Explore one of France’s most rewarding long-distance treks, a route that threads forests, river gorges, hilltop pastures, and the wild plateau country of eastern France. 

From the wooded hills of the Northern Vosges to the high meadows of the Haut-Jura, the central section of the GR5 offers an unforgettable walking experience over roughly 687 km (427 miles) from Schirmeck to Lac Léman, suitable for moderately experienced hikers seeking both challenge and scenery.

Covering the GR53 link from Wissembourg to Schirmeck and the main GR5 line south to Lac Leman on Lake Geneva, this guidebook combines reliable stage descriptions with practical, on-the-ground advice to help you walk with confidence and enjoyment.

• Comprehensive day-by-day descriptions and sketch maps are provided for the full route from Schirmeck to Lac Léman, split into 11 stages to support itinerary planning
• Coverage of the GR53 linkage from Wissembourg to Schirmeck is included, providing continuity through the Northern Vosges and the chance to complete the entire Vosges chain
• Eight optional short walks off the main trail are described, ideal for day excursions or to explore local highlights
• Practical information on accommodation, facilities, public transport, food and resupply options in key centres along the route, such as Niederbronn, Saverne, and Ribeauvillé
• The GR5 Trail – Vosges and Jura, written by experienced walkers Les Smith and Elizabeth Smith, is your essential companion for planning and undertaking this section of the classic French long-distance trek. 

From woodland paths and river gorges to panoramic ridges and charming Alsace villages, walking the GR5 through the Vosges and Jura offers an immersive adventure and a chance to experience the landscapes, culture, and heritage of eastern France. Discover the central section of this classic French long-distance trail with The GR5 - Vosges and Jura, and complete the full route with Cicerone's three-part GR5 trail guidebook set. 

The GR5 Trail - Vosges and Jura - Quick Facts

Trail name: GR5 Trail – Vosges and Jura
Location: Eastern France, Vosges and Jura regions
Total distance: 687 km / 427 miles 
Typical duration: 5–6 weeks
Start: Schirmeck (with optional GR53 link from Wissembourg)
Finish: Lac Léman (Lake Geneva)
Trail type: Waymarked long-distance footpath
Difficulty: Moderately challenging; suitable for reasonably fit walkers with multi-day hiking experience
Terrain: Forested hills, river gorges, high meadows, plateau country, and scenic ridge walks
Navigation: Trail is waymarked; maps and stage sketches included in guidebook; basic navigation skills recommended
Best season: Late spring to early autumn (May to September)
Accommodation: Combination of guesthouses, small hotels, refuges, and occasional camping
Series info: Second volume in Cicerone’s three-part GR5 guidebook series covering the full trail from the North Sea to the Mediterranean

Author Highlight

“Imagine a landscape of rolling hills and deeply cut gorges, of ruined castles, villages with half-timbered houses, and a network of footpaths weaving through forests. All this and more can be seen in the Vosges and Jura. In some places, it is possible to walk for hours in peaceful solitude, while in others, lively local towns provide a choice of distractions. This book describes a walking route linking this rich variety of landscapes, using well-marked paths to cross a slice of France.”

- Les Smith, author of The GR5 - Vosges and Jura

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

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