Out and About in the Hautes-Vosges and on the Grand Ballon

> >

Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park

Out and About in the Hautes-Vosges and on the Grand Ballon

Straddling the three regions of Alsace, Lorraine and Franche-Comté, the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park encompasses 208 towns and villages (communes) in the southern part of the Vosges mountains.

It extends over a wide variety of landscapes and environments: stubble-field uplands, forests, mountain villages, lakes and ponds, deep valleys, vineyards, etc. To help you explore the natural and cultural environment, the Park provides historical circuits, guided excursions and a host of practical literature: guidebooks, brochures, calendars of events.

> >

Out and About in the HautesVosges and on the Grand Ballon From the Hautes-Vosges summits you will enjoy sweeping views over lush valleys and the vineyards of the piedmont plain With your “Out and About in the Hautes-Vosges and on the Grand Ballon” mini-guide, set off to explore this fascinating area. You will find full details of the characteristic natural environments together with a selection of over 84 sites to visit and walks to enjoy suitable for all ages and levels. For your convenience, practical details of visits are included at the back of the brochure.

ISBN 2-910328-62-7

Graphic design and layout: Lettre & image Translation: Barnaby Capel-Dunn Photographic credits : Denis Bringard, Norbert Hecht, Marc Paygnard, Dorian Rollin, Jacques Martin, Claude Michel, Yves Kohler, OT de la vallée de Saint-Amarin, OT du Pays de Thann, OT de Cernay, Naegelen/ADT 68 Printed by Metthez - June 2005

The Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park mini-guides present some of the sites to be explored in the locality and give suggestions for walks. For your convenience, this vast territory of over 3000 sq. km is divided up and described in major geographical entities.

> The mini-guides of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park

Out and About in the Hautes-Vosges and on the Grand Ballon

The Grand Ballon

Out and About in the Hautes-Vosges and on the Grand Ballon

Shaped by ancient glaciers, the Vosges valleys of the Moselle and the Moselotte are characterised by the presence of cirques and glacial lakes.

In the attractive holiday spot of the Thur valley, the river’s course takes it past an old converted industrial site and little medieval towns steeped in history.

As a vital source of energy, water was an essential ingredient in the industrial development of the valleys, as can be seen from the presence of turbines, mills and sawmills. There is a wide choice of walking circuits for exploring the area.

Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein

There are any number of things to see and do in the region: nature sites, museums, monuments, rural heritage, nature trails, footpaths, mountain-bike circuits, etc.. And there is no shortage of organised activities and events: nature expeditions, concerts, village fairs and festivals, country markets and so on.

You will find full details of these and other guide ge minia t ri ites e h l a activities in the calendars published by the Ballons ver 80 s This loc ion of o t c . le y e s jo n a e des Vosges Regional Nature Park or from the local includes walks to isit and v o t Tourist Offices.

The valleys

The vineyards The piedmont plain of Alsace is ideal for winegrowing. The attractive and colourful architecture of the wine towns and villages may be admired along the Alsace Romanesque Route.

Vineyard path

In the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, numerous footpaths beckon you to explore the Hautes-Vosges – from the gentle slopes to the summit of the Grand Ballon crowned by its distinctive white radar.

Lakes and rivers, wooded hillsides and terraced vineyards form a patchwork of landscapes punctuated by towns of great architectural beauty.

Armrest of the Collegiate Church, Thann

Le Rupt de Bâmont

The flora of the upland meadows consists of species particularly well adapted to the harsh climate conditions. Formerly known as the “Great Pasture”, this rich grassland was a matter of bitter dispute between the inhabitants of Alsace and Lorraine from the middle of the 16th century onwards. The small high-altitude farms, known as marcairies, today bid a warm welcome to hikers along the ridges and slopes of the Grand Ballon.

The Petit Drumont

The Hautes-Vosges

/1

Moselle Valley

Industrial heritage Ventron

15 .

You will learn about the various aspects of copper mining from the 16C to the 18C in this Museum. Round off your 16 and a walk in the underground galleries. visit with the discovery trail

The Ballon d'Alsace Discovery Trail As you walk along the trail at the summit of the Ballon , admire the magnificent views over the entire Vosges massif. The twelve information tables along the way will add to your enjoyment.

Once a spa, Bussang was reputed for the quality of its water. The public can take its fill at the 2.

Source Marie

Follow the Lac de Lispach discovery trail which explains the ecosystem of a peatbog.

Just off the mountain bike trail, discover the Balcons de La Bresse at La Bresse and the Tour des Presles at Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle.

to Bussang in one direction and to Cornimont in the other; ideal for rollorblade and cycling enthusiasts.

