The Saint-Martin valley

Brittany is not the only region in France that is a land of legends. The Saint-Martin valley in the Vosges also promises beautiful surprises. On the valley path, fairies, druids, and mysterious caves testify through the old stones.

Departure: The Void d'Escles - rue de la féculerie.

Take the path to the right and enter the woods. The path, quite narrow, goes up the valley of the Madon, which springs from about 3km away.
About 300 meters to your right, the ruins of the old Berqueney mill, below, remain little visible.

You arrive at the heart of the valley where you find the sculpted stones of the "Pierre Avenir" association that bring a very particular atmosphere to the place. Further upstream, in front of you, rises the plateau of Châtelet. Cross the Madon on the small footbridge, then to your right, go up the steep slope by the Roche aux Chevaux to reach this site (marked secondary route with a cross). Then climb to the medieval motte castrale and then descend through the castle's "basse cour," being careful of the steep descent and the cliff of the Pierre aux Chevaux. Back on the main route, continue your journey by climbing the narrow valley of the Madon.
Approximately 400 meters away, an old millstone quarry. Continuing on the path, you reach a large square, cross the small barrier in front of you, and a few dozen meters beyond, discover the Chapelle Saint Martin. On your left, the Saint-Martin cave still keeps its mysteries.
At 500 meters, after a serious climb, cross the Madon on the small footbridge located to your right. Immediately to your right, you can visit the arboretum of Escles. On the plateau, other remnants of quarries, long considered an amphitheater, were uncovered in 2000.
Continue along the marked circuit and at 500 meters, you will discover the Cuveau des Fées on your right. Descending towards the chapel (be careful of the rocky overhangs), you pass by the Sainte Claire fountain. You then return to the large square. For the return, climb the rural path No. 8 known as Saint-Martin. Pass near the stele in memory of Léon Ruaux, a former resident of Escles who frequented this place a lot.

Marking: yellow circle