Hiking without a car : the true luxury of a holiday
No keys to find, no parking to locate, no shuttle to organise. Setting off on a hike directly from your accommodation door at La Bresse is a freedom that gets forgotten when you are used to driving everywhere.
La Bresse village sits at the heart of an exceptional waymarked path network. Several loops leave the centre and return to it without detours : you can leave the car keys in your pocket and focus on what matters.
Vosges waymarking : understanding the signs
The Club Vosgien has maintained a waymarked path network in the Hautes-Vosges for over 130 years. The colour code is simple :
- Red and white rectangle : GR (grande randonnée, long-distance route)
- Yellow rectangle : linking path or local circuit
- Yellow dot : variant or short loop
- Yellow cross : end of waymarked path (do not continue)
At La Bresse, paths cross at several points in the village. Look out for directional signposts at junctions : they show the path name, destination and estimated walking time.
5 loops from La Bresse village centre
1. The Lac des Corbeaux loop (4h, moderate)
Start : La Bresse centre (church car park or main square) Distance : 14 km Elevation : 350 m
This classic loop climbs gradually to the Lac des Corbeaux, circuits the lake (45 min) and returns via a ridge path offering fine views over the valley. The lake is a perfect goal for a summer swim break. Well waymarked throughout.
2. The Hohneck ascent (6h, sporty)
Start : La Bresse centre Distance : 20 km Elevation : 680 m
The long hike from the village to the third highest summit in the Vosges (1,363 m). The ascent is gradual, the scenery transforms as altitude increases. At the summit : a restaurant and an orientation table. Descend by a different slope to vary the experience. Recommended as a full-day outing.
3. The Waterfalls loop (2h, easy)
Start : La Bresse centre Distance : 7 km Elevation : 150 m
A gentle loop following the Moselotte and passing several small waterfalls. Suitable for children and less sporty walkers. The river offers beautiful rest spots, and beech forests filter the summer light pleasantly.
4. The Tanet via the moorlands (4h30, moderate)
Start : La Bresse centre (or northern edge of the village) Distance : 16 km Elevation : 450 m
This loop crosses the calluna moorlands covering the slopes above La Bresse. In July-August, the pink heather provides a striking visual spectacle. The Tanet rock offers a circular panorama over the Vosges.
5. The Moselotte riverside walk (1h, very easy)
Start : La Bresse centre Distance : 4 km return Elevation : virtually flat
For lazy days or families with young children. The path follows the Moselotte on the valley floor, flat and shaded. You pass wooden bridges, picnic spots and sometimes fishermen. A perfect start or end to the day.
Preparing your hike : the checklist
Essential kit :
- Waterproof walking shoes (even in summer)
- Waterproof jacket (altitude storms arrive quickly)
- Water (at least 1.5 litres per person)
- Packed lunch and energy snacks
- Sun cream and a hat
- Paper map or GPX track downloaded offline
Check before you leave :
- Weather at planned altitude (not just in the valley)
- Estimated return time before dark (mountain sunset)
- Path condition after recent rain (some become slippery)
Resources for planning your walks
- La Bresse Hohneck Tourist Office : free paper maps, personal advice
- IGN Géoportail : 1:25,000 maps viewable free online
- Visorando : walk files with downloadable GPX tracks
- IGN map 3619 OT (La Bresse, Gérardmer) : the paper reference for the area
Frequently asked questions
Can you really hike without a car from La Bresse ?
Absolutely. La Bresse village is an ideal starting point for many waymarked hikes. Several loops leave directly from the village centre and return to it on foot without needing a shuttle.
What difficulty levels are available on walks from La Bresse ?
There is a very wide range : from an easy one-hour family stroll to a challenging 6-hour hike to the Hohneck. The terrain is well waymarked and paths are maintained by Club Vosgien volunteers.
Are the paths well marked at La Bresse ?
Yes, La Bresse sits at the heart of a waymarked path network maintained by the Club Vosgien. Red and white rectangles (GR long-distance routes), yellow rectangles (local paths) and dots (variants) make navigation straightforward.
Are there pushchair-friendly paths at La Bresse ?
The Moselotte riverbank in the valley bottom has some sections that are manageable with an all-terrain pushchair. Most mountain paths remain difficult for standard pushchairs.
Where can I download maps of La Bresse hiking routes ?
GPX tracks and maps are available on the La Bresse Hohneck Tourist Office website, on Visorando and on CommeUnLocal. The IGN map 3619 OT covers the area.