Lispach peatbog

The “Voie Verte des Hautes–Vosges” (Hautes-Vosges Trail) This multiactivity trail follows the itinerary of old railway lines and runs from Remiremont

des Corbeaux at La Bresse is just one of the many walks for exploring the valley 7 .

The Piquante Pierre 1 , above Basse-sur-le-Rupt, was used as a mountain redoubt by the French Resistance during the 2nd World War. Moyemont 17 gives a view over the Moselle and the Moselotte.

Le Parrier 11 above Rupt-sur-Moselle.

Le Drumont viewpoint 3 , between the Moselle and the Thur.

La Bresse : To discover: The water cycle and hydrolectricity itinerary and the “fée électricité” at La Bresse.

Discovery trail at the summit of the Ballon

The circuit of the Lac

Source Marie

People’s Theatre, Bussang

Bussang The “Théatre du Peuple" at Bussang . This cradle of popular theatre was founded by Maurice Pottecher in 1895. Professional and amateur actors come together each summer to perform classical and contemporary works.

Saulxures-sur-Moselotte: Housed in a former sawmill, the Musée du Bois et Haut-Fer (Wood and Saw Museum) is devoted to timber and forest activities. In a centuries-old setting, the guided visit gives an overview of traditional techniques and instruments of olden times, including the lengthways haut-fer saw (still in working order).

Inside the sawmill

Maison des Hautes-Mynes au Thillot

The village owes its fame to the peaceful and remarkable site of the Frère Joseph hermitage. The Musée du Textile des Vosges (Vosges Textile Museum) traces the history of textiles in the area over three centuries via a collection of spinning and weaving machines and temporary exhibitions.

Offbeat: The Musée des Mille et Une Racines (Museum of 1001 Roots) 10 at Cornimont.

Vosges Textile Museum

The Mining Museum of Le Thillot (Maison des Hautes-Mynes)

Discover: Demonstrations of granite working in the quarries of La Bresse 9 .

Moselotte Valley

/

2 3

Park of the Wesserling-Musée Textile (Wesserling Textile Museum) and Farm Explore the industrial site of Wesserling in the former Royal Factory and see how changing fashions and costumes are reflected in arts and 22 in the landscaped park crafts. The botanical and historical trail takes you past vegetable plots, terraces and flower gardens. Special events are organised throughout the year. The Ferme de Wesserling 23 presents mountain farming and (Wesserling Farm Museum) landscapes and gives you a chance to sample local produce.

21

A town of mystery and legend, forever associated with witches and St Thiébault, Thann is 28 with its “Witch’s Eye”, richly endowed with monuments. The Château de l’Engelbourg looks down on the richest Gothic church in Alsace, the collegiate church of Saint-Thiébault . A historical circuit and the Musée des Amis de Thann , pay tribute to the town’s history.

Don’t miss the Crémation des Trois Sapins (“Cremation of the Three Fir Trees”) which commemorates the town’s origins on 30 June each year.

The wine town of Thann is the southern gateway to the Wine Road.

The hillside Le Rangen vineyard is unusual in that the vines are plan32 houses an exhibition ted in volcanic soil. The Witch’s Tower presenting the features of Le Rangen. A series of outdoor panels detail the special characteristics of the Alsace wine region.

Park of the Wesserling Textile Museum

Midsummer night bonfire

At the end of June, midsummer bonfires light up the Thur valley.

Accessible by the col du Hundsrück (pass) along the Joffre Route, the Tour du Rossberg 20 provides views over the valley landscapes.

The natural beauty of the Saint-Amarin valley may be discovered on the Hirschenbach trail 26 .

Mill

Thann, gateway to the valley

Storckensohn Moulin à huile et Maison de l’Ouvrier Paysan Montagnard (Oil Mill and Mountain Farmer 27 . The mill was built in 1732 and House) remained in use until 1962. Colza, walnut, sunflower and hazelnut oil was produced here, along with cider from apples and pears. Pressing demonstrations are regularly organised. The peasant’s house is typical of 19C mountain village dwellings.

In the vicinity of the lac de Kruth-Wildenstein This site (numerous sports and leisure activities) is the 24 . point of departure of the Schlossberg trail The ruins of this medieval castle look down on the Thur valley. Upstream of 33 introduces Wildenstein, the Cascade du Heidenbad (waterfall) trail you to the history of the site.

Wine slopes of Le Rangen

Hardened mountain bikers will appreciate the many viewpoints and varied landscapes of the balconied “Tour de Thur” linking 19 other circuits of all levels.

A cycling path on little roads runs alongside the river.

Thur Valley The Witch’s Eye

The Serret Museum 25 at Saint-Amarin presents the valley and its industrial, religious, artistic and military history.

The Collegiate Church

/

4 5

The Grand Ballon, highest point of the Vosges (1424m).

