La Roche du Diable is a rocky outcrop at around 1,000 m altitude on the D417 between Xonrupt-Longemer and the Col de la Schlucht. It offers a plunging view over the lake valley and the Haute Vologne river. A few minutes on foot from the roadside. From La Bresse: 35 minutes via Gérardmer.
The site and the panorama
La Roche du Diable is a pink sandstone promontory overlooking the Haute Vologne valley, commonly called the “lake valley” because of the three glacially formed lakes it contains. From the viewpoint, you look straight down to Lac de Retournemer, 100 metres below at 780 m altitude. Further down the valley, Lac de Longemer stretches out at 732 m. On a clear day, the ridges of the Hohneck and the Tanet close the horizon to the north-west.
The rock is pierced by a tunnel bored directly through the pink sandstone between 1858 and 1869, when Napoleon III ordered the construction of the imperial road linking Gérardmer to Munster. Passing through this narrow tunnel before stepping out to a sudden open view over the valley is one of the most striking moments on the road across the Vosges.
The setting is forested and cool even in summer, thanks to the altitude. The contrast between the tunnel’s darkness and the light that opens onto the valley makes this one of the most memorable stops on the Vosges route.
The Devil’s legend
Local Vosges tradition holds that the Devil occupied the top of this rocky pinnacle and used it to host the witches of the surrounding villages for their night-time gatherings. The festivities took place where Lac de Retournemer now lies, a glacial lake formed much later by retreating glaciers at the end of the last ice age.
The tunnel bored through the rock only deepened the site’s mysterious reputation: valley dwellers saw in this man-made passage yet another trick of the Evil One, who was said to have cut the tunnel himself to ease his comings and goings.
Getting there and practical information
From La Bresse (about 35 minutes): head towards Cornimont, then Gérardmer via the D486. At Gérardmer, take the D417 towards Xonrupt-Longemer, then continue climbing towards the Col de la Schlucht. La Roche du Diable is signposted on the right, halfway between Xonrupt-Longemer and the pass.
From Gérardmer (about 15 minutes): follow the D417 towards Xonrupt-Longemer, pass through the village, and continue climbing towards the Col de la Schlucht.
Parking: a handful of roadside spaces on the D417 at the site. Very limited capacity. In high season (July-August), arrive before 9 am or after 5 pm.
Access: free and open all year. In winter the road above Xonrupt-Longemer can be snowy and the viewpoint itself icy: take care. Winter tyres or chains may be needed.
Duration: 5 to 10 minutes to reach the viewpoint, 20 to 30 minutes for the short loop (tunnel included). The long loop with two waterfalls takes 3 to 4 hours and requires proper hiking footwear.
Short loop difficulty: easy, family-friendly from age 5-6.
Long loop difficulty: difficult, 294 m elevation gain, steep sections, not suitable for young children.
What to combine it with
The site works well as part of a half-day outing with nearby stops:
Saut des Cuves (8 km below): descending back towards Gérardmer on the D417, the Saut des Cuves is a natural next stop. The Vologne tumbles over granite boulders in a forest setting; free access.
Lac de Longemer (6 km): at the foot of the climb, Lac de Longemer offers a beach and summer swimming in one of the Vosges’ most picturesque settings.
Sentier des Roches (Alsace side): fans of rocky viewpoints will also enjoy the Sentier des Roches on the other side of the massif, with views over the Alsatian plain.
Col de la Schlucht and the Hohneck: continuing up the D417, you reach the routes to the Hohneck and the Tanet-Gazon du Faing nature reserve.
Chalets in La Bresse: our La Bresse chalets put you at the heart of the Hautes-Vosges, within easy reach of La Roche du Diable, the lakes and the Col de la Schlucht.
Practical notes before you go
- Free access, no tickets required
- No facilities on site (no toilets, no catering)
- The nearest café-restaurant is in Xonrupt-Longemer, about 6 km away
- Dogs welcome on a lead
- For the best light on the lakes below, aim for early morning or late afternoon
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach the Roche du Diable viewpoint?
The viewpoint is a 5 to 10-minute walk from the roadside. The short loop around the rock, through the tunnel and to the viewpoint, takes 20 to 30 minutes. The longer loop with two waterfalls takes 3 to 4 hours.
How difficult is the hike?
The short walk to the viewpoint is easy and suitable for families with children aged 5 and over. The long loop is rated difficult, with steep sections, and is not suitable for young children.
Where do I park for the Roche du Diable?
There are a few roadside parking spots on the D417 halfway between Xonrupt-Longemer and the Col de la Schlucht. Spaces are limited: arrive early in the morning during the summer season. From La Bresse, allow about 35 minutes via Cornimont and Gérardmer.
Is the Roche du Diable suitable for children?
Yes, for the short walk to the viewpoint. The path from the road is brief and not hazardous for children who can walk confidently. Avoid the long loop with very young children.
What is the legend of the Roche du Diable?
According to local Vosges tradition, the Devil himself sat atop this pink sandstone rock and received witches for their night-time gatherings. The festivities took place where Lac de Retournemer now lies. The 19th-century tunnel bored through the rock only added to the site's mysterious reputation.
What can you see from the viewpoint?
The viewpoint looks straight down over the Haute Vologne valley. Lac de Retournemer sits about 100 metres below at 780 m altitude. Lac de Longemer stretches further down the valley at 732 m. The Vosges summits (Hohneck, Tanet) close the horizon to the north-west.