Weekend in the Grand Est: activate slow mode!

Le Mag

DAY 1
DAY 2

DAY 1 - 10.00 am

Hiking in the Bruche Valley

Between the Vosges and Alsace, you'll discover a valley lined with dense forests, lush green meadows and dotted with charming villages. With the river of the same name flowing through it, the Bruche valley is a blend of stunning vistas, protected nature and unspoilt heritage. We'll get off to a good start with a loop hike accessible to all, starting from the car park at the Bellefosse swimming pool and leading up to the heights. As you follow the signposted paths, the ruins of the Château de la Roche appear in front of you, standing on a rocky spur at an altitude of 820 metres. To make the most of the view, take the metal staircase to the top of the keep: an exceptional 360° view of the Vosges mountains andAlsace.

13h00

Lunch at Chez Julien

Head for the Chez Julien hotel-restaurant in Fouday at the foot of the Vosges forest: bordered by the Bruche river and fir trees, the setting inspires serenity and absolute relaxation. Restaurant: a choice of 4 atmospheres. A Vosges farmhouse decor in homage to the grandmother of the house, a cosy and intimate room, a large bright room or an immersive room reminiscent of the Vosges mountains. The à la carte menu is an ode to Alsace's terroir, with traditional recipes ranging from the emblematic sauerkraut to a kidney and sweetbread casserole, all prepared using produce sourced directly from local producers. The restaurant's cuisine is gourmet, refined and above all local!

17h00

Well-being break at the Bleu Minuit ecolodges

We're continuing our slow-paced escapade with a rejuvenation session at Domaine La Source in Wolxheim, 20 minutes from Strasbourg. Bleu Minuit has set up its ecolodges in the heart of the Alsace vineyards, in the grounds of the Sulzbad Spa, renowned for its natural spring water with its many virtues. So don a comfortable bathrobe and take advantage of the benefits of this precious water: regenerating treatments, relaxing massages, all in a soothing calm. As night falls, the stars appear one by one through the glass ceiling of our room. Astronomical glasses are available for the more curious. If the sun comes up, we can stay in bed and admire our neighbours, the horses, squirrels and wild geese through the bay windows before enjoying breakfast.

Our unusual accommodation in the Vosges

DAY 2 - 10.00 am

Creative visit to the Musée Lalique

Head for the Vosges du Nord for our first stop in Wingen-sur-Moder, at the Musée Lalique, which showcases the works of French master glassmaker and jeweller René Lalique. As soon as we arrive, the elegance of the museum catches the eye: the architecture is sober and distinguished, a setting conducive to contemplation. The tour takes visitors on a chronological and thematic journey through the evolution of the company's creations: jewellery, perfume bottles, lighting vases and decorative objects adorn the showcases. The second part of the exhibition is dedicated to know-how: a technical approach that provides a better understanding of the complexities involved in creating crystal and glass pieces. A good address for a delicious meal at the end of the visit? Château Hochberg, opposite the museum, with its refined cuisine based on local, seasonal produce.

14h00

Exploring the Colorado of the Vosges: the Altschlossfelsen rock face

Also known as the Rocher du Vieux Château (Old Castle Rock), this exceptional site is accessible from the small village of Roppeviller: an adventure in the heart of the Vosges du Nord Massif. From the church car park, take the easy route that is one of the Pays de Bitche's top-quality trails. The sounds of the forest, the scent of the pine trees and the light filtering through the branches create a soothing atmosphere. The impressive rock looms in the distance: a geological formation around 25 metres high and 1km long. These rocks, millions of years old, form a kind of natural wall and are strikingly beautiful. Their warm hues, ranging from yellow to orange-red with shades of pink, are particularly vibrant at sunset.

Our nature activities in the Vosges

18h00

Relaxing in a Patagonian bath and starry nights

This time we're heading to the Bleu Minuit ecolodges at L'Arche in Obersteinbach to try out the Anthon restaurant, an opportunity to combine relaxation with a gastronomic experience: a sensory experience right down to the plate, where chef Georges Flaig's dishes will turn our taste buds upside down. As night falls, we head back to our ecolodge to take in the spectacle overhead once again: the ballet of the stars has begun! The next morning was the perfect way to round off this relaxing weekend, with a dip in the Patagonia bath at the heart of the estate. With the Vosges fir trees in our sights, the hot water in the bath relaxed us while we contemplated the beauty of the landscapes of the Vosges du Nord Regional Park.