In search of the natural environment

Nature excursion

36 at Le The Hautes-Vosges Environment Initiation Centre Rothenbach contributes to the sustainable development of these areas by organising nature activities and excursions; a chance to explore the special characteristics of the upland stubble fields.

The Jardin d’Altitude du Haut-Chitelet (Haut-Chitelet Altitude 34 gives pride of place to the flora of the HautesGarden Vosges with 2500 species from the main mountain areas of France and the world.

Starting from the Hôtel du Club Vosgien, choose between the little 39 which will take you to the and large tour of the summit radar and the viewpoint indicators. In clear weather, you can enjoy marvellous views over the Black Forest and the Bernese Alps.

The Park Reception Point at the Grand Ballon 40 is an information and exhibition centre open during the summer months.

i

Hikers will appreciate the cool of the GR5 longdistance footpath which winds its way along the summit slopes of the highest mountain in the Vosges.

The Lac du Ballon 38,

departure point of numerous hiking circuits, was once a glacial basin.

Explore traces of the 1914/1918 war 45 leaving from Wattwiller.

Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Crests and Grand Ballon

The Markstein is a summer/winter holiday centre for sports enthusiasts and hikers .

The Vieil-Armand

Entrance to the Saint-Nicolas mine

“Vieil Armand” (Hartmannswillerkopf): the French soldiers of the First World War gave the name of Vieil Armand (“Old Armand”) to the Hartmannswillerkopf, one of the bloodiest battles on the Alsace front. After the fighting of 1915, the Hartmann became the “Sacred Mountain”. Classified as a national monument in 1921, the site is teeming with trenches, underground passages and shelters reminding us of the fighting. It is accessible from behind the crypt , by the Autel de la Patrie (Altar of the Fatherland) and the Silberloch military cemetery.

Steinbach: mining for iron (16C-20C).

Three discovery trails evoke the history of mining in the Erzenbach valley.

The Hohneck Situated on the old Franco-German border (some milestones still visible), the summit stands at 1362 metres .

Cheeses such as the renowned munster are traditionally manufactured in the high-altitude farms known as marcairies.

The farm-inns provide welcome refreshments to hikers after a long day in the country.

Vosges pansies

46 The Romanesque church of Wattwiller is one of the oldest in Haute-Alsace.

Hang-gliding at the Markstein Munster

These mountain environments contain precious and rare flower species left over from the last ice age.

Admire them as much as you like but please don’t 6 7 pick them.

/

Murbach Abbey, Recumbent effigy of Count Eberhard

The Florival, the Vallée Noble and the Pays de Rouffach

The Alsace wine area boasts seven grape varieties. The wine road takes you through the many localities of the winegrowing area.

(Rouffach Area)

The Vivarium du Moulin at Lautenbach–Zell

An impressive religious heritage

55 ,:

The world of insects and spiders presented in an old converted mill with the help of expert guides.

Take part in discovery expeditions.

The wealth and possessions of Murbach Abbey made it a spiritual and cultural centre in the time of Charlemagne, and an important feudal power.

The Alsace Romanesque Route is graced by other cultural edifices: the collegiate church of Saint-Michel-et-Gangolphe at Lautenbach and its sculpured 12C porch; the neo-Romanesque church of Saint-Pantaléon at Gueberschwihr and its bell-tower.

61 La promenade Le Nez de Soultz: fine views over the Alsace plain.

48 "The Œlberg Circuit", between vineyards and orchards.

Guebwiller, in the heart of an Area of Architectural and Historical Interest and situated on the Alsace Romanesque Route, is particularly famous for its many pink sandstone monuments. The late Romanesque church of Saint-Léger (late 12C-early 13C) is surmounted by three towers. Prestige events are now staged in the former Dominican 53 monastery The works of the artist Théodore Deck, the man who modernised the art of ceramics in the 19C, are presented in the Florival 54 . You will also learn much Museum about the town’s history: its wines, crafts and industry.

Soultz In the former Commander’s Residence of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, you will find 58 . a selection of old-fashioned toys in the Nef des Jouets (Toy Museum) The Buchenek Château-Museum is devoted to local history, while a town circuit reveals the treasures of Old Soultz.

60 , including the Douglas In the remote forest of Soultz, the Sainte-Anne footpath circuit, will attract all nature lovers.

Nef des Jouets (Toy Museum)

52 The Axwald nature trail at Guebwiller boasts 34 species of trees.

Church of Saint-Léger

Gewurztraminer

Praying mantis

In the Vallée Noble The Soultzmatt sources 62 spring forth in the heart of the Vallée Noble. Their salty taste brought them to the attention of a monk as long ago as 1272. Guided visits are regularly organised.

