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The GR5 Trail - Vosges and Jura

Schirmeck to Lac Léman, and the GR53

Guidebook to a 687km (427 mile) trek through eastern France, traversing the Vosges and the Haut-Jura plateau. The route follows the GR53 from Wissembourg to Schirmeck, before picking up the central section of the GR5 from Schirmeck to Nyon on Lake Geneva, taking in wooded and grassy hills, river gorges and fascinating castle ruins.

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
ISBN
9781852848125
Availability
Published
Published
18 Apr 2017
Edition
Second
Pages
208
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.25cm
Weight
230g
Overview

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

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By Les Smith

Les and Elizabeth Smith live in Perthshire and, after following sensible careers as scientist and geographer respectively, have embraced a more flexible outdoor life, pursuing their love of Scotland, wild places, wild life and photography. Enthusiastic walkers and campers, they have backpacked along many long-distance routes, both in the UK and more widely in Europe. This is their first guidebook.

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By Elizabeth Smith

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