Getting close to the top

This final stage in the Grand Est follows the ridges to Thann, the last village on the Alsace Wine Route. After an intermediate stage in Thann, you then reach the Ballon d'Alsace, which marks the end of the Traversée du Massif des Vosges in our region.

From Le Markstein, the route mainly follows the ridges. After a few kilometres you will reach the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges massif. Also known as the Ballon de Guebwiller, it rises to an altitude of 1,424 metres. At its summit, you'll find a civil aviation radar and the Monument des Diables Bleus, erected in memory of the Alpine Chasseurs who died for France in the First World War.

To reward your efforts, stop off at one of the many farmhouse inns on the ridge and sample the famous marcaire meal, THE typical menu of the Vosges mountains!

The trail then heads towards the Hartmannswillerkopf (also known as the Vieil-Armand). This promontory, which rises 956 m above the Alsace plain, was a fiercely contested strategic observation post during the First World War. The fighting lasted throughout the war and this devastated battlefield is now a listed historic monument. A true memorial, the site is home to one of the four national monuments dedicated to this tragic period. Extend your visit to the Franco-German historial next door.

Just before you reach Thann, you will see the remains of the Engelbourg castle. Note the strange layout of the ruins, which quickly became the subject of popular imagery. When the castle was demolished in the 17th century, part of the keep fell back onto its side and took on the appearance of a gigantic eye that seems to scan the horizon and the town below: the "witch's eye" was born!

You finally arrive in Thann, the southernmost town on the Alsace wine route and one of the "Most Beautiful Detours in France". At the crossroads of the Route des Crêtes and the Route des vins, Thann was once renowned for its textile industries. Wander through the narrow streets of the historic centre, discovering its ramparts and Renaissance-style houses. Don't miss the Collégiale Saint-Thiébaut, a magnificent Gothic church whose façade is adorned with over 500 sculpted figures!

As you leave Thann, drive past the Staufen and its Cross of Lorraine, which marks the entrance to the Thur valley. You'll make your way peacefully to the summits through passes, forests and pastures. As you make your way along the Rossberg massif, you'll be able to take in a number of viewpoints.
A little further on, you'll come across the Lac des Perches, also known as the Sternsee, a relatively unspoilt site nestling at an altitude of 1,000 m.

After a final pass and a final climb, you reach the Ballon d'Alsace, the magical summit and final goal of this stage! At an altitude of 1,247 m, it is the meeting point of two regions and four départements. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360° panorama: from the Black Forest to the east, the Vosges to the north and as far south as the Alps. This mythical summit is also a favourite with cyclists, who use it regularly during the Tour de France.
If you've still got a bit of strength in your legs, take advantage of the many activities on offer... or continue on to Belfort!