Florival Museum Notre-Dame du Schauenberg

The quarry circuits At Bergholtz and Bergholtz-Zell 47 , Buhl 49 , Guebwiller 51 . These three trails tell us much about the quarrying of the sandstone used for hundreds of years in the building of houses and other edifices.

Late spider-orchid

The Bollenberg. The summit of the limestone hills looks out over an unusual landscape of dry moorland somewhat reminiscent of the Mediterranean garrigue or scrubland. Ten thousand years of natural and human history have combined to produce environments with biological characteristics quite unlike anything else in Europe.

To discover: The Bollenberg nature trails.

50 .

The Rouffach Area Notre-Dame du Schauenberg: The Schauenberg sanctuary , dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is a shrine situated above the village of Pfaffenheim. Access is via the footpath of the sources and sanctuaries .

/

8 9

In the Surrounding Area Château-Lambert This authentic mountain village is centred around a chapel. The Musée 72 gives an account of the tradide la Montagne (Mountain Museum) tional way of life of farmer-miners and preserves the memory of numerous crafts connected with forestry and mining. The Maison de la Nature des Vosges saônoises (Southern Vosges Nature Centre) 73 is housed in what was once a school and organises nature outings for schoolchildren. The staff also provide educational excursions for all audiences.

74 The “Sentier des Ecoliers” nature trail introduces you to the landscapes and country life of the Southern Vosges.

Munster and the Maison du Parc (Park Centre) Munster was founded in the 7C around a Benedictine Abbey.

Its many monuments include reminders of the Hartmann textile dynasty. The Maison du Parc, the showcase for the Vosges 75 has over 600 sq. m of exhibition space. mountains, A fun experience for children and practical information for adults wishing to explore the area.

Maison du Parc

Porte Haute

Rouffach has several Renaissance buildings around Place de la République. The Musée du Bailliage (Bailiwick Museum) relates the history of the canton.

Chapel of Château-Lambert

Gérardmer The Lac de Gérardmer is a remnant of the last ice age some 12,000 years ago. You can take the path 67 , punctuated with information panels, or simply enjoy the numerous leading round the lake leisure activities and water sports.

68 will take The “Perles de Vologne” ecology trail you to the Pont des Fées (bridge). Visit and learn the 69 . history of 6 chapels in and around Gérardmer Explore the world of the forest and forestry 70 or take the mountain bike circuit of Tête de Grouvelin 71 .

Tour des Sorcières

From Cernay to Sentheim The “Thann” Porte Haute today houses the Musée de la Ville de 63 . Take the discovery Cernay (Cernay Municipal Museum) 64 . footpath along the banks of the Thur Stroll through Cernay and learn about its history along the “red thread” circuit 65 .

Lac du Gérardmer

Remiremont Visit the “City of the Canonesses”, in particular the abbey church of Saint-Pierre, the Abbatial Palace and the Rue des Arcades.

76 .

Take a guided tour of the historical centre of Remiremont The Charles-de-Bruyères Museum gives an account of the town’s local history and folklore. A painting by Georges de la Tour is on display at the Charles-Friry Museum .

Abbey church of Saint-Pierre

Train at the station

The Doller Valley Train 66 , with its steam engine and wooden carriages will take you from Cernay to Sentheim.

At Sentheim, the Maison de la Géologie et de l’Environnement (Geology and Environment Centre) displays a collection of rocks, fossils and minerals.

Geology and Environment Centre The Wolfloch trail , guided visits and educational activities describe the geological 10 11 history of the Vosges massif.

/

: Favourite ; : Museum ; : Remarkable Site or Monument ; : Curiosity ; : Nature/Discovery Trail Cycling ; : Environment Initiation Centre ; : Botanical Garden, Zoo ; : Viewpoint ; : Walks ; i : information ; : Handbook, available in English (E), German (G), Dutch (D); : Park Calendar ; : Admission Charge ; : Partner or Equipment with the support of the Park

25 26 27

Moselle and Moselotte Valleys

1

F

2 3 4

F

5 6

7 8 9

F 10 11 12 13 14

15

Basse-sur-le-Rupt La Piquante Pierre (mountain hideaway) Bussang Source Marie Table d’orientation du Drumont (view indicator) Théâtre du Peuple rue du théâtre 03 29 61 50 48 La Bresse Lispach peatbog path Parcours du cycle de l’eau et de l’hydroélectricité (path) Lac des corbeaux (path) Mountain bike trail:”Les Balcons de la Bresse” association Maison du granit 03 29 25 44 14 Cornimont Musée des mille et une racines (nature museum) Cheménil route de la Bresse 03 29 24 11 90 Rupt-sur-Moselle Le Parrier Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle Le Tour des Presles Grand Ballon summit discovery trail Saulxures-sur-Moselotte Haut-fer du Rupt-de-Bâmont (timber and sawing museum) 127 Droit du Rupt de Bâmont Le Thillot Maison des Hautes-Mynes (Mining Museum) Place de la gare 03 29 25 03 33 www.ville-lethillot88.fr

