Secret hikes in the Vosges and Alsace
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationVosges / Alsace
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AgeFrom 18 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions78.68 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
German
English
In a few words
Explore the Vosges Mountains , with their wooded ridges , hidden valleys , and breathtaking panoramas . Each day of hiking is an immersion in unspoiled nature, where discreet wildlife and remarkable flora bear witness to a unique ecosystem . Along the trails, the landscapes transform, revealing a rich local history , marked by the traces of major historical events.
Your charming accommodation , nestled in the heart of the mountains, promises a warm welcome . You will find Thierry and Clarisse , attentive hosts, and enjoy a setting conducive to relaxation: panoramic terrace , convivial outdoor spaces and a relaxing sauna .
Each evening, authentic and generous cuisine will showcase local produce , creating a delicious moment to share. This stay is the perfect opportunity to recharge , be amazed , and fully experience the Vosges mountains.
The highlights
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Unique and little-known hikes
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Exceptional views
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A story that is ever-present
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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Arrival 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 Viol
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we depart for a 15-minute transfer to a historical site of the First World War where clearly visible scars will allow us to explain what happened in the Vosges during 1914-1918. Exceptional memorial trail.
Returning around 5pm allows you to enjoy the hotel facilities.
Day 2 -
The Little Balloon
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 46km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a transfer of approximately one hour, we will set off on idyllic trails that will allow us to see varied and exceptional landscapes all the way to the summit of the Petit Ballon. A short visit to the town of Munster can be scheduled after the hike.
Day 3 -
The Taenchel
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 23km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a 45-minute transfer, we'll encounter sandstone rocks sculpted by time, history, or perhaps spirits—this extraordinary mountain that will allow us to traverse places filled with positive energy. The Giants' Rock, the Reptiles' Rock, the Three Tables Rock, and many others will transport us to another world. There's also the option to stop in Ribeauvillé, a typical Alsatian village.
Day 4 -
From Green Lake to the Ridge
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a 30-minute transfer, we will reach Lac Vert from Crêtes, passing through a peat bog in a forest setting, following paths to arrive in front of breathtaking panoramas and walking on the ridge in an enchanted beech forest.
Day 5 -
The Hohneck
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a transfer of approximately 45 minutes, we set off on trails that will lead us through a small, wild valley. Still above 1000m altitude, the flora is incredibly rich, and chamois are never far away. The wide-open landscapes allow us to see far and wide, all the way to Mont Blanc when weather conditions are optimal.
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 make the most of your last moments in the 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.
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 or shared bathrooms, 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
Start of stay Day 1 from 4:30pm 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 the stay
- The loan of the sticks
- Guided hikes
The price does not include
- Drinks
- The tourist tax
- Cancellation insurance
- Transfer from Colmar train station to the hostel and back (the return trip is 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 you leave, 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 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) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider 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 you walking sticks
- 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, 1.5L minimum
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal pharmacy
- Camera, binoculars...
Clothing to bring
- 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
