Built during the First World War for military purposes, the Route des Crêtes is today one of France’s finest panoramic roads. 77 kilometres of winding road between Cernay (Alsace) and the Col du Bonhomme, with the Alsace plain and Black Forest on one side, the Vosges valleys on the other.
Must-stop locations
The Grand Ballon (1,424 m)
Highest point of the Vosges, orientation table, Diables Bleus monument, 360° panorama. 10-min walk from the car park.
The Markstein
Family ski station in winter, hiking hub in summer. Several uplands where Vosges cows graze freely.
The Hohneck (1,363 m)
Third-highest Vosges summit. Farm-inn, legendary panorama, start of many hikes (see our Hohneck guide).
Col de la Schlucht
Historic pass between Alsace and Lorraine. Shops, restaurants, gateway to La Bresse (15 min by car).
Farm-inns to try
The road is dotted with authentic farm-inns serving the marcaire menu: tourte, marcaire meal (smoked meat, tofailles, siaskas), caraway munster, blueberry tart. Booking advised, prices around 25 to 30 euros.
Road tips
- Start early in July-August: car parks full by mid-morning
- Full tank before setting off, petrol stations are rare
- Windbreaker and jumper: even in summer, 10°C on the ridges when it’s 28°C in the plain
- Stop at the viewpoints signed along the route, each one earns its break
Combine with La Bresse
Ideal base: sleep in La Bresse, drive up to la Schlucht in the morning, follow the Route des Crêtes to the Grand Ballon, lunch in a farm-inn, loop back via the Thur valley or Munster for an Alsace night.
Where to stay
Book a chalet in La Bresse: 15 min from col de la Schlucht, the best starting point for a full Route des Crêtes day.
Nearby reads
Frequently asked questions
Is the Route des Crêtes open year-round?
No. Some sections between col de la Schlucht and Markstein are closed to traffic from November to April depending on snow. They become a paradise for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
How long should I plan for the Route des Crêtes?
For the full traverse with stops, count a full day. With hikes and a farm-inn stop, spread it over 2 days with a night in La Bresse or at col de la Schlucht.
What's the highest point?
The Grand Ballon at 1,424 m, peak of the Vosges, with 360° panorama and orientation table 10 minutes' walk from the car park.
Which farm-inns are worth trying?
Ferme-auberge du Hohneck, Ferme du Haag, Ferme-auberge Firstmiss. The marcaire menu (smoked meat, tofailles, munster) costs 25 to 30 euros. Book ahead.
Can you cycle the Route des Crêtes?
Yes, classic challenge. Tough climbs, 1,000+ m cumulative elevation over 77 km. Take on early morning in summer, before traffic picks up.
Is it family-friendly by car?
Yes. Main viewpoints have car parks, short access on foot. Windy and cold even in summer above 1,200 m: bring a fleece even in August.