16 17 18

19

Sentier des Hautes-Mynes (path) Vagney Le Moyemont Ventron Musée du textile des Vosges (Vosges textile Museum) 03 29 24 23 06 Remiremont/Cornimont/Bussang “La voie verte” (multi-activity trail) www.lavoieverte.com

Depart Planois – 4 hrs - average - plan > Vagney Tourist Office D89 between the source of la Moselle and Bussang – open daily Access by RN66 at the Col de Bussang (pass) By appointment Monday to Friday: 9am-12pm and 1-6pm

28

Thann Château de l’Engelbourg

29

Saint-Thiébaut collegiate church

30 31

Historical circuit Musée des Amis de Thann rue Saint-Thiébaut 03 89 37 02 31 Tour des Sorcières (Witch’s tower and cellar) Wildenstein Cascade du Heidenbad (waterfall)

Depart Lispach car park 45 min – 1.5km - easy Depart Fontaine de la Duchesse on the Route des Crêtes 1/2 or 1 day Depart Pont de la Haule (bridge) at traffic lights - 3 hrs - difficult Depart Col de Grosse Pierre - marking GB1 - 1 hr 30-2 hrs - 10km - average Col de Grosse Pierre car park - demonstrations Tuesdays and Fridays In July and August 2-5pm, groups by appointment

32

Daily 8am-12pm and 2-6pm

34

33

35 (A,G)

May, June, September and October and during school holidays: Fridays 2-6pm From 01/07 to 31/08 daily 2-6pm Groups by appointment Saulxures-sur-Moselotte Tourist Office From 01/09 to 30/09: 10am-7pm From 01/10 to 31/03: daily during school holidays Other periods: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 1-7pm Groups daily by appointment - The admission charge includes guided tour of the Sentier des Hautes-Mynes Depart Hautes-Mynes car park - 1 hrs 30 - easy (A,G,H)

36

37

38 39

i

40 41

From Vagney direction Le Haut-du-Tôt – Turn right at La Croix des Hêtres From 01/06 to 30/09: daily 10am-6pm - From 01/10 to 31/10 and from 01/04 to 31/05, daily 2-6pm except Tuesday From 01/12 to 31/03 Saturday, Sunday and daily during school holidays 2-6pm; closed in November From Remiremont to Bussang: 33km From Remiremont to Cornimont: 23km

20 21 22 23

24

Bitschwiller-lès-Thann Tour du Rossberg Husseren-Wesserling Parc de Wesserling nature and history trail 03 89 38 28 08 wesserling@hrnet.fr Parc de Wesserling nature and history trail Ferme de Wesserling - Maison de l’agriculture et des paysages de montagne (farming and mountain museum) Kruth Sentier du Schlossberg

Depart Col du Hundsrück (pass) – 2 hrs 30 - 12km - average From 01/04 to 30/06 10am-12pm and 2-6pm except Monday - From first Sunday in July to last Sunday in September daily - From 01/10 to 31/03 10am-12pm et 2-5pm except Mondays and public holidays Free access except during events Information Wesserling Textile Museum Guided visits in July-August-September Groups by appointment – farm shop open throughout the year Depart inn of Lac du Kruth-Wildenstein 1.2km – 1 hr 30 - easy

Depart Thur bridge next to tennis court 1 hr - 3km - easy May, June, September and October: Saturdays and Sundays 2-6pm July and August: Tuesday to Sunday 2-6pm Throughout the year for groups by appointment Depart Tourist Office – 45 mn round trip - 2km - easy Guided visits, information at the Tourist Office October to May: 8am-12pm and 2-5pm June to September: 8am-7pm .

Guided visits in season: information from the Tourist Office Depart from Saint-Thiébault collegiate church. 40 min - 1.5km - easy June and September: Friday, Saturday and Sunday July and August: daily except Monday 2-6pm Information at the Tourist Office Depart on the left of the D13 at the exit to the village 1 hr 30 - easy (partly accessible for persons with restricted mobility)

Jardin d’Altitude du Haut Chitelet (mountain garden) Route des Crêtes 03 29 63 31 46 / fax : 03 83 27 86 59 Le Hohneck Summit of Hohneck Route des Crêtes (mountain road) CPIE des Hautes Vosges (environment centre) Rothenbach - Route des crêtes 03 89 82 23 70 03 89 82 20 12 (hors saison estivale) ahv@club-internet.fr Le Markstein Le tour du Trehkopf(circuit) Grand Ballon Lac du Ballon Tour of the summit Grand Ballon information point “Vieil Armand” or Hartmannswillerkopf (World War 1 battle) Crypt

