Roche Mère Henry and Roche d’Anozel are two sandstone promontories in the Hautes-Vosges, quieter than the massif’s more famous viewpoints. The first overlooks Senones at 666 metres and still bears traces of a First World War front line. The second rises to 761 metres above Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, at the top of the wooded Kemberg massif. Here is what the official sources say about access, history and the view from each site.
Roche Mère Henry, a viewpoint and memorial trail in Senones
According to the Tourisme Vosges listing, Roche Mère Henry is a sandstone promontory rising to 666 metres, with a view over Senones and the surrounding Vosges peaks. Two neighbouring outcrops, Haute-Pierre (575 m) and Roche Lanceux (640 m), complete this small group of rocky sites above the town.
The rock is more than a viewpoint. The Vosges Portes d’Alsace tourist office has waymarked a “sentier de mémoire de la Roche Mère Henry” (Roche Mère Henry memorial trail), which retraces an episode from the 1914-18 war. The site once held the positions of two opposing camps, separated by a no man’s land. The route passes German shelters, a French bunker, trenches, sap entrances and a temporary cemetery with a monument by sculptor Sartorio. The tourist office notes that guided tours are available by appointment, and that a PDF guide is available for a self-guided visit.
Access to the site is free and open all year, according to the Tourisme Vosges listing. Pets are allowed, and coach parking is provided, which points to a site designed for groups and school outings too. For logistics and guided tours, the Vosges Portes d’Alsace tourist office can be reached on 03 29 42 22 22.
Roche d’Anozel, the highest point of the Kemberg massif
The Kemberg massif lies between Saulcy-sur-Meurthe and Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, right on the edge of town. The Massif des Vosges Tourisme listing describes it as a sandstone forest area, where several rocks carry a name: roche Saint-Martin, roche du Kiosque, roche de l’Enclume, and the highest point, Roche d’Anozel, at 761 metres.
The same source notes that much of the massif is waymarked by the Club Vosgien, making it an organised hiking area rather than an isolated site. A historical note mentions that in the 19th century, a spring in the massif contributed to the water supply of Saint-Dié-des-Vosges. Every April, the massif also hosts the Trail des Roches, a running race that brings together more than 600 participants, according to the tourist office.
Dogs are allowed on the trails. For any questions about the waymarked routes or access conditions, the Saint-Dié-des-Vosges tourist office can be reached on 03 29 42 22 22.
Getting there from La Bresse and practical information
Both sites lie northeast of La Bresse, in a part of the Hautes-Vosges different from the massif’s usual lakes and waterfalls. Roche d’Anozel, above Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, is reached via the Meurthe valley. Roche Mère Henry, in Senones, lies further north, on the edge of Alsace, near the Col du Donon.
For exact opening times, trail conditions or an up-to-date route, the two tourist offices mentioned remain the best source before setting off: waymarking and parking details can change from one season to the next. At both sites, access is free and dogs on a lead are allowed.
These two viewpoints make for a half-day outing, distinct from the usual routes around La Bresse. For other rocky viewpoints closer by, the Roche du Diable, above the Vologne valley, offers a more accessible viewpoint for a short outing, with its own local legend. To round off a stay based in La Bresse, a stop near the Vosges lakes lets you finish the day with a swim on the way back.
What to know before you go
- Free access at both sites, all year round
- Roche Mère Henry carries a First World War memorial trail, with military remains and a temporary cemetery
- Roche d’Anozel is the highest point of the Kemberg massif, at 761 metres
- Trails waymarked by the Club Vosgien across the Kemberg massif
- Guided tours of Roche Mère Henry available by appointment through the Vosges Portes d’Alsace tourist office
- Dogs allowed on a lead at both sites
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Roche Mère Henry located?
Roche Mère Henry is a sandstone promontory in the town of Senones (88210), in the Hautes-Vosges. The tourist office places it at 666 metres above sea level, with a view over Senones and the surrounding peaks.
What is the First World War history of Roche Mère Henry?
The site held the positions of two opposing armies separated by a no man's land. The memorial trail that crosses it today passes German shelters, a French bunker, trenches, sap entrances and a temporary cemetery with a monument by sculptor Sartorio, according to the Vosges Portes d'Alsace tourist office.
Where is Roche d'Anozel and how high is it?
Roche d'Anozel is the highest point of the Kemberg massif, at 761 metres, between the villages of Saulcy-sur-Meurthe and Saint-Dié-des-Vosges. Much of the massif is waymarked by the Club Vosgien.