The Tour des 4 Lacs: an oxygen-pumping hike in the Vosges!

Invigorating ascent to Lac Blanc

We put on our hiking boots at the Col du Calvaire car park, where our ascent begins to join the GR5. As we climb up, a superb view awaits us over the terraces of Lac Blanc before we follow the ridge until we reach the source at 1,055 m altitude. Nestling at the bottom of a spectacular mountain cirque, surrounded by lush green forests that stretch as far as the eye can see, this lake is a reminder of the grandeur and beauty of the Vosges countryside. Crystal-clear waters, azure skies and the surrounding Vosges peaks all combine to give us the impression of walking through a painting.

If you're lucky, you'll spot a few chamois among the majestic rocks , skilfully taming the cliffs as falcons fly overhead. Immersing yourself in the heart of the Tanet-Gazon du Faing nature reserve in the Hautes-Chaumes, you can (re)discover the famous marsh bilberries and callune, Vosges pansies, yellow gentian, Alpine anemones and little brimbelle bushes!

Eyes wide open on Lac Vert

Locals call this small lake on the Alsatian side of the Vosges Massif, nestling at the bottom of the Munster valley, Lac de Soultzeren. From here, you can watch migratory birds take to the skies on their way to Lac Vert. Its turquoise waters, surrounded by fir trees with emerald green needles, give the impression of a fairytale setting. You can watch the migratory birds take to the skies beyond. When the sun's rays hit the surface of the water, the suspended lichens and mosses give it an even more vivid hue.

Wild ducks, grey herons and even roe deer can also be spotted here. Mushrooms grow in abundance in the surrounding forests, so mushroom enthusiasts can take a break to pick their own!

Descent to Lac du Forlet, or rather Lac des Truites

Open your eyes wide for a magnificent view of the lake below, the Munster valley and, in the background, the Alsace plain and the Black Forest: a guaranteed wow factor! Faced with the turquoise waters reflected in the leaves of the trees, surrounded by tall pines and peat bogs, you sit down on the banks of the lake to picnic and admire the spectacle. A few fario trout can be spotted in the water. Enjoy a typical local meal in a farmhouse inn, including roïgabrageldi, tourte and munster cheese. It's a place where you can relax and contemplate, and where you can reconnect with the living and the essential in complete simplicity.

Arriving at Lac Noir, an oasis of tranquillity and imagination

The climb up to Lac Noir requires a bit of effort after this gourmet break. At first glance, the lake's dark colour comes as a surprise, due to the presence of local granite rocks and its position in the lower valleys of Alsace. Then you admire the pretty view of the Petit Ballon before continuing up to the spring. The view of the Hautes Vosges is breathtaking, with its surrounding peaks : the Hohneck, Gazon du Faing and Champ du Feu keep us company to round off this escapade.