45

Steinbach Le Schletzenbourg (path) La mine Saint-Nicolas (mining trail) Les anciennes mines de fer de l’Erzenbach (path) Wattwiller Memories of Word War 1

46

Church of Wattwiller

42 43 44

Thur Valley

From 01/05 to 30/09 2-6pm except Tuesday

Crests and Grand Ballon

Access from the Mairie – 4.5km – 3 hrs - average Depart Tourist Office 30mn - 6km – very easy Depart Démineurs car park 1 hr 30 – 2.5km - easy

Saint-Amarin Serret Museum 7 rue Clemenceau 03 89 38 24 66 Sentier du Hirschenbach (path) Storckensohn Oil mill and peasant farming museum 03 89 39 14 00

From 01/06 to 30/06: 10am-12pm and 2-6pm From 01/07 to 31/08: 10am-6pm From 01/09 to 30/09: 10am-12pm and 2-5.30pm Guided visits by appointment only Access to the summit when no snow Access on foot by the GR5 or by car on the D430 Open July and August 9am –6pm June and September by appointment only Daily excursions in fine weather Access in winter from Guebwiller and the Thur Valley Depart Markstein car park – 2 hrs - 7km - average Access in winter by the D13 and the Col Amic (pass) Depart Lac du Ballon – 3 hrs - average Depart at Hôtel du Club vosgien Little tour 30 mn - easy Grand tour 1 hr 15 – easy Road cleared of snow D430 between Uffholtz and the Col Amic (pass) - From mid-April to mid-November - Daily 9am-12pm and 2-6pm Depart Place du Silberthal – 45 mn - easy Guided visits on Depart Place du Silberthal – 1 hr - easy request > Cernay Depart Place du Silberthal – 2 hrs - average Tourist Office

}

Depart Salle Kraft - 2 hrs - average - map at the Cernay Tourist Office Guided visits - information > Cernay Tourist Office

The Florival, Vallée Noble et Pays de Rouffach 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Bergholtz Quarry path Œlberg Circuit Buhl Quarry path Orschwihr Bollenberg nature trails Guebwiller Quarry path Axwald nature trail Dominican monastery Musée du Florival 1 rue du 4 février 03 89 74 22 89

Depart Egten at Bergholtz – 2 hrs – 7.7km - average Depart stade de Bergholtz – 2 hrs – 11.6 km - easy Depart quarry to the right of D430 – 1 hr – 4.3km - easy Brochure > Rouffach Tourist Office Depart opposite the railway station – 1 hr – 4.6km - easy Depart Rue du Sudel – 2 hrs – 4.5km - easy From Tuesday to Friday 10am-1pm and 2-5pm Daily except Tuesday 2-6pm Saturday and Sunday 10am-12pm and 2-6pm

(G)

55

56 57 58 59 60

61

62

Lautenbach - Zell Vivarium du Moulin 6 rue du Moulin - 03 89 74 02 48 fax 03 89 76 30 25 vivarium@wanadoo.fr Pfaffenheim Notre-Dame du Schauenberg “Sanctuary and source” path Soultz Nef des jouets (toy museum) 12 rue Jean Jaurès 03 89 74 30 92 Buchenek Museum rue Kagenek 03 89 76 02 22 Les sentiers de Sainte-Anne (path)

From Tuesday to Sunday 2-6pm - July and August daily 10am-7pm Discovery excursions Access from Place de la Mairie at Pfaffenheim Depart Place de la Mairie 2 hrs - 6km - average From 01/04 to 31/12 2-6pm Closed Tuesday From 02/05 to 31/10 2-6pm Closed Tuesday Circuit des Douglas, depart car park of Sainte-Anne convalescence centre 1 hr 30 – 5.9km - easy Depart hospital car park – 2 hrs 30 - 8km - easy

