The best walks and hikes around Les Fessey

Hiking around Les Fessey immerses you in the unique landscape of the Plateau des 1000 Étangs, often called "Little French Finland." This area, shaped by retreating glaciers, features a mosaic of dense forests, lush meadows, and numerous shimmering ponds. You'll also encounter diverse environments like moors and rare peat bogs, home to unique flora.

There are over 170 hiking routes around Les Fessey. The trails cater to various abilities, with approximately 70 easy routes, over 90 moderate routes, and a few more challenging options for experienced hikers.

Yes, many of the hiking routes around Les Fessey are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Two Chapels Loop is a popular moderate circular trail, and the Etang de la Grande Chaissée loop from Belmont also offers a scenic circular experience around the ponds.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the Plateau des mille étangs itself, with its numerous ponds and unique ecosystems. Keep an eye out for the Pierre Mourey, a large megalith near Les Fessey with local legends. The broader area also features the Saut de l'Ognon waterfall and the picturesque Pont du Champey bridge.

Yes, the area offers several easy routes suitable for families. These trails often wind through forests and around ponds, providing gentle terrain and beautiful scenery. An example of an easy route is the Saint-Colomban Chapel loop from Sainte-Marie-en-Chanois, which is just under 6 km.

The hiking experience in Les Fessey is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique glacial pond landscape, the tranquility of the forests, and the well-maintained paths that make exploring the "Little French Finland" enjoyable.

Most natural trails in the Les Fessey area are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the unique landscape of the Plateau des 1000 Étangs with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or near livestock, and to respect local regulations.

The best time for hiking in Les Fessey is generally from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and the diverse flora of the Plateau des 1000 Étangs, including its moors and peat bogs, is at its most vibrant. Autumn offers spectacular colors around the ponds and forests.

Absolutely. Routes like the Etang de la Grande Chaissée loop from La Lanterne-et-les-Armonts are excellent for experiencing the region's characteristic pond landscape. The Badesee loop from Écromagny also offers beautiful views of the water bodies that define this area.

While Les Fessey is a rural area, specific public transport options to trailheads can be limited. It's advisable to check local transport schedules in advance. Parking is generally available near popular starting points for trails, especially in villages or designated recreational areas within the Plateau des 1000 Étangs.

Within the Plateau des 1000 Étangs, you can discover several points of interest. The "Little Finland" Route, particularly around the Plateau des Grilloux, offers landscapes resembling Scandinavia. The Dream route through "Little Finland" is a highlight. The Étang Noir provides panoramic views of the Higher Vosges, and Grand Rosbeck Pond near Mélisey is considered one of the most emblematic ponds.