Walking without luggage in Alsace-Moselle, in the footsteps of Erckmann Chatrian

Set off on a 5-day tour in the heart of the Moselle Vosges, between Alsace and Lorraine, on a GR de Pays® inspired by the fantastic tales of Erckmann and Chatrian. From Graufthal to Saint-Quirin, you’ll follow a signposted route through deep forests, legendary rocks, typical villages and remarkable natural sites.

Your adventure begins in Graufthal, famous for its troglodytic houses nestled in the rock. You then join the orange and yellow GRP signposts, which guide you along your journey. On the first stage, you’ll discover the Rocher de la Bande Noire, the pilgrimage site of Bonne Fontaine, before crossing Phalsbourg, birthplace of writer Émile Erckmann, and arriving at Lutzelbourg, its castle and river port.

The second day takes you through the Vallée des Éclusiers to Haselbourg, past the Calice rock, the Chapelle Saint-Fridolin and the spectacular Saint-Louis/Arzviller inclined plane. The third day is shorter, allowing you to enjoy the spruce and deciduous forests so dear to the world of the two writers, before reaching the Dabo rock and its perched chapel, with its 360° panoramic view.

On day four, we head for Walscheid via the Jaegerhof forest house, a symbol of Franco-German reconciliation, the Saint-Léon grotto (33 m deep) and an ancient Gallo-Roman cemetery. A short transfer takes you back to your accommodation.

Your final leg takes you through the hamlet of Le Grand Soldat, birthplace of Alexandre Chatrian, La Roche du Diable and an 18th-century glass-making site, before descending to Saint-Quirin, one of France’s most beautiful villages. Finish your tour with a visit to the prioral church, the miraculous spring and its crystal-clear water.