Hiking in the Vosges mountains, advanced level

A day of contrasts. Starting from the Etang du Devin (Devil's Pond), we climb towards a summit now protected for its ecological and historical significance. Nature has reclaimed its territory here after being the scene of tragic battles during the First World War. We will share this chapter of our shared history with you through the impressive remains that are still present. We will then move on to a more bucolic setting, leading us through our vast coniferous forests, stubble fields, and pastures that contribute to the prosperity of the farms in the Pays Welche region.

A challenging hike full of mystery. We begin in the Dusenbach valley, home to an ancient monastery, a place of ancestral pilgrimage. We continue along the access trails to the "Taennchel," a truly mythical ridge, with its evocative rocks and pagan wall steeped in legend. It is also a protected natural sanctuary, nestled within an enchanting forest. We then ascend the steep slopes of the Three Castles of Ribeaupierre, proudly overlooking Ribeauvillé and offering a splendid view of the vineyards and the Alsace plain.

The iconic Vosges peak from the Alsatian side! We begin in the Ampfersbach valley, the birthplace of Munster cheese. The refreshing sound of waterfalls accompanies us on our ascent of the Frankenthal, a glacial cirque, summer pasture for the "Marcaires" (traditional cheesemakers), and also a prestigious playground for early botanists. These sites are now protected by a National Nature Reserve and offer a splendid alpine panorama of the main ridge and the Alsatian plain. Following trails worthy of the Alps, we ascend towards the summit of the Hohneck, traversing flowery valleys, high-altitude pastures, peat bogs, and mountain forests, finally reaching the top: a 360° panorama. We continue across the "Trois Fours" plateau, returning on paths winding between scree slopes and forests.

We begin our journey at the Col des Bagenelles, a natural passage between the "Pays Welche" and Sainte Marie aux Mines. Our route winds through the magnificent Vosges forest, allowing us to enjoy the tranquility of a refreshingly Nordic landscape. These paths offer beautiful views of the Vosges Mountains, and from the Brézouard viewpoint, a panoramic vista of the Rhine plain. Remarkably, from here we can admire the three mountain ranges that border the great river. Your guide will lead you beyond the landscape, following in the footsteps of the people who shaped this jewel of the Vosges mountains.

A journey along the paths of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the Vosges Mountains. From Lac Noir, nestled in its forest setting, we'll reach the largest glacial cirque in the Vosges Massif, a magnificent alpine landscape where Lac du Forlet, also known as "Lac des Truites" (Trout Lake), shines. We continue towards Lac Vert (Green Lake), with its summer pasture farms, "marcairies" clinging to the meadows. Then, we'll reach Tanet and its shield-like peak, marking the beginning of the "Hautes Chaumes" (High Pastures). We'll traverse Nordic landscapes where peat bogs and heaths, protected by the National Nature Reserve, mingle, offering vast horizons and panoramic viewpoints that will lead us to the heights above Lac Blanc (White Lake).

Your stay ends after breakfast. You are welcome to ask us for advice on how to further enjoy our beautiful region.

For organizational reasons, weather conditions or the fitness of participants, we may need to adapt the program to ensure your safety and the success of the stay.