In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationGrand Est / Vosges
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AgeFrom 18 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions73.96 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
German
English
In a few words
In the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park , the Auberge de l'Étang du Devin welcomes you for a week of complete relaxation , amidst breathtaking panoramas , varied hikes , and authentic Alsatian charm . From the terrace, the view opens onto the Alsace plain and the Black Forest , a soothing backdrop to savor every moment. You'll explore the Vosges mountain ridges , glacial lakes , and the unspoiled valleys of the Pays Welche region , not forgetting the typical villages with their half-timbered houses. Rich in history and traditions , the region also reveals itself on the plate, with its generous local cuisine . Conviviality, good humor, and a warm welcome complete this stay, a blend of nature, culture, and delicious flavors .
The highlights
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Exceptional and diverse landscapes
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A rich regional history
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Fabulous itineraries accompanied by an experienced guide
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
Management
French
German
English
David has over 20 years of experience guiding in the mountains. A native of the region, he knows its history, landscapes, fauna, flora, etc., perfectly. He coordinates a team of guides to whom he imparts his professionalism: Charlotte, Guillaume, and Vincent are likely to assist him in accompanying you on these magnificent hikes.
Program
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Welcome and presentation of the stay
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We welcome you to the hostel from 4:30 pm and will give you time to settle into your rooms. Around 7 pm, we invite you to get acquainted and present your stay. Dinner is then served.
Day 1 -
The Head of the Fakes
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we'll head towards the Étang du Devin peat bog and explore the Tête des Faux, a World War I memorial trail. Our guides will explain everything you need to know and show you the traces of this history, which is still very much present today. A return at a reasonable hour will allow you, if you wish, to enjoy the sauna.
Day 2 -
The Lakes
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, a 20-minute drive takes us to the starting point of the hike at Lac Noir. A beautiful day awaits, offering stunning panoramic views from the ridges, overlooking the Vosges Mountains, the Alsace Plain, and Lorraine, while passing by various mountain lakes, such as Lac Vert and Lac des Truites.
Day 3 -
Kaysersberg and Kientzheim
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We're setting off on a hike towards two listed Alsatian villages. We'll admire the unique architecture of the houses, stroll through the narrow streets, and marvel at the profusion of flowers adorning the windows and balconies. On the return journey, through the vineyards, we'll stop at our winemaker's for a tasting of Alsatian wines, of course! If it rains—but it won't (!)—we can take shelter there for our picnic.
Day 4 -
From Green Lake to the Ridge
- Transportation Minibus - 00h35 - 25km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we're heading to the famous Route des Crêtes (Crest Road), as beautiful as ever. Our hike will take us to Lac Vert (Green Lake) and then onto the high mountain pastures. A magnificent route where the power of the mountains is truly palpable.
Day 5 -
The Brézouard
- Transportation Minibus - 00h05 - 5km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we're setting off from the village of Le Bonhomme for our hike, aiming for the summit of Brézouard. A 360° panorama and all the splendor of the region unfold before us – pure bliss! We might even stop at a farm inn for a coffee!
Day 6 -
End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your stay ends after breakfast. You are welcome to ask us for advice on how to further enjoy our beautiful region.
Day 7
Note
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.
Accommodation
The Auberge de l'Étang du Devin is located at an altitude of 950m, in a peaceful setting with views of the Alsace Plain and the Black Forest. You will be pleasantly surprised by the tranquility and serenity of this place.
We have several types of accommodation available: rooms with private bathrooms, rooms with shared bathrooms, and apartments to share.
The basic rate is that of a shared room with shared bathroom facilities on the landing.
For people who register alone in a shared room, in the event that no other person shares the room with you, you will be asked for the single supplement at the end of your stay.
Access
Day 1 of the stay begins at 4:30 pm at the hostel.
End of stay at the hostel on Day 7, after breakfast.
Rooms must be vacated by 10am at the latest.
Those who are leaving by train will leave with us around 9:10 am. Bus at 9:35 am from the village of Bonhomme, arriving at 10:40 am at Colmar station.
Go to the starting point
If you are coming by train:
We'll meet you behind the train station, on Rue du Tir, at 5:30 PM. Don't call before then, and don't worry if we're a few minutes late! We haven't forgotten you!
For the return journey, we will drop you off at the Bonhomme bus stop at 9:35 am. Arrival at Colmar train station at 10:40 am.
If you are coming by car:
In your GPS, enter the following address: "rue de la petite montagne à Le Bonhomme", then follow the signs for the inn (3km). WARNING: Most GPS systems will send you down impassable and prohibited roads; do not follow them, please follow our directions. The only access is through the village of Le Bonhomme!
From Saint Dié des Vosges: Go to the village of "Le Bonhomme". At the entrance to the village, take the first road on the right next to a large green house, just after the speed camera. Go uphill and then follow the signs for the inn (3 km).
From Colmar: continue towards Kaysersberg, then Lapoutroie (via bypass), then Le Bonhomme (village). 100m past the church, at the carpentry workshop, take the first hairpin bend on the left, next to a large green house. Go uphill and then follow the signs for the inn (3km).
In winter, in snowy or icy conditions, the inn is not accessible, so we will meet you behind the church in the village of Le Bonhomme at 4pm and we will make the ascent with our own equipped vehicles.
Uncovered and unsupervised parking is available near the hostel.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay includes full board, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7.
- Transfers during your stay to the starting points of the hikes
- The loan of the sticks
- Guided hikes
The price does not include
- Drinks
- The tourist tax
- Cancellation insurance
- Transfers to the place of stay
- Transfer from Colmar train station to the hostel (€20 payable on site) and return (return trip €5, by bus from the village, we will drop you off there)
- The sauna
- Massages
Options
- Single room supplement, shared bathroom : CHF207.66 / person
- Supplement for a shared room for 2 people in a 2-bedroom apartment : CHF48.48 / person
- Supplement for a double room with private bathroom : CHF108.86 / person
- Single room supplement with private bathroom : CHF358.60 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- We can lend walking poles and we lend snowshoes for the winter.
- Picnic boxes, cutlery, and napkins are available for loan.
Equipment to bring
- A backpack of at least 30 liters that can hold your picnic and personal belongings
- Water bottle, thermos, 1 liter minimum
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal pharmacy
- Camera, binoculars...
Clothing to bring
- All seasons: suitable, good quality hiking boots and hiking socks are essential.
- All seasons: suitable, good quality hiking boots and hiking socks are essential.
- Summer: light and breathable clothing is highly recommended; a waterproof windbreaker can be a good idea.
- Winter: Insulating clothing is necessary to enjoy the experience without being bothered by the cold. Please note that our region is prone to rain and snow. A good quality, windproof raincoat is highly recommended in winter.
- High-top or mid-top walking shoes
- Walking trousers
- Shorts or bermudas
- T-shirts
- Fleeces or warm sweaters
- Mountain jacket (waterproof and windproof)
- Hat against sunstroke
- Hiking socks
- Gloves and a hat (you never know)
- Comfortable outfit for the evening
- Swimsuit for the sauna
- Evening shoes
