Attacking the lakes

After the wine-growing landscapes of Alsace, this 14th stage heralds a complete change of atmosphere and scenery on the Vosges crests.

You leave the village of Le Bonhomme to head for the Tête des Faux.
To get there, pass through the Etang du Devin peat bog, a protected site that is home to a rich flora and rare species. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this wild and mysterious place!

At an altitude of 1,219 m and overlooking Le Bonhomme, the Tête des Faux is an emblematic summit, as it was the scene of fierce fighting during the First World War. The remains of German military works are still visible. On this battlefield in the middle of nature, the weight of memory is very present...

On this stage, you will discover two burial sites in their forest setting: the Kahm German military cemetery and the Carrefour Duchesne national necropolis, both listed by UNESCO.

Continue on to Lac Blanc, which you can admire from the ridges. This high-altitude lake takes its name from the colour of the sand that lines its bottom. The site also gives its name to the Lac Blanc resort, which welcomes you in summer and winter for sporting activities to enjoy with the whole family! Rail sledging, snowshoeing, downhill skiing or mountain biking: there's something for every taste and every season!

The route continues through the splendid Tanet-Gazon du Faing nature reserve. After wandering through a forest of beech, fir and spruce, you reach a completely different environment where peat bogs rub shoulders with the high moors. It's a complete change of scenery! The site is home to exceptional flora and fauna, which you can discover along an educational trail. The area is also home to the famous 'brimbelles' (blueberries), which are eaten in the form of tarts in the local farm inns! Take the time to admire the many 360° viewpoints, including the Lac du Forlet (or Lac des Truites). Like its neighbours, it occupies an ancient glacial cirque. In a setting reminiscent of the Alps, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the Vosges!

The stage ends at the Col de la Schlucht, a landmark on the Route des Crêtes.