges mountains and the Malsaucy lake. Superb views of the Planche des Belles Filles and the Ballon d'Alsace. The trail is signposted.

This pleasant walk will allow you to discover the many ponds that characterise a landscape shaped by the work of man and nature. The route is marked with a blue disc.

This lovely, easy walk with very little elevation gain is accessible to all and allows you to discover the beautiful landscapes of ponds, woods and meadows, where you will find the two vast ponds of Malsaucy and Véronne, as well as the Maison Départementale de l'Environnement (Departmental Environment Centre) and its remarkable exhibitions.

This hike takes you over the summit of Ballon d'Alsace with its wonderful views, then along the northern slope with a possible break at the magnificent Petite Chaume chalet or Baraque de Morteville. Once the footbridges have been repaired, it will be possible to shorten the route by taking the superb path under the Roches de Morteville.

The summit of the Ballon d'Alsace offers magnificent 360° views of the Alps on a clear day. The route crosses the moraines of three ancient glaciers and unspoilt, wild areas in classified natural spaces. (Please note that the route crosses a protected natural area (between (4) and (5)). Dogs are not allowed and access is prohibited between 15/12 and 14/07)

On the northern flank of the Ballon de Servance.

Close to Champagney and Ronchamp, this route will introduce you to the geology, forest, flora and local history.

This hike, which is mostly in the woods, is accessible to many average walkers, although the first part is a little difficult.

Most people come to Ronchamp to see the Notre-Dame-du-Haut Chapel. However, there are a few other places of interest to discover in the village centre and surrounding area, such as the Ronchamp spinning mill, the Mining Museum, the Sainte-Marie Well and Ronchamp Church. This is a completely urban circular route designed to showcase Ronchamp's heritage. It is of course possible to combine this visit with another hike.

From the port of Frahier, stroll along the old canal, then discover the Grands Hauts and the panoramic view of the Ballon d'Alsace and the Planche des Belles Filles.

Hike to Ballon de Servance.Please note that for this hike, you will need two vehicles, one at (S) at the Col des Croix andthe other at the Sources de Presles reservoir (E). The path leading directly up to the Ballon is a quiet zone and is closed from 15 December to 14 July. See notices

Hike on the border of the Vosges and Haute-Saône with magnificent panoramic views of the village of Château-Lambert, the upper Ognon valley, the upper Moselle valley and the plateau of a thousand ponds.

Everything has already been said about the Ballon de Servance and the Sailley refuge. Pure joy, pure joy and more pure joy.

Route slightly modified, description revised and corrected. This is a lovely, easy route that allows you to admire around sixty ponds. Information boards help you discover and understand how these ponds were formed and are used. Much of the route is on small paved roads. This route is partly based on signposts in the field, so be sure to follow the description carefully.

A variety of trails, some of which run through the woods, and forest paths will take you from the picturesque village of Beulotte-Saint-Laurent to the Plateau des Grilloux, passing through the hamlet of La Grande Rocholle. You will walk through a hilly landscape of peat bogs and ponds. On the way back via the long circuit, you will discover the remains of the old Moulin du Hanneau mill and take the small road that runs alongside the Ruisseau du Beuletin stream to return to the village.

A mid-mountain route, partly through woodland, offering the chance to discover boundary stones, crosses, fountains and rocks, as well as beautiful views over the upper Moselle valley and the first Vosges peaks