Trekking in the Vosges and Jura CICERONE

Trekking in the Vosges and Jura

The GR5 and other walks and treks by Les Smith, Elizabeth Smith

The guidebook describes a long-distance route (672km, 418 miles) through the Vosges and Jura ranges on the eastern French border, much of it along the GR5/GR53 footpaths. The guidebook has suggestions for circular walks along the GR5, shorter walks throughout the region and alternative long-distance routes.

This is a practical guidebook to the trekking possibilities in the Vosges and French Jura mountains. These mountains, which contain three regional parks and contrasting landscapes and wildlife habitats, are of a relatively moderate height, and have a well-developed network of waymarked paths that provide a wealth of opportunities for the walker. The book will be useful to anyone who plans to explore this lesser-known corner of France on foot, whether by means of short excursions or longer trails.

The main part of the guide describes a continuous long-distance route (672km, 418 miles) which traverses the Vosges and Jura ranges from the German border in the north to Lake Geneva in the south, much of it along the GR5 footpath. Walking the entire route is a significant undertaking, amply rewarded by the diversity of landscapes and villages encountered along the way.

The guide has suggestions for circular walks using selected sections of the GR5, ideas for shorter walks from centres throughout the region, and information on alternative long-distance routes. The background section, written with the walker in mind, covers the history, wildlife and landscape of the region.

 

Map Key
Summary Map of the GR5/GR53 Long Distance Route
Summary Route Profile of the GR5/GR53 Long Distance Route
Summary Map of Other Walks in the Vosges
Summary Map of Other Walks in the Jura

INTRODUCTION
Why visit the Vosges and Jura?
Landscape
History
Wildlife
How to Use this Guide 
When to Visit
Location
Access
Local Transport
Accommodation
Camping
Food and Drink
What to Take
Maps
GR System and Waymarking
Safety and Health
Language
Money
Telephones

THE GR5/GR53 LONG DISTANCE ROUTE
Section 1 GR53 Wissembourg to Niederbronn-les-Bains
Section 2 GR53 Niederbronn-les-Bains to Saverne
Section 3 GR53 Saverne to Schirmeck
Section 4 GR5 Schirmeck to Ribeauvillé
Section 5 GR5 Ribeauvillé to Mittlach
Section 6 GR5 Mittlach to Thann
Section 7 GR5 Thann to Héricourt
Section 8 GR5 Héricourt to St-Hippolyte
Section 9 GR5 St-Hippolyte to Villers-le-Lac
Section 10 GR5 Villers-le-Lac to Mouthe
Section 11 GR5 Mouthe to Nyon

SHORT WALKS ALONG THE GR5/GR53

 

OTHER WALKS IN THE VOSGES
Long Distance Routes in the Vosges
Short Walks in the Vosges

 

OTHER WALKS IN THE JURA
Long Distance Routes in the Jura
Short Walks in the Jura

 

APPENDIX: Contact details