Whether you’re feeling adventurous or just need a breath of fresh air, the Donon is full of grandiose views and archaeological trails. If you’re just passing through the Vosges, this is one mountain range you won’t want to miss.
The Donon massif, at an altitude of over 1,000 metres in the heart of the Vosges mountains, represents the perfect blend of nature and history. A place of refuge and contemplation, it has been associated since prehistoric times with a sacred character that has followed it through the ages. Secluded from the rest of the world, this massif offers a grandiose view of the Bas-Rhin region, while at the same time taking on a unique and timeless aspect.
Many hiking trails exist today, but few are filled with prehistoric monuments and artefacts dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. In a sporty, mystical and historic atmosphere, we offer you 4 routes through which nature will transport you back in time.
1. Tour du Donon Est
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: approx. 2 hours
- Distance: 6.6 km
- Ascent: 330 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
Located near Grandfontaine, the Tour du Donon Est is a superb hike to discover a natural environment both magnificent and steeped in history. The well-marked trail leads to the Donon’s highest point at 1,009 meters.
You’ll get there by following the Chemin des Sarrazins, an ancient road, then crossing the rainwater cistern. The setting is sublime, revealing a temple in the midst of nature.
If you want to discover the Donon massif, this hike is a must. The route is accessible and requires no technical skills to climb. Famous for its Gallo-Roman remains, the Tour du Donon is a veritable open-air history lesson.
2. Les Deux Donons
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: approx. 4h30
- Distance: 12.6 km
- Ascent: 530 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
- See the route
If you want to build up your stamina a little, the Tour des Deux Donons is ideal. With access to both summits via the GR5, this hike around the Donon will take you through all the historical and archaeological remains, while offering superb views during the ascent.
Good hiking boots are a must on this trail, which can be steep in places. However, given the number of hikers who take this loop, the difficulty should in no way discourage you.
At the height of the season, the two Donons are very popular, so we recommend an early start. That way, you can take your time and enjoy the different viewpoints without trying to escape the world. Count on a short day to enjoy the beauty of the place without hurrying.
3. The Petit Donon via the Chemin des Stèles
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Distance: 4 km
- Difference in altitude: 157 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
To discover a new facet of Vosges history, head for the Petit Donon on the Chemin des Stèles, a hike through the state-owned forests of the Wisches commune, offering majestic undergrowth and superb views.
The route takes us back to the First World War, with the presence of former German fortifications: the bunkers and the steles of the Petit Donon. Here and there on the trail, you’ll find the graves of German and French soldiers.
Sheltered from the sun’s rays, this hike around the Donon is a breath of fresh air in summer, and the snow-covered forest is just as enchanting in winter when you’re out on snowshoes. This quick and easy 4-kilometer loop is the ideal way to discover the history of the Donon without having to exert too much effort.
4. From the Rocher de Mutzig to the Deux Donons
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Distance: 34.3 km
- Height difference: 1,367 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
- See the route
On a slightly more sporting note, the Rocher de Mutzig aux deux Donons circuit is also a sublime hike to be enjoyed in the region. At an altitude of 1,008 metres, the summit of the Rocher de Mutzing offers stiff competition to the Grand Donon. The 34-kilometer trail is ideal for hikers, bikers and mountain bikers.
What’s more, it doesn’t present any particular difficulty apart from its length. And if, in theory, the circuit seems more complicated than the others, it has two big advantages:
- It is less crowded, so you can enjoy your hike in complete privacy;
- But it also lends itself extremely well to bivouacs. So, if you’re looking for a great adventure and a unique waking-up experience in the middle of nowhere, the Rocher de Mutzig aux deux Donons hike is for you.
You’ll encounter some magnificent panoramas on this route, which is best taken early in the season. Because of the length of the hike, we also recommend that you bring a headlamp, especially if you use this route during the shorter autumn and winter seasons.
Similarly, the local bakeries have an excellent reputation, so make sure you stop off at one of them for an early lunch break! One thing’s for sure: with such beautiful views, you won’t regret the adventure.