France is dotted with well-marked hiking trails: the GR, PR and local GR routes each have their own signs. In the Vosges, the Vosgien Club has created its own network of marked trails to help you explore the area. You can’t miss the crosses, circles and coloured signs, indicating a new path at each intersection. The famous and long GR 5, as well as shorter routes, reveal every corner of the massif.


In this Collection, I propose a 33-kilometre (20 mi) adventure with 1,350 metres (4,400 ft) of elevation gain. It takes you from east to west across the Champ du Feu (Field of Fire) following the blue cross. The highest point of the Tour is the Bas-Rhin at 1,098 metres (3,600 ft).

In addition to the beautiful summit plateau, this route reveals two very distinct faces of the massif. On the eastern slope, you’ll stroll through the Alsatian vineyards before crossing the beautiful Hohwald forest. On the western slope, you’ll pass between pastures and charming mountain villages.

On both sides, the path is dotted with inns for refuelling during your walk. Some even offer lodging if you wish to spend the night there. I designed the stages to be walked at a leisurely pace, without rushing, reaching a place to stay at the end of the day. Remember to book your accommodation in advance. If you want to adopt an even slower pace, you can also stop at the Kreuzweg Pass.

The presence of inns along the way allows you to travel light, but be aware that you won’t come across any shops, so bring enough water and snacks to fuel you during the day.

The route is easily accessible by public transport as it starts and finishes at a train station. Barr and Saint-Blaise-la-Roche are both well-connected in Strasbourg.

You can hike this route from March to November. It’s also possible to do it in winter, when you’ll need crampons to cross the highest parts. The Hohwald forest is sublime when it’s snow-covered, and also very beautiful when it is clad in autumn colours. During the summer months, you’ll appreciate the shade of its thorny cover.

All you have to do is choose a season, pack your bag and put on a good pair of hiking shoes. The forest, the stubble and the pastures of the Champ du Feu await.