A couple hiking on the Ballon de Servance - The 1000 Lakes Region - Southern Vosges — ©Hiking in the Ballon de Servance|Etienne Kopp Photographie

Our suggestions Tours in the Southern Vosges

With its incredible diversity of landscapes, the Vosges du Sud is an ideal playground for hiking enthusiasts. With every step you take, you’ll discover new and unsuspected natural and heritage treasures. While the Plateau des 1000 Étangs and the GR59 are not to be missed, there are many other signposted routes to explore the area. To give you an idea, here is a selection of routes to explore in the Vosges du Sud.

The two chapels tour

Follow in the footsteps of Saint Columban with this hike of almost nine kilometres to discover two emblematic chapels, while soaking up the local history. This trail allows you to follow in the footsteps of Saint Columban, the Irish monk who founded the abbey at Luxeuil-les-Bains. The route starts at the Saint-Roch chapel, dedicated to the plague victims. A steep path then takes you into the forest. After a short climb, take a break at the Etang d’Épée, a peaceful place to recharge your batteries. Continue on to the Saint-Colomban chapel, where you can admire the Breuchin valley and discover the cave where the monk used to retreat to pray. Return via the Chemin des Moines.

Length: 9km. Difference in altitude: 190m. Medium difficulty. Start and finish at Sainte-Marie-en-Chanois.

Discover

Our recommendation

If you’re not sure which circuit to choose, we recommend Le Frais Puits or L’Eau et la Pierre:

Le Frais Puits: near Vesoul, in dry weather, a rushing two-kilometre stream turns into a natural circuit for riders looking to test their technical skills!
Red circuit: 24km, 181m ascent, 1h35min.

Water and stone: challenging climbs and descents through woodland with the magnificent Vésul plateau as a backdrop.
Black circuit: 57km, 825m ascent, 3hrs 30mins

The circuit De Béviau

Leaving from Saint-Bresson, the Béviau trail takes you through unspoilt, wild countryside. This 12-kilometre walk takes you through a number of hamlets to discover typical farmhouses, as well as religious and historic buildings. The first part of the route is uphill on a shady path, offering a gentle ascent. Once you reach the plateau, you’ll be able to see a succession of ponds. The last hamlet, Béviau, gives the route its name. After a seven-kilometre walk, there’s a pleasant descent to relax your legs before returning to Saint-Bresson. This route is ideal for enjoying panoramic views over the surrounding fields and hills. Don’t forget to visit the village church at the end of your walk!

Length: 12 km. Difference in altitude 320 m. Moderate. Start and finish at Saint-Bresson church.

Discover

The Ranch Circuit

A lovely walk, urban at its extremities, begins in Héricourt, along the Lizaine. The course of the river is soon abandoned and you head for the Bois des Épenottes, the viaduct and the small stream of the same name below. After climbing to the top of a small hill, you reach the Bois du Roi. Along the way, the “ranch” is revealed, with its herd of free-ranging deer and the grotto of Aunt Arie, a reminder of Countess Henriette de Montbéliard. After a short descent, you reach Vyans-le-Val, with its temple and fountain-washhouse. The route then goes deeper into the undergrowth, as the slope rises imperceptibly and we cross the border into the Doubs. The Doubs escapade is short-lived: at Tavey, we return to the Haute-Saône, the route having crossed the Rhine-Rhône LGV line at the impressive Épenottes viaduct.

Length: 14 km. Difference in altitude 300 m. Moderate. Start and finish: Héricourt town hall.

Discover

The Reigne trail

The Reigne trail invites you to explore the cultural and natural heritage of the Magny-Vernois commune, in particular the Reigne resurgence and its exceptional colours. In summer, its turquoise waters sparkle in the sunshine, while on overcast days they take on a more mysterious hue. A real feast for the eyes of photographers, who also appreciate this spot for its wealth of flora and fauna, where swans and dragonflies live side by side.

The route winds through the woods alongside the river. A soothing tranquillity reigns, disturbed only by the songs of the birds. After this bucolic escape, you return along the Voie Verte de la Vallée de l’Ognon. A change of scenery guaranteed! The route is simple, with no changes in altitude, making it accessible to as many people as possible. It is punctuated by reading tables to help you better understand the environment and the history of the area.

Length: 5km. Height difference: 14m. Easy walk. Start and finish at the leisure zone car park.

Discover

Resurgence of the Reigne with mysterious colours in the middle of the forest - Vosges du Sud — ©Sentier de la Reigne

Des Monts Durand At Les Pierres-de-Roûge

In spring, Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert puts on a breathtaking floral display, with millions of white cherry blossom flowers gracing the landscape. But there are other wonders in store for curious hikers. Along the paths you’ll find crystal-clear streams, orchards, calvaries and typical farmhouses, testimony to the rich built heritage preserved in the valleys and plateaux of the Pays de la Vôge. The Pierres-de-Roûge path is lined with imposing blocks of purplish sandstone. It’s a bucolic and relaxing walk for nature and heritage lovers.

Length: 12km. Difference in altitude: 320m. Medium difficulty. Start and finish at Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert.

Discover

The La Planche des Belles Filles

Aerial view of La Planche des Belles Filles - Vosges du Sud — ©La Planche des Belles Filles |Eric Marguet

The La Planche des Belles Filles interpretation trail is accessible to all, ideal for a summer walk or a winter snowshoe hike. Discover an itinerary embellished with interpretation tables and animal sculptures hidden in the trees. Sighting posts have been installed along the way to help you spot these works of art. There are steep and rocky sections, where the use of sticks may prove useful. By following this trail, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the Southern Vosges and the first reliefs of the Vosges Massif.

Length: 3.75km. Difference in altitude: 274m. Medium difficulty. Start and finish at the resort ticket office.

Discover

The art trail From La Redoute

Discover an accessible and pleasant path in Plancher-Bas, perfect for a walk combining art and nature. The trail is dotted with a variety of works of art, from sculptures and musical creations to photos and street art. Make sure you don’t miss a work along the way. These include “Genesis”, “Animals”, “Seed of Love” and “Tornado”. Musical creations by Pihpoh, Bertrand Blessing, Jan Vanek and Ad’line are also present, accessible via QR codes for an immersive sound experience. Other installations such as “Pierres qui dansent”, “Terrorista Flower”, “Flore”, “Histoire en 3 Chapitres”, “Res’pire” and “Couple” add a touch of originality to your stroll. Just reading these titles will arouse your curiosity and make you want to explore this artistic trail.

Length: 6.5km. Difference in height: 117m. Easy walk. Start and finish at Plancher-Bas town hall.

Discover

All signposted routes

Find all the routes in Haute-Saône on the dedicated page. There are around a hundred signposted routes throughout the region!
All you have to do is choose…

Hiking