Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle walks

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

This is a fairly easy hike through the forest around Tête du Lait, then towards the Vallon shelter and the boundary marker of the three municipalities. Descend via Roche du Frey, where you can take a break and admire the stubble fields of Saint-Maurice. The return journey is via Route du Lait, which overlooks Bussang and Saint-Maurice.

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

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)

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.

A very pleasant route for trail runners and experienced walkers.Option to take a shortcut if necessary.Avoid in foggy conditions; steep paths.Starts from the centre of Fresse-sur-Moselle and returns to the same point.

A forest walk with beautiful views over the Moselle valley and the Vosges ridges, from the Ballon de Servance to the summit of the Drumont via La Bouloie. A wonderful adventure offering a glimpse into the history and heritage of this little paradise.

In the footsteps of the Sun King and the Three Musketeers.

A short warm-up walk to the first hills overlooking Bussang, to be done before setting off for the Vosges peaks. On the way, don't miss the famous Théâtre du Peuple, an ancient wooden building in a green setting, before heading for the alpine farms and passing the Berhamont ridge, then returning to the village via the Croix de Fresse.

A walk to explore the Upper Moselle Valley and the Vosges Ballons, starting at the Chapelle des Vés, passing through the clearing at the Pic des Corbeaux hunters’ shelter before reaching its summit. The return route is shaded, winding through ferns and then the forest.

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

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 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.

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.

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!).

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.

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.

Shaded circuit with a long, steady slope on a forest road. Suitable for all ages

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

A circular route starting and finishing at the Alfeld Lake car park. It follows the Issenbach stream to the refuge of the same name, then on to the Baerenbach Farm Inn, which is the turning point, before following the Baerenbach and Seebach streams back towards Alfeld Lake.

This mountain hike takes about 3½ hours and starts at the shores of Lake Alfeld, at the foot of the Ballon d'Alsace, and ends at the Gresson farmhouse inn, passing by the Baerenbach farmhouse inn and the spectacular little Seebach glacial canyon.

If you want an alternative between several circuits between Lac d'Alfeld and the summit of Ballon d'Alsace, here is one that combines routes ranging from easy to difficult and takes you past the old farm ruins that dotted the massif before the Second World War. Here is one that combines routes ranging from easy to difficult and allows you to discover the old ruined farms that dotted the mountains before the Second World War.

A short distance but a steep climb await you. This is therefore a fairly challenging hike. The main attraction of the hike is discovering the steep slopes of the Vosges on the Alsace side. The summit of Ballon d'Alsace is accessible by car.

Enjoy the hike! It's not very long, but there's quite a bit of elevation gain. The first part is quite steep, but the trails are pleasant

Belle randonnée en montagne entre forêts et chaumes d'altitude.

This walk starts from the Lac d’Alfeld car park. After crossing the lake via the causeway, follow a shaded path running parallel to the Issenbach stream. Once you reach the Issenbach area, head towards this hamlet, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The return journey takes you to the Baerenbach farmhouse inn, then back along the same route via the forest road leading to Lac d'Alfeld.

After dawdling along Lake Alfeld, you climb up following the Issenbach Canal. Crossing a moraine reminds you that you are on granite terrain. Arriving at the Issenbach Refuge, you can enjoy a picnic on a grassy terrace facing the Sewen Valley or, further on, a meal at the Baerenbach farmhouse inn. Then the climb along the Seebach is magical, with its small, steep-sided gorges and numerous small waterfalls.

A long walk passing several remarkable fir trees, forests and pastures, a beautiful 360° viewpoint, fountains, waterfalls and even a cave.

Circular forest loop at the Ballon d'Alsace starting from La Chaume du Rouge Gazon, passing by Lac des Perches and the Neuweiher lakes. Please note! The route is currently impassable between (7) and (8); you can bypass this by taking the path marked with a Blue Cross and then a Red Rectangle.

A very beautiful circular trail with a wide variety of landscapes: beech and fir forests, meadows and pastures, and Vosges lakes nestled in their green surroundings. The trails themselves are equally varied: steep and rocky, wide and gently sloping, or narrow paths between the trees. Some beautiful viewpoints. Several possible stops in inns (check closing days) or mountain huts.

A family walk with a quick descent to Lac des Perches but a more gradual return to the starting point at Rouge Gazon.

A lovely circular route that begins with a walk past the very pretty Lac des Perches, through a charming little village (with a restaurant), through beautiful forests with impressive rock formations (the Forêt des Volcans) and along ridges with views of the three major peaks of the Southern Vosges: Servance, d’Alsace and the Grand. Perhaps a little long, but two shortcuts are suggested which reduce the hike by at least 1½ hours and 200m of elevation gain.

This superb hike will take you to Lac des Perches and its magnificent glacial cirque, then to Lac de Neuweiher with its charming inn. Beautiful beech forests, rocks and grassy slopes, some beautiful views.

This is a beautiful, fairly challenging route that will take you to Sternsee (Perch Lake), the Neuweiher lakes through the forest and stubble fields, then to the Col des Charbonniers before returning to Rouge-Gazon. You will be able to admire the view of the Alsace plain and the Alps on several occasions when the weather is fine.