Micro-adventure: the wild escape between mystical forests and hidden heritages

This micro-adventure takes you to the heart of the forests, starting from the town of Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, the French capital of geography. This wild part of the massif runs along the Meurthe River Valley through the heights and allows you to discover a territory marked by a strong historical heritage, surprising panoramas, and timeless charming villages.
On the way: rocky promontories with breathtaking views, exciting heritage sites (abbeys, the necropolis of Fontenelle), the Callunes Gardens, and the Cascade des Molières.
Towns traversed: Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, Saint-Michel-sur-Meurthe, Nompatelize, Saint-Rémy, Etival-Clairefontaine, Moyenmoutier, Ban-de-Sapt, Saint-Jean-d'Ormont.
Step 1: here you are at the beginning of your adventure! Departing from Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, after discovering the Cathedral Ensemble, the murals that crisscross the city, or the banks of the Meurthe, you will quickly gain elevation by following the yellow and red markers. You will hike through the Massif de la Madeleine and discover impressive rocks in a preserved natural setting. From the Chaise du Roi to the Roche de la Biche, passing through the Roches de Bihay, you will have a beautiful view of the landscapes that will punctuate your itinerary. The panoramas of Saint-Dié-des-Vosges will unfold along the paragliding take-off track or from more natural promontories that are the rocks.
As you walk towards the col des Quatre Chemins, tranquility will take over the sounds of the city. From forests populated with conifers to those filled with broadleaf trees, there is something for everyone!
At the end of the route, you will discover the Petit and Grand Jumeau, two curious peaks well-known in Déodatie. A slight detour at the summit will allow you to take in the breathtaking views. Take your time, breathe, and contemplate!
Then you will descend to reach the end of your stage and find your accommodation.
Remarkable points of interest:
¿ In Saint-Dié-des-Vosges: Ensemble Cathedral in pink sandstone, Saint-Martin Church, Liberty Tower, Le Corbusier Green Factory, Pierre-Noël Museum, Trainland Museum, urban route of mural paintings, Thiers street, fountains, and small heritage, sports and recreational activities.
¿ On the way or nearby: Massif de la Madeleine, Roches du Bihay (viewpoint), Roche de la Biche, Roche des Fossés, Roche des Hauts-Champs, the Petit and Grand Jumeaux.
Step 2: From Saint-Michel-sur-Meurthe to Etival-Clairefontaine
On the way to Etival-Clairefontaine! You will gradually leave Saint-Michel-sur-Meurthe behind to embark on a network of small paths, offering beautiful perspectives on the surrounding countryside. In Nompatelize, take the time to admire its pretty church before continuing. You will reach Beaulieu, a charming hamlet, where the forest will open up to the quiet pond of Beaulieu Park that you will circle via a path lined with vegetation.
On the way to the Repy slope, be careful: do not cross the barrier but rather follow the yellow ring marking of the Club Vosgien on the right, which will lead you to the center of Etival-Clairefontaine. Before arriving, you will cross a few forest passages in a serene atmosphere. Upon arrival, you will discover the beautiful Saint-Pierre Abbey, nicknamed “Etival la romaine,” which overlooks the banks of the Valdange. This will be an opportunity to take a break and have a meal.
The scenery of the day alternates between open meadows and shaded undergrowth. Throughout this stage, enjoy the calm, admire the nature that gradually reveals itself, and let yourself be lulled by the song of the birds to fully savor this timeless break.
Remarkable points of interest:
¿ In Etival-Clairefontaine: Saint-Pierre Abbey of Étival, Clairefontaine Paper Factory, Etival Farm-Museum and small heritage.
¿ On the way or nearby: Church of Nompatelize, Beaulieu Park, and small heritage.
Step 3: From Etival-Clairefontaine to Ban-de-Sapt:
After your night in the heart of the paper town, you will resume your journey towards Ban-de-Sapt from the cemetery parking in Étival, following the yellow cross markers of the Club Vosgien. The abbey will accompany you for a while with its majestic silhouette. You will cross four charming red bridges over the Valdange before crossing the railway. At the house adorned with lion heads, turn right: after a few houses and a level crossing, the town will slowly disappear behind you, giving way to a cocoon of forest and moss, where a gentle serenity reigns.
In the heart of these woods, the chapel of the Virgin of Graces will offer you a peaceful place for a contemplative pause. The path then alternates between shaded undergrowth and openings onto the plain, revealing beautiful viewpoints. At the intersection with the road to Moyenmoutier, a tree adorned with markers will indicate that you follow the blue diamond, your new guide. This variant will lead you to the national necropolis of La Fontenelle, a significant memorial site of the Great War, with a route offering a remarkable panorama of the Hure valley. Take the time to absorb the history before continuing to Ban-de-Sapt, a picturesque little village with hamlets and farms typically Vosgien. To conclude this stage beautifully, do not miss the visit to the Callunes Gardens. This true haven of peace, set in an old quarry, will offer you a festival of colors and scents throughout the seasons. An ideal floral interlude to end the day gently.

Remarkable points of interest:
¿ In Ban de Sapt: National necropolis of La Fontenelle, Callunes Gardens, church, and small heritage.
¿ On the way or nearby: The Chapel of the Virgin of Graces, Abbey Saint-Hydulphe of Moyenmoutier (round trip about 4 km).
Step 4: From Ban-de-Sapt to St Dié-des-Vosges:
Last day, last effort! Starting from the center of Ban-de-Sapt, you will first follow the yellow triangle markers, then the yellow rectangle marked with white. You will wander in the Hure Valley and then arrive by a small path that descends through the woods to Saint-Jean-d’Ormont. Here, the church dominates the village and the valley from the top of its promontory.
You will then continue your route to join the trail of the GR® de Pays, at the col des Raids. For the more daring, don’t miss making a detour to the Celtic Camp of La Bure (less than 10 km round trip), where the remnants of a Celtic oppidum extend over 3 hectares and offer breathtaking views of the Meurthe valley…
As you descend towards Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, a stop at the Cascade des Molières will offer you refreshment and tranquility. This small artificial waterfall flows peacefully in an idyllic setting. A gazebo recalls the strolls of bygone days of the Déodate bourgeoisie and invites lingering. By the way, why not indulge in the temptation of a little break after all these days of walking? After all, you only have 7.4 kilometers left before completing your journey on the North loop of the GR® de Pays of Déodatie.

Remarkable points of interest:
¿ In Ban-de-Sapt: National necropolis of La Fontenelle, Callunes Gardens, church, and small heritage.
¿ On the way and nearby: Saint-Jean-d’Ormont (church and small heritage), Celtic camp of La Bure (less than 10 km round trip from col des Raids), waterfall and gazebo of Molières.
¿ In Saint-Dié-des-Vosges: Ensemble Cathedral in pink sandstone, Liberty Tower, Le Corbusier Green Factory, Pierre-Noël Museum, Trainland Museum, urban route of mural paintings, Thiers street, fountains, and small heritage, sports and recreational activities.