5 days and 4 nights
2 persons
Moderate
Explore the new GR de Pays® hiking trail in the Vosges Mosellanes at your leisure, and let yourself be swept away by the fantastical imagination of these two 19th-century writers.
Both friends and natives of Lorraine, they drew inspiration from the surrounding nature and its deep forests to write their fantasy tales and other popular local stories.
All you have to do is enjoy daydreaming in the footsteps of the illustrious Doctor Mathéus, the connoisseur of the Woods (a character from one of their stories), admire the unique landscapes of legendary rocks, caves, lakes, and historical ruins, and experience the picturesque Dabo rock!
There are few accommodations along this route, so please check with us first before placing your order on the website, providing your dates and the number of hikers.
This itinerary—ideal from March to November—can be enjoyed at your own pace, on the dates of your choice, and without a guide (unless specifically requested).
Today you will discover the Eclusiers Valley, the Calice Rock with its mysterious arch, the spring, and St. Fridolin Chapel. From the Falkenstein promontory, you can admire the view of the Zorn Valley. The spectacular rocks, carved out by erosion, and the nearby inclined plane at Saint-Louis/Arzviller (boat lift) will allow you to meet cyclists, walkers, and boatmen from all over the world along the Marne-Rhine Canal. You will even go through a tunnel before climbing up to Haselbourg, which offers a beautiful view of tomorrow's stage!
Today is a short day, allowing you to enjoy the deciduous and spruce forests—so dear to Erckmann Chatrian—and reach your spectacular evening stop in the mountain village of Dabo.
Visit the famous St. Léon Chapel on the rock of Dabo (admission included) and admire the 360° view around the orientation tables.
Not far from there, in 2024, the famous Golden Owl from the treasure hunt, coveted for 30 years, was found!
Depending on the dates, your accommodation may still be a 2-3 km walk away.
After a rendezvous with the history of Franco-German reconciliation in the forest, at the Jaegerhof forest house.
Enter the St. Leon cave, the deepest in the Vosges Mountains (33 m).
You will then pass by an ancient Gallo-Roman cemetery, followed by a downhill stretch that will take you to the pretty village of Walscheid and its pond (swimming possible).
You will stay in the surrounding area after a short transfer by car (included).
On your way, in Abreschviller, you will pass through the hamlet of Grand Soldat, where Alexandre Chatrian's birthplace is located (closed).
Still surrounded by the cool, dense forests of Lorraine, you will then reach the Devil's Rock, with its view from the kiosk at the summit.
You will pass through an old 18th-century glassworks site with its church and the residence of the master glassmakers.
A beautiful final climb awaits you at Croix Guillaume before descending to St Quirin, a village listed as one of the "most beautiful villages in France."
Visit its priory church with its Silbermann organ.
The miraculous spring, with its crystal-clear water, marks the end of your journey in the footsteps of the two Lorraine writers Erckmann and Chatrian.
Transfer to Graufthal or Saverne or Sarrebourg train station (included).
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation 30 days before the activity (except €40 handling fee)
Member Since 2024
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