From north to south, the route takes in the Bonhomme pass, the Schlucht pass, the Hohneck massif, the Markstein, the Grand Ballon and the Vieil Armand. Enjoy the ride!
Departure from Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines
Set against the backdrop of the Vosges mountains, Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, as its name suggests, has been marked by centuries of mining. To the north, it is the starting point for the Vosges Peak Road, which criss-crosses the passes and balloons as far as Cernay.
On our return from a trip to the northern Vosges, we stayed at the small Les Reflets du Val d'Argent campsite before setting off to conquer the Vosges balloons.
Les Reflets du Val d'Argent campsite in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines 🏕
Les Reflets du Val d'Argent campsite, 20 rue d'Untergrombach Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, open from April to October - +33 (0)6 07 44 75 69.
The Bonhomme pass
The Bonhomme pass rises to an altitude of 949 metres. A strategic point between Alsace and Lorraine, it was a major battleground in the First World War, as the monuments on its summit testify.
But it's also a foretaste of the landscapes so characteristic of the Vosges, with fir forests, stubble fields, green pastures and views over the valleys.
The high-altitude lakes of the Vosges
On the way back down the pass, you'll come across a number of pretty mountain lakes, including the splendid Lac Blanc (White Lake). In summer, there are many outdoor activities around the resort.
But you can also simply walk around the lake or tackle a tough climb to admire the view.
Towards the Schlucht pass
Just a few kilometres away, in the commune of Orbey, we discover another surface: Lac Noir (Black Lake), a hydroelectric dam named after its dark hues.
This time we head for the Schlucht pass, passing through the Gazon du Faing reserve. The name refers to the peat bogs and their typical vegetation that line the summit.
Our Favourite ❤️ : Ferme Auberge Breitzhousen
On the Peak Road towards the Hohneck, you can spend the night in the car park of a typical inn. It serves specialities such as the Marcaire meal, Munster fondue and organic charcuterie.
The Hohneck, the third highest peak in the Vosges
Continuing along the Peak Road, the next climb is to the Hohneck. Reaching an altitude of almost 1,400 metres, the Hohneck is our favourite summit.
We've had the opportunity to reach it on foot during our various hikes in the Vosges. The reward every time is a breathtaking panorama!
The Markstein
Back on the road, heading for the next summit: Le Markstein. A ski area in winter, it's also a popular spot for outdoor activities in summer.
It's a great way to start the day before tackling the highest peak in the Vosges, the Grand Ballon!
The Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges
At 1,424 metres, the Grand Ballon is the roof of the Vosges. It also offers an exceptional panorama from the Observatoire Militaire, an active radar used by civil aviation.
After this loop around the summit, the last stage of this legendary route leads to Vieil Armand via the Amic pass.
Don't forget to stop off at one of the typical inns serving the traditional Marcaire meal!
What is the Marcaire meal?
A hearty menu of typical farmhouse dishes, the Marcaire meal is a well-kept tradition. The Marcaire (from the German Melker, meaning milkman) was the name given to the peasants responsible for guarding the Vosges border. The Marcaire meal was based on farm produce (Marcairie): potatoes, dairy products, bread and bacon. Today, it consists of a soup or pie from the valley, a dish of smoked pork with Bargkas potatoes and a dessert of farmhouse fromage blanc sprinkled with ‘Siesskass’ kirsch or a homemade blueberry tart.
We recommend the Auberge de Freundstein, on the road to the Amic pass, or the Auberge du Molkenrain for its cosy atmosphere after the Vieil Armand.
Hartmannswillerkopf
The Hartmannswillerkopf, also known as the Vieil Armand (old Armand), towers 956 metres above the Alsace plain on the heights of Wattwiller.
A summit fought over by the French and German armies during the First World War, it is a place of remembrance of the tragic battles that took place there.
Pauline & Simon
Cernay, back in the valley
This itinerary along the Vosges Peak Road ends in the valley at Cernay. We can recommend the Huttopia Wattwiller campsite, where we spent two nights.
It's a relatively large campsite, but its location in the heart of the forest and the quality of the services on offer make it a pleasant and relaxing place to stay.
You can even hire electric bikes and set off to conquer the summit!
Campsite Huttopia Wattwiller **** 🏕
Camping Huttopia Wattwiller Route des Crêtes, 68700 Wattwiller. Open from June to October. +33(0)3 89 75 44 94
From here, you can continue along the Alsace wine route, or go for a few hikes, rewarded by the region's gastronomic specialities!
Have a nice trip!
Pauline & Simon
