Micro-adventure - Escape along the water, the hidden pearls of Vologne

A 4-day micro-adventure on the GRP® of the Tour de la Vologne!

This micro-adventure will take you through a wonderful diversity of natural environments, landscapes, atmospheres and villages with timeless charm, at the rhythm of the itinerary. Along the way: the Tour de l'Avison, the Henri Mathieu museum, the Romanesque church of Champ-le-Duc, the garden of Berchigranges, the geological curiosity of Champ de Roches, the lakes of Gérardmer and Longemer.

Travel diary:
1) Bruyères – Barbey-Seroux (20,7 km)
2) Barbey-Seroux - Xonrupt -Longemer (15,1 km)
3) Xonrupt-Longemer - Granges-Aumontzey (20 km)
4) Granges Aumontzey - Bruyères (22,7 km)

Embark on a 4-day micro-adventure in the heart of the Vosges, amidst deep forests, rocky outcrops, mountain lakes, and picturesque villages. From Bruyères, the GRP® Tour de la Vologne guides you to the rhythm of the water, from the raging rivers to the peaceful banks of Longemer and Gérardmer.
Each stage offers its share of discoveries: magnificent panoramas, little-known heritage, remarkable gardens, mysterious rocks, and historical tales. A revitalizing itinerary, ideal for escaping for a few days, walking lightly, and reconnecting with nature.

Your adventure will begin in the heart of the town of Bruyères. Take the time to stroll through its streets and climb the Avison Tower to enjoy breathtaking views of the Vosges foothills. Did you know that Bruyères is twinned with Honolulu? This unexpected connection originates from the liberation of the town by American soldiers of Japanese origin during World War II. A memorial site, called the Glade of Remembrance, pays tribute to them.
You will then resume your journey, and your steps will quickly lead you to Granges-Aumontzey, crossing forests and picturesque villages. Before arriving there, you will pass by Aumontzey, where the Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire chapel is worth a stop. With its oriental-inspired architecture, this chapel, commissioned by the owners of the local factories, was not only used for prayer: the room beneath the building hosted plays for young people, and its astonishing false bell tower served as a water tower.
The rest of your stage will immerse you in varied and enchanting atmospheres: forest paths, crossing the Corbeline River which offers a setting mixing undergrowth and watercourses. You can also enjoy a more open view with a 20-minute round trip detour to the Giropaire lookout. Further on, after the Giropaire junction, you will discover the Oron pond and its peat bog, the end point of this stage before returning to your accommodation.

The second day will be all about rocks! As you continue your journey, you'll discover the Champ de Roches, a curious rocky chaos. This pile of stones reveals itself where you least expect it.
Continuing your path sheltered by the conifers, you will arrive at the Roche du Corbeau then the Pont des Fées, enough to inspire many stories to tell after your hike! Then climb back up the ridge to the Roche des Bruyères then the Roche du Page to admire the view of Gérardmer and Xonrupt-Longemer. This is where your itinerary for the day on the GR® de Pays ends. To reach the center of Xonrupt-Longemer or continue to the lake, take the alternative route off the GR® de Pays described in the guidebook (p. 105). From the Roche du Page, take the Impasse de la Roche du Page until you find the Route de la Roche du Page. Turn left, follow this road to the Route des Fiés, then continue straight on to the D417. All that's left for you to do is stroll through the village or continue peacefully to the banks of Lake Longemer, the perfect way to end this beautiful day in a peaceful and magnificent setting.

The third day will take you to discover the town of Gérardmer and its famous lake, the largest natural lake in the Vosges.
Before that, your path will take you along the Vologne, through the forest, to the Saut des Cuves site, where the river tumbles between imposing granite blocks, offering a striking spectacle. Your route will then take you to Gérardmer: take the time to discover the "Pearl of the Vosges" and enjoy its unique atmosphere!
From there, you will gradually leave the Valley of Lakes by following the watercourse. You will reach Kichompré and its church, before following the left bank of the river, crossing the Kertoff Strict Biological Reserve. You will then arrive in the eponymous hamlet, marked by the remains of the old paper mill and, around it, several testimonies of the industrial past of the territory: sawmills, granite quarries and old railways.
Your progress will be mainly in the shade of the large conifers, before gently descending towards the Vosges foothills along forest paths and tracks.

The last day of your adventure, and not the least, will start with a bang!
For botany lovers, the trail has some wonderful surprises in store, including remarkable trees and, above all, the discovery of the magnificent Berchigranges garden. Perched at an altitude of 650 meters, it can be visited from April to September.
After this botanical interlude, head to Spiémont and the Laleu forest for a journey through time: there you will discover the mysterious Sacrifice Stones, Celtic remains decorated with cupules. After Champdray, a short detour to the summit of the Spiémont pass will offer you a superb view of the region.
You will then walk along the passes in the heart of the Vosges foothills. Arriving at the Col de la Vierge, you will leave the GR® de Pays markings to follow the marked connection of the Club Vosgien, the red triangle, towards Bruyères. This route will take you to discover the beautiful Vologne Valley.
Before continuing, take the time to make a detour to the Hermit's Rock. Often called a "cave," this impressive pile of rocks forms a unique natural shelter. According to legend, a hermit lived here around 1775 and walked barefoot every Sunday to the Notre-Dame de Champ-le-Duc church.
Continuing on your way, stop at the same Romanesque church of Champ-le-Duc, the oldest in the Bruyères provostship and one of the most beautiful in the Vosges. It will be time to get back on the road: you will pass under the railway, take the rue de la Lizerne, cross the D423 (caution: busy road!) then follow an old railway line. You will then be only 2km from Bruyères… and the end of your wonderful adventure!