Combine hiking and farmhouse inns in Eastern France!
Some will remember the panoramas, others the flavours that explode in the mouth... But the charm of this moment comes from the combination of great walks and delicious meals in authentic farm inns. From start to finish, it's a real treat!
The loop hike: the belvedere of the 3 lakes!
Head to the Vosges for a day's hike with a farm and hostel on the 3 lakes belvedere loop. Between local fauna and flora, canopy, trails and the discovery of the 3 lakes of the Vosges, you'll have a great time in the heart of the Deux Lacs Biological Reserve!
The 3 lakes are bluish jewels nestling among tall green fir trees, and are the stars of this hike. For magical photos, head to the Belmont Observatory above Lac Noir to capture a panoramic view of these jewels of nature. It's here that we stop for a gourmet break at the Ferme-auberge du Forlet on the banks of the Lac du Forlet, which serves typical Alsatian cuisine: children won't be able to resist the delicious blueberry tart, which is so good... and not just for children!
9 km loop itinerary
Difference in altitude: +480 m
Level: easy
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
The historic hike: the Climont tour
If you're a fan of history and anecdotes, head to the Vallée de Villé for a hike to the summit of the Climont mountain in the heart of the Vosges. During this sporting escapade, you'll pass by the Julius Tower, named in honour of Julius Euting, the famous orientalist and founding president of the Club Vosgien. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360° panoramic view over the Bruche valley and the Donon! After the pleasure of the eyes, it's time to treat your taste buds at the Cimes Climont farmhouse inn: on the menu is a tasty lunch of terrine, beef gendarme and other cold meats topped with a delicious mousse (always in moderation). And for those who want to cool off, a gourmet ice cream will be in order!
Adventure hikes: the Hautes Chaumes in the Vosges
The Hautes Chaumes in the Vosges is the perfect getaway to discover the champion of the mountains, the chamois! A resident ofthe Vosges massif, the chamois impresses those lucky enough to cross its path with its ease and majestic allure in the mountains. Colourful flowers and wild bilberries complete the scenery, and you'll never tire of it. That said, walking is tiring! We head to the Auberge du Kastelberg, a farmhouse inn close to the Col de la Schlucht with a panoramic view of the Vosges mountains, for a moment of authentic relaxation and a meal full of local flavours: on the table, roïgabrageldis, potatoes cooked over coals with a smoky taste... We'll be back for more!
Family hikes: the legends trail
Don't worry, we'll get the kids on board for this discovery of legends on the Colline de Sion Vaudémont, a major site in the history of Lorraine! A pleasant walk in fine weather, with a route through undergrowth that's accessible to all abilities, this hike takes in the legend of the Saut de la Pucelle, on the crest of the hill, and the search for the famous stars of Sion, which come from a fossilised animal. A really fun way to get the family together and get everyone moving, but the tribe is starting to get hungry! Then it's off to the Auberge de la Colline restaurant in the small medieval village of Vaudémont: a cosy family-run farmhouse inn offering a meal that's as delicious as it is invigorating - just the thing to get your strength back before setting off again!
The wow hike: the breathtaking Sentier des Roches
Above the Vallée de Munster, this hike in the Vosges mountains is perfect for the more experienced hiker! On a fairly technical path carved into the rock face, ladders line the route to help hikers. Criss-cross the fir trees, observe the moraines, stand speechless before the cliffs, follow the streams that cascade down... so many stages and memories leading to the ultimate destination: the Schiessrothried lake, perched high at 930 metres above sea level. If the vastness whets your appetite, head for the Frankenthal marcairie, where you'll find a peaceful inn in an old farmhouse in the middle of the valley. Enjoy a plate of 100% local produce and delicious homemade tarts for your sweet tooth. A comforting meal with a breathtaking view: it's all worth it!