Family outings or sporty hikes
Hiking in the Southern Vosges
from Camping des Ballastieres
A campsite at the foot of the most beautiful itineraries
Camping des Ballastieres, at the foot of the Vosges du Sud in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, is an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges, this area offers a multitude of trails winding through forests, ponds, plateaus and grandiose panoramas, accessible directly or just a few minutes from the campsite.
A natural playground for all kinds of hikes
A natural setting conducive to escapism on foot
In the immediate vicinity of the campsite, there are numerous hiking options for holidaymakers: from leisurely strolls around lakes and rivers to more challenging circuits through the Vosges hills. These itineraries take in a variety of landscapes – deciduous forests, lush green valleys, the wild expanses of the Parc Naturel, and surprising views of the region.
The southern Vosges region lends itself particularly well to gentle and active hiking. Just a few minutes’ walk or drive from the campsite will take you to well-marked, well-maintained footpaths suitable for all abilities. Interpretation panels are sometimes installed along the paths, to help you better understand the local fauna, flora and heritage.
Families will appreciate the loops that are accessible with children, particularly around ponds and small rivers. For the more athletic, there are steep circuits that climb to wooded heights, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
As the seasons change, so does the landscape, offering a renewed experience: spring blooms, summer coolness in the shade of hardwood trees, warm autumn hues or the hushed ambience of winter undergrowth. The trails thus become an evolving playground, ideal for nature lovers in search of escape or rejuvenation.
Itineraries and sights to discover
A variety of routes from the campsite
From the campsite, several interesting itineraries are accessible:
- Walking trails around the lakes – Easy family walks along the Ballastières pond.
- Chapelle Le Corbusier à Ronchamp – A cultural hike to discover this listed monumental site, just a few kilometers away.
- Plateau des Mille Étangs – A nature hiking loop renowned for its biodiversity and landscapes of water and forest.
- Ballon d’Alsace – An emblematic Vosges destination offering exceptional panoramas and several marked trails according to difficulty.
These hikes are sometimes combined with themed walks, sporting viewpoints or multi-day nature trails for more experienced hikers. Whatever your level, you’ll find a suitable tour in or around the Vosges du Sud.
Practical tips for your nature outings
Useful information for successful outings
To make the most of these hikes :
- Bring good walking shoes, water and a hat, even for the shortest tours.
- Ask at the campsite reception for updated routes and trail maps.
- Respect the natural environment by staying on the marked trails and taking your garbage with you.
Camping des Ballastieres is the ideal starting point for discovering the nature, panoramas and authenticity of the Southern Vosges. After a great day’s hiking, enjoy a relaxing evening by the lake or a convivial meal in the campsite restaurant.