Route des Crêtes (Vosges Ridge Walk, section)

The Route des Crêtes stretches approximately 170 km along the watershed crest of the Vosges massif from Wissembourg in the north to Thann in the south; the Cernay–Thann section covered here is 15 km and represents one of the most scenic ridge traverses in the Grand Est region of France. The section begins at the Col Amic layby on the D431, a high-altitude mountain road that runs close to the French–German watershed. The path undulates between 900 m and 1,100 m across open, wind-swept ridges and mature beech woodland, accumulating around 800 m of cumulative ascent over the rolling terrain. Waymarking follows both Club Vosgien yellow rectangles and GR53 red-white stripes; signage is reliable on the main crest but less consistent on minor connecting tracks. The surface alternates between compressed peat, grassy ridge, and forest track — robust waterproof hiking boots are essential to handle the varied conditions. Exposed ridgeline sections receive full westerly exposure and conditions change rapidly regardless of the morning forecast. From the high points, views extend east across the Rhine plain to the Black Forest and west into the rolling hills of Lorraine. The Grand Ballon (1,424 m), the highest peak in the Vosges, stands as the dominant landmark to the south. The section also passes several WWI memorial sites along the crest, including small monuments and plaques commemorating the four decades during which the Franco-German frontier ran along this exact ridge. A vehicle shuttle is strongly recommended: leave one car at Thann, which has a TER train station, and drive a second to the Col Amic start. Alternatively, a taxi from Thann closes the circuit (Radio Taxis Alsace, +33 3 89 45 12 12). Two gîtes d'étapes are within 5 km of the route near Thann for walkers extending to multi-day stages of the full Route des Crêtes. Water sources are absent on the open crest; all water for the day (2–3 litres) must be carried from the start. The IGN maps needed are 3620OT and 3720OT. No permit is required. The full Route des Crêtes forms part of the European long-distance E5 walking route.