How about a hike from village to village in the Ban de la Roche? Preserved and wild, the Bruche valley guarantees a change of scenery. Here's a very pleasant circular hiking trail, alternating between forests, meadows, stubble fields and lush green landscapes, linking several mountain villages and offering beautiful views of the Donon and Climont mountains.
My summary
I liked
- variety of trails
- the beautiful views
- the variety of landscapes
- the clear landscape throughout the circuit
I liked less
- steep climbs from the outset
Hiking map and GPX
The basis of this hike is this circuit proposed by Visorando. You can view the map and elevation profile, download the GPX file and the PDF file.
On the way up from Fouday!
This is my favorite spot in the Bruche Valley! This hike starts from the town hall and church (400 m) along the Solbach path ( yellow triangle markings).
Don’t worry, the tarmac soon gives way to a forest path, towards Solbach/La Perheux. On the other hand, there’s no need to warm up – it’s uphill straight away! You’ll have to expect three good climbs in succession to reach the village of Solbach (636 m) via the cemetery, after a panel presenting the history of the Ban de la Roche. A great opportunity to admire the first views!
This is followed by a good fourth ascent, but the reward comes shortly afterwards when we reach the Col de la Perheux (700 m). 😉
From Col de la Perheux to Belmont
There’s no sign to indicate that you’ve reached the Col de la Perheux. But you will see a sign reading “Ferme-auberge de la Perheux à 200 m”, a large oak tree, a bench and a crossroads that will let you guess. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a break in the thatch and contemplate the unobstructed view of the surrounding Vosges peaks, including the two Donons and Climont!
Fortunately, the route does not continue uphill, but follows a very pleasant balcony path in the direction of Belmont. It immediately crosses a majestic tree. I really enjoyed this part!
The signposting remains effective, sometimes painted on a pebble on the ground, which is very practical. We re-enter the forest. After crossing a stream, the path turns and you come across two isolated houses in Solomont on the way up. On the knoll, we continue along the path and shortly afterwards reach Belmont (730 m), again via the cemetery.
En route to Bellefosse
Belmont is the highest village in the Bruche valley. From the fountain of this charming village and the temple, we change the signposting to follow the blue cross in the direction of Bellefosse. Following the main street on the asphalt, we now head downhill towards Le Trou. After crossing a stream, the path passes another isolated house (lieu-dit Le Trou).
At the next junction, the descent to the village opposite (Freudeneck) is vertiginous. The view is breathtaking! And the countryside is lush 😉 But be careful on this gravel path! The route then takes us across the main road and on towards Bellefosse. This is a good opportunity to return to the forest, cross a stream and a beautiful little bridge, before the path rises towards Bellefosse.
The return to Fouday via Blancherupt
Just before entering Bellefosse (650 m), you’ll find picnic tables under cover on the right. Now’s the time to take a break, or even grab a bite to eat! Unless, of course, you’d prefer to stop further on at the Au ban de la roche farmhouse inn . 😉
Continuing along the main road towards Fouday (blue cross), we pass a sign indicating a municipal swimming pool. Curiously, this is an open-air swimming pool that has existed since 1936! A unique water feature at this altitude for a small commune.
After continuing straight on to the crow’s-foot and the last houses, you then have a choice at the next fork in the road: go straight on towards the path and the summit of La Boucherie, where you’ll find the stubble fields from the start of the walk, or turn right, following the blue triangle towards Blancherupt and Fouday.
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Personally, I recommend the second option. This lower path has the advantage of being sheltered from the wind, and even the sun in summer, and is more pleasant in my opinion. Well, the two paths intersect further into the forest, so don’t panic!
Then the descent to Blancherupt (535 m) and its church begins. The route veers right, still downhill, through another charming village, the smallest in Alsace (38 inhabitants)! And here too, as with the previous ones, there’s a bit of road and asphalt on the way through, but it’s all very peaceful. Then, after passing the small town hall at the bottom of the village, we come across another local curiosity: a wooden telephone booth from another era! 😊
At this point, the trail veers to the left, leading us to cross a stream, then to the right. The trail then continues uphill and downhill, with a series of bends. Shortly afterwards, you come across a pretty riding school with a riding arena. We then continue downhill to the left, before returning to Fouday and finding the town hall opposite!