Le « Nez de Soultz » (circuit) Soultzmatt Guided visit of the sources

Guided visits on Wednesday at 12.30pm, information at 03 89 47 00 06

In the surrounding area 63

64 65 66

67 68 69 70 71 72

73 74 75

76 77

78

79

80

81

Cernay Musée de la Porte Haute Haute (municipal museum) 03 89 75 88 80 Sentier de la Thur sauvage (discovery trail) Circuit fil rouge (town circuit) Train à vapeur de la Doller (steam engine railway) cftvd@train-doller.org Gérardmer Sentier du tour du lac (lakeside path) “Perles de Vologne” nature path Circuit des chapelles Forestry exhibition 11 rue de l’Eglise 03 29 60 82 02 ou 03 29 63 21 65 Mountain bike circuit of Tête de Grouvelin Haut-du-Them Château-Lambert Musée départemental de la Montagne (mountain museum) 03 84 20 43 09 / fax 03 84 20 47 09 Maison de la Nature des Vosges Saônoises 03 84 63 89 41 / fax : 03 84 20 48 77 mnvs@wanadoo.fr “Sentier des écoliers” (path) Munster Maison du Parc (Park Centre) 1 cour de l’abbaye 03 89 77 90 34 / fax : 03 89 77 90 30 info@parc-ballons-vosges.fr www.parc-ballons-vosges.fr Remiremont Historical centre Charles-de-Bruyères Museum (sun. free) 70 rue Charles de Gaulle - 03 29 62 59 14 Charles-Friry Museum (sun. free) 12 rue du Général Humbert 03 29 62 59 13 Rouffach Musée du bailliage (Bailiwick Museum) 6 bis rue de la République 03 89 49 65 27 Sentheim Maison de la géologie et de l’environnement (Geology and Environment Centre) Place de l’église 03 89 82 55 55 http://sentheim.geologie.free.fr Wolfloch Trail

Opening in 2005: information > Tourist Office Depart behind the sports complex - 1 hr - 1km - very easy Depart Porte de Thann - 1 hr - 1km - very easy Depart Cernay (Saint-André) Information and reservations: 03 89 75 50 35 Depart left bank of lake-swimming pool/ice rink - 2 to 2 hrs 30 - 6km easy Depart Saut des Cuves car park - 1 hr - easy Depart town centre - 3 hrs Guided nature visits on request Depart at the Auberge de Grouvelin - marking GB2 4 hrs - 23km average – view indicator - not accessible in winter From 01/04 to 30/09: 9.30am-12pm and 2-6pm - From 01/10 to 31/03: 25pm - Closed Saturday morning, Sunday morning and Tuesday - Groups by appointment - Closed 01/05, 01/11, 11/11 and Christmas school holidays Groups, excursions by appointment Depart Maison de la Nature des Vosges saônoises 2 hrs - 6km - easy From 02/01 to 31/05 Monday to Friday 2-6pm School holidays: 10am-12pm and 2-6pm From 01/06 to 11/09 daily except Monday 10am-12pm and 2-6pm From 12/09 to 31/12 2-6pm Monday to Friday Closed on public holidays Guided visits groups by appointment at the Tourist Office From 01/01 to 31/03: 2-6pm daily except Tuesday and Saturday From 01/04 to 31/09: 10am-12pm and 2-6pm daily except Tuesday (from 15/07 to 31/08 until 7pm) From 01/11 to 31/12: 2-6pm daily except Tuesday Same times and conditions as for the Musée Charles-de-Bruyères.

Open daily from 1 July to 31 August in the afternoon; closed Tuesday Visits by appointment

3 hrs - 5km - easy guided visits from Sunday to Friday information from the Maison de la géologie

Unless otherwise stated, the religious buildings mentioned in this brochure are open during the day.

Since certain roads are not cleared of snow in winter, certain sites cannot be reached by car.

The Park cannot be held responsible for any changes concerning visiting conditions or visitors’ safety.

Tourist Offices, Tourist Information Bureaux and Information Points La Bresse 2 A rue des Proyes - 88250 La Bresse Bussang 8 rue d’Alsace - 88540 Bussang Cernay et la région du Vieil Armand 1 rue Latouche - 68700 Cernay Cornimont 27 rue de la 3ème D.I.A - 88310 Cornimont Gérardmer 4 place des Déportés BP5 - 88401 Gérardmer Cedex Guebwiller Hôtel de ville - 68500 Guebwiller Haute vallée de l’Ognon Place de la gare - 70270 Melisey Masevaux 36 fossé des Flagellants - 68290 Masevaux Vallée de Munster 1 rue du couvent - 68140 Munster Remiremont 2 rue Charles-de-Gaulle - BP152 - 88205 Remiremont Cedex Rouffach Place de la République - 68250 Rouffach Vallée de Saint-Amarin 81 rue Charles de Gaulle - 68550 Saint-Amarin Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle 28b rue de Lorraine - 88250 Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle Saulxures-sur-Moselotte 11 rue Pasteur - 88290 Saulxures-sur-Moselotte Soultz 14 place de la République - 68360 Soultz Pays de Thann 7 rue de la 1ère armée - 68800 Thann Le Thillot 11 avenue de Verdun - 88160 Le Thillot Vagney 11 place Caritey - 88120 Vagney Ventron 4 place de la Mairie - 88310 Ventron Association Départementale du Tourisme du Haut-Rhin (68) 1 rue Schlumberger - 68006 Colmar cedex Comité Départemental du Tourisme des Vosges (88) 7 rue Gilbert - 88000 Epinal Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges Maison du Parc - 1 cour de l’Abbaye - 68140 Munster

