Le Valtin is a small municipality in the Hautes-Vosges, close to the Col de la Schlucht. With 74 residents recorded by Insee in 2023, it ranks among the least populated municipalities in the department. This small scale still comes with a dense natural setting: forests, rocky outcrops, and a gateway to the Hautes Chaumes.
A Village Among the Least Populated in the Vosges
According to Insee data, Le Valtin had 74 residents in 2023, with a density of 3.8 inhabitants per km². The municipality counts 123 dwellings, including 42 primary residences and 74 secondary or occasional residences: most of the homes are therefore second homes, a common pattern in the high-altitude villages of the Hautes-Vosges.
The tourist office describes Le Valtin as a village surrounded by forests and rocky outcrops, with numerous hiking trails. The municipality holds the “Station Verte” label. One point worth clarifying: Le Grand Valtin, often searched for under that name, is a place distinct from the village of Le Valtin itself.
The Col de la Schlucht
The Col de la Schlucht sits at 1,139 m, on the Route des Crêtes. It’s the highest pass in the Vosges and one of the historic routes between Lorraine and Alsace. In winter, the area offers an alpine skiing domain as well as a nordic skiing area along the Route des Crêtes.
To extend the visit, the Col de la Schlucht has its own hiking routes, accessible directly from Le Valtin.
Hiking to the Roches du Valtin
The Roches du Valtin are accessible only on foot, via a walking trail starting in the village. The site offers a panoramic view over the Meurthe valley: a short outing, requiring no special equipment, for anyone staying in the area.
Practical Information
The Le Valtin town hall is located at 33 Le Village, 88230 Le Valtin. It can be reached at 03 29 60 90 07. Access to the village is via the road running along the Valtin valley, with a direct link to the Col de la Schlucht and the Route des Crêtes. Before heading out in winter, check road conditions for this high-altitude area, which is regularly affected by snow.
Le Valtin suits a short stop rather than an extended stay: few places to stay or shop locally, but direct access to natural sites that make the detour worthwhile from Gérardmer or Le Thillot, at the other end of the massif.
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Frequently asked questions
How many people live in Le Valtin?
Insee counts 74 residents in Le Valtin in 2023. It's one of the least populated villages in the Vosges, with 123 dwellings, 42 of which are primary residences.
Are Le Valtin and Le Grand Valtin the same place?
No. Le Valtin is its own municipality. Le Grand Valtin is a distinct place, often confused with the village because of the similar name.
What can you see in Le Valtin in half a day?
The Roches du Valtin for the view over the Meurthe valley, and the Col de la Schlucht, the highest pass in the Vosges, right next to the village.