Rocher du Grossfels walks

The first part of this hike takes place on forest paths and the return journey is through the meadows of the Haute Vallée Noble. The route takes you to the pilgrimage site of Schaefertal (Val du Pâtre), the mysterious site of Schwarzenthann, the meadows of Wintzfelden and the panorama of the Zinnkoepfle and the Noble Valley at Grossfels. This hike can be shortened by almost 4 kilometres if you choose the Shepherd's Valley Chapel as your starting point.

This short walk in the hills above Soultzmatt will take you to the Langenstein Menhir and a beautiful viewpoint over the Vallée Noble. You will then enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest, which you will walk through for most of this hike, as well as a beautiful meadow that you will cross.

This very beautiful walk starts at the Guebwiller cemetery and climbs up to Val du Pâtre via the Mission Cross, then the Rocher du Coucou. After reaching the Rocher du Grossfels and returning to the Sainte-Marie Chapel, you walk through the vineyards from the village of Orschwihr back to the starting point.

If you’re not used to walking but still want to set off on an adventure, then the 5-day Grand Ballon circuit is perfect for you! Covering a distance of 68 km, at a rate of around 15 km a day, you’ll explore the Vosges countryside and cross the mountain passes, where you’ll be captivated by the beauty of the many viewpoints overlooking the Guebwiller valley. It’s a great way to discover the region from every angle, taking in its natural heritage, local produce and mountain specialities at the many farmhouse inns that offer a warm welcome for a gourmet break. Throughout the hike, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, from the foothill forests to the peaks of the Vosges mountains, passing through woodlands and grazing meadows. You’ll also be able to admire the rich flora of the Vosges, which varies according to altitude and season.

A short, easy family walk starting from Val du Pâtre. Most of the route is through woodland. Only a section of about one kilometre is exposed. The path is mainly flat. Only the section around the Rocher du Grossfels is uphill, but only for a very short distance. Highlights of the walk include the Romanian military cemetery, St Nicholas’ Chapel, St Mary’s Chapel and the Rocher du Grossfels.

The Florival Valley seen from above – a perfect way to end the walk! Setting off from Soultzmatt, you’ll enjoy ‘heritage stops’ along the Val du Pâtre Way of the Cross, pausing to visit the churches and chapels of Soultzmatt, Val de Pâtre and Saint-Gangolphe. This long hike concludes on the balcony paths through the Guebwiller vineyards, offering exceptional panoramic views of the Florival Valley, the Grand Ballon and the Petit Ballon. You’ll be able to look back and admire the routes you’ve covered over the last few days.

This circular walk, which is challenging in places, takes you past several interesting spots. The first of these is the Désiré Renaud viewpoint. Next come Notre-Dame de Schauenberg, the Schauenberg Chestnut Tree, the Devil’s Rock, the Cuckoo Rock, the church at Osenbach, Langenstein, the Val du Pâtre with its church and military cemetery, the Grossfels Rock and St. Lucy’s Chapel, Soultzmatt and the Zinkoepfle. Of course, to fully appreciate these points of interest, you should definitely stop off at them. It is a route with many ups and downs, the final climb being the most challenging. Almost the entire route is through woodland. Only the last quarter is out in the open, amongst the vineyards.