03 29 25 41 29 / Fax : 03 29 25 64 61 info@labresse.net - www.labresse.net 03 29 61 50 37 / Fax 03 29 61 58 20 tourisme@bussang.com - www.bussang.com 03 89 75 50 35 / Fax 03 89 75 49 24 info@cernay.net - www.cernay.net 03 29 24 12 17 / Fax 03 29 24 24 39 info@ot-cornimont-vosges.net 03 29 27 27 27 / Fax 03 29 27 23 25 info@gerardmer.net - www.gerardmer.net 03 89 76 10 63 / Fax 03 89 76 52 72 ot.guebwiller@wanadoo.fr - www.florival.net 03 84 63 22 80 / Fax 03 84 63 26 94 office.tourisme.melisey@wanadoo.fr www.office.tourisme.melisey.fr 03 89 82 41 99 / Fax 03 89 82 49 44 ot-masevaux@tv-com.tv - www.ot-masevaux-doller.fr 03 89 77 31 80 / Fax 03 89 77 07 17 tourisme.munster@wanadoo.fr www.la-vallee-de-munster.com 03 29 62 23 70 / Fax 03 29 23 96 79 information@ot-remiremont.fr - www.ot-remiremont.fr 03 89 78 53 15 / Fax 03 89 49 75 30 info@ot-rouffach.com - www.ot-rouffach.com 03 89 82 13 90 / Fax 03 89 82 76 44 contact@ot-saint-amarin.com - www.ot-saint-amarin.com 03 29 25 12 34 / Fax 03 29 25 80 43 tourisme@saintmaurice-vosges.com www.saintmaurice-vosges.com 03 29 24 52 13 / Fax 03.29.24.56.66 tourisme@ville-saulxures-mtte.fr www.ville-saulxures-mtte.fr 03 89 76 83 60 / Fax 03 89 74 86 12 otsi.soultz@wanadoo.fr - www.florival.net 03 89 37 96 20 / Fax 03 89 37 04 58 office-de-tourisme.thann@wanadoo.fr - www.ot-thann.fr.vu 03 29 25 68 61 / Fax 03 29 25 38 39 tourisme@hautes-vosges.com 03 29 24 88 69 / Fax 03 29 24 86 50 ot-vagney@wanadoo.fr - www.ot-vagney.fr 03 29 24 07 02/ Fax 03 29 24 23 16 ot.ventron@wanadoo.fr - www.ot-ventron.com 03 89 20 10 68 / Fax 03 89 23 33 91 adt@tourisme68.com - www.tourisme68.com 03 29 82 49 93 / Fax 03 29 64 09 82 tourismevosges@wanadoo.fr 03 89 77 90 34 / Fax 03 89 77 90 30 info@parc-ballons-vosges.fr www.parc-ballons-vosges.fr

Selection of road maps IGN map of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park. Scale 1: 100000 Michelin map No. 242 Alsace and Lorraine. Scale 1: 200000 Footpath maps published by the IGN and the Club Vosgien: 1: 3719 OT, 3620 ET, 3619 TO – Scale 1: 25000 Footpath maps published by the IGN and the Club Vosgien: Thann-Le Thillot-Guebwiller – Scale 1: 50000 Mountain bike topographical guides available in the Tourist Offices

How to use this guidebook Using the map opposite, locate the sites and walks described in the guidebook by referring to the numbers included in the text.

For further details on a particular point, you can consult the “practical information” section of the guidebook or ask for advice at one of the local tourist offices.

Park Centre (Maison du Parc) The Centre features 600 sq. m of exhibition space on the landscape, natural environment, heritage and activities of the Vosges mountains: learn all about the Hautes-Vosges, discover the world of the peat bog, look down on a giant model of the massif, play the part of a naturalist and learn to identify animal traces, etc.. > Maison du Parc 1 cour de l’Abbaye 68140 Munster Information: 03 89 77 90 34 E-Mail: info@parc-ballons-vosges.fr Website: www.parc-ballons-vosges.fr Guide Gallimard The official guidebook for the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park: 192 pages packed with history, natural environment, landscapes, architecture, traditions, discovery trails, hiking itineraries, practical information, etc.

The guidebook, part of the Gallimard series on Regional Nature Parks, has been compiled by 12 regional writers and photographers.

© Carthagène © MONA

Everything you always wanted to know about… the Ballons of the Vosges!

Fifteen practical lists to help you plan your holiday in the Nature Park: access, Tourist Offices and Information Centres, historical circuits, mining trails, climbing sites, hiking, “Panda” gîtes, etc.. > Available on request from the Park and on the Park’s website