A guidebook to trekking the central section of the GR5 trail between Schirmeck and Lac Leman (Lake Geneva). Covering 687km (427 miles), this long-distance trek traversing the Vosges and the Haut-Jura plateau in France can be walked in 5–6 weeks and is suitable for moderately experienced hikers.

The route is described from north to south in 11 stages, each between 40 and 87km (25–55 miles) in length. The GR53 between Wissembourg and Schirmeck is also described, allowing walkers to complete the entire chain of the Vosges. Eight short walks that can be taken from the main route are also included.

• Sketch maps included for each stage
• Detailed information about accommodation, facilities and public transport along the route
• Advice on planning and preparation
• Part of a 3-volume set, accompanying Cicerone guidebooks The GR5 Trail and The GR5 Trail - Benelux and Lorraine are also available

Map key

Summary map of the GR5/GR53 route

Route profile for the GR5/GR53 route

Introduction

Why visit the Vosges and Jura?

Landscape

History

Wildlife

When to visit

Access

Local transport

Accommodation

Camping

Food and drink

What to take

Maps

GR system and waymarking

Safety and health

Language

Money

Telephones and internet

Using this guide

The GR53 Wissembourg to Schirmeck

Section 1 GR53 Wissembourg to Niederbronn-les-Bains

Section 2 GR53 Niederbronn-les-Bains to Saverne

Section 3 GR53 Saverne to Schirmeck

The GR5 Schirmeck to Nyon

Section 4 GR5 Schirmeck to Ribeauvillé

Section 5 GR5 Ribeauvillé to Mittlach

Section 6 GR5 Mittlach to Thann

Section 7 GR5 Thann to Brévilliers

Section 8 GR5 Brévilliers to St-Hippolyte

Section 9 GR5 St-Hippolyte to Villers-le-Lac

Section 10 GR5 Villers-le-Lac to Les Hôpitaux-Neufs

Section 11 GR5 Les Hôpitaux-Neufs to Nyon

Short walks along the GR5/GR53

Appendix A Long distance routes in the Vosges and Jura

Appendix B Route summary tables

Appendix C Facilities table

Appendix D Useful websites

Appendix E Accommodation

Seasons

Spring to Autumn, although a late spring may see snow lingering on some of the higher stretches.

Centres

Wissembourg, Saverne, Schirmeck, Ribeauvillé, Villers-le-Lac, Les Rousses, Nyon

Difficulty

A well-waymarked route, suitable for any reasonably fit walker. On some stretches, it may be necessary to drop off-route a short distance to obtain food or accommodation.

Must See

The quiet Northern Vosges, with castle ruins on rocky pinnacles; the enchanting winemaking villages of Alsace; the hilltops and glacial lakes of the Vosges; the tranquil gorge of the Doubs, and the spectacular Saut du Doubs waterfall; outlook points over the expansive Jura plateau; the impressive cliffs of Mont d'Or

We do not yet have any updates available for this book

We are always grateful to readers for information about any discrepancies between a guidebook and the facts on the ground. If you would like to send some information to us then please use our contact form. They will be published here following review by the author(s).

Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.