The Vosges…. once, together with the Black Forest, a huge mountain range. Until Italy found it necessary to collide with Europe some thirty million years ago. This created the Alps and the huge plate on which the old mountains lay broke and largely collapsed. In the enormous groove that was created then, the Rhine now separates the Western Vosges from the Black Forest in the East.

The ridge that remained formed the border between France and Germany from 1871 to 1918. 1918, you read that right. The end of the First World War. Afterwards, boundaries were literally shifted, but you can already imagine that the terrain of the Vosges during WW I was a particularly turbulent area…

With this North-Eastern Vosges route in the 'small' version, absolute 'chillness' is the central hub around which everything revolves. This is an absolute 'easy-going' route, slightly juicy spiced with nice curves and a tourist outing here and there.

After departing from Hotel Col de Bussang, there are some slight twists and turns that lead you to the Col du Page and then continue on the Route d'Alsace through the National Park of the Massif de Ventron.

Via the Col de la Vierges you arrive on the green Michelin road 'Chemin Berry' after which you reach the Bramont.
You then continue to drive 'nice and green' to reach the famous 'Route des Crêtes' via the Col De la Schlucht, which, however, we leave on the Col de Calvaire in the direction of 'Le Lac Blanc'.

And attached to this lake is a very romantic story…
Once upon a time there was a young man whose heart was so pure that the Devil himself was extremely jealous of him. The Devil decided to take everything he loved from the young man. In all his goodness the young man gave him - even with a smile - everything he (loved) loved.
But one day this young man fell head over heels in love with a beautiful blond girl. Of course the devil lusted after her and tried to take her away from the young man. The fairies of Lac Blanc then decided to intervene and imprison the young woman in Hans von Felsenstein's Castle perched high on the rock. They cast a spell and then the castle's reflection was only visible in the waters of Lac Blanc to those with a pure soul.
However, the young man did not know this and he thought that his bride was gone forever. In desperation, he wandered for years between Lac Blanc and Lac Noir, hoping that the Devil would one day give him his bride back. Years passed, and one fall day (most likely November 11) he sat on a rock overlooking the lake and let his gaze roam the lake's surface. Suddenly he saw the castle, he ran towards it and his bride was released... In the end they lived happily ever after, protected by the fairies of Lac Blanc.
From the car park you can take a short but steep walk to the 'Rocher Hans'. Make sure you wear sturdy footwear!

After Lac Blanc we drive up the Eastern ridge to descend back to Orbey. There you will find the first gas station on the route.
Shortly after Fréland you will have the opportunity to take an alternative route in the direction of Riquewihr, a beautiful medieval city, well worth a visit.

Surrounded by a valley of vineyards and located on the Route du Vin d'Alsace, Riquewihr is a breathtakingly beautiful fortified winegrowing village in the North Eastern Vosges. The town, which has barely more than 1000 inhabitants, has not lost its 16th century authenticity at all. The medieval city, untouched by wars, has preserved the 16th century view, including side streets, thanks to excellent restorations. The colored half-timbered houses here compete for the most beautiful & highest honour, while in their cellars the Alsace wine matures under the eyes of passionate winemakers. It is nice to know that, by the color of the half-timbering, you could read the occupation or religious preference of the residents. For example, a fishmonger's shop was blue, a baker had yellow half-timbering and Protestants painted their houses red. The particularly beautiful town also served as inspiration for the set design of the famous Disney film 'The Beauty and the Beast'. It is therefore not surprising when children also find it 'recognizable' here.

If you decide to leave Riquewihr literally 'on the right', then you will wind gently further north-east of the Vosges via the Col de Freland and slowly turn west from the Col du Haut de Ribeauville.
Via a few nice twists through the Forêt des Hospices de Pompey you reach Fraize where another small stop is planned.

Afterwards, you drive on an easy-going route to Gérardmer, a small, cozy town on the banks of the Lac de Gérardmer. Take a moment here to enjoy the lake from the terraces on the banks.

A nice green road leads you after Gérardmer to La Bresse through the Foret Dominiale de Gérardmer. Seamlessly follow the Foret Dominiale 'de Noire Goutte' and 'du Géhant' to complete the circle at Le Trillot in the direction of Bussang where you will soon find the hotel.

Just before Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle you will find the last gas station on this route.


For the tourist driver, this route is worth more than the traditional five stars. Relaxation is the norm here and the roads are varied enough to please many. The 'die hard' moto freaks whose skin is stuck to the saddle surface may find this route just a little too light, but excellent alternatives are proposed for them through the Medium and XXL route in this Northeast collection.

Well, to each his own, but for those who want to enjoy a super relaxing ride in a tasty environment, this route in the 'small' version is absolutely delicious.