Saut des Cuves - Roche des Bruyères - Martimpré - Gorge des Roitelets

At the roundabout where the D8 and D417 intersect, turn towards Gérardmer and, after the bridge, park in the "Aire du Saut des Cuves" car park.

(S/E) Head towards the waterfalls. To do this, cross the pedestrian crossing on the D417 (Boulevard de Colmar) just before the bridge and walk to the small stone "Pont d'Amour" bridge.
Enjoy this beautiful spot, then return to the bridge, cross the road again and turn right towards the roundabout. Turn left and walk about 100 metres along the D8 until you reach a sign for "Le Saut des Cuves". You will see some steps on the right marking the start of a footpath.

(1) Cross the D8 with caution and take this uphill path. Follow the yellow ring markings almost to the end of the route (they are not always clearly visible). Continue climbing this sometimes somewhat wild and winding path. You will arrive at the Route Forestière (tarmac road) de la Bréheuille. Cross it and continue climbing to join the GR®533 (green rectangle), turn left and arrive at La Roche des Bruyères.

(2) On the GR®533, the steep part of the climb is over. At this point, there is a beautiful view of Gérardmer and part of its lake in the background.
Begin the descent on the forest track, which is sometimes rocky, towards the Col du Martimpré. 150 m before reaching the pass, a path branches off to the left and quickly leads to the D8 (see Practical Information).

(3) Cross the D8 (take care) to take the forest track opposite, towards Saut des Cuves. It heads south and passes under high-voltage power lines, then joins a small road.

(4) Cross it and take the cul-de-sac opposite, which leads to the Vologne farm. Just before the farm, on the right, near an electricity pylon, you will see a Club Vosgien sign with the name of the place "Ferme de Vologne" above it.

(5) Turn right towards the Gorge des Roitelets. This is where the most difficult part begins, as the rocks can be slippery.
The path enters the forest and crosses the Martimpré stream. At the first crossroads, turn left onto the right bank. Cross two more wooden bridges and continue to the place called Les Vannes (dam) before the Vologne (see practical information).

(6) Turn left onto the Holwek Forest Road, which runs alongside the Vologne. There are a few rockfalls (scree) on the left. You will arrive opposite the Îles Marie-Louise.

(7) Continue along the Holwek Forest Road towards Pont des Fées.

(8) Cross the bridge and follow the green rectangle markings for the GR533. Pass by the Pierre Charlemagne before reaching the car park (S/E).

Between (2) and (3): if you miss the path to the D8, go to the pass and follow the D8 on the left for about 150 m to find point (3). If you want to go to the Martinpré chalet inn, it is about a hundred metres away.

Between (5) and (6): there is a passage equipped with a rope to hold on to. Those who do not wish to risk it can take the Rectangle Vert (GR®533) path directly from the farm to the Pont des Fées (not tested by the author) at point (8).