In the Northeast of France, nestled between the Alsace plain and the Lorraine plateau, the Vosges Mountains offer a splendid territory for running enthusiasts, thanks to its unique wildlife and charming villages.
Running in the Vosges is fantastic. Whether you prefer low or high mountains, you'll surely find a spot that meets your desires. The climate varies between oceanic and continental, but here's a tip: if you're not a fan of the cold 🥶, steer clear of higher altitudes. Bonus: the Swiss 🇨🇭 and German 🇩🇪 borders are close by, allowing you to easily hop over during your journey! The inhabitants of the Grand-Est and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté regions enjoy the Vosges Mountains all year round. Lucky them! Join in and take advantage of the ski resorts, the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park (a world biosphere reserve 🌱), and the numerous trails perfect for jogging or hiking. This area is filled with exceptional places that are bound to captivate you. For instance, there are numerous nature reserves: Schweinsfels, the Lieschbach pond, or the natural reserve of the rocks and peat bogs of the Pays de Bitche. The Plateau of a Thousand Ponds is a natural marvel. The fauna and flora inspire a sense of wonder. At the summit of Hohneck, you might even encounter chamois 🐐 and lynx 😯! Yes, lynxes. Not to forget the mythical animal of the Vosges: theTetrao urogallus major, commonly known as the Great Tetra. The Vosges Violet is the local floral treasure, along with the stunning Carnation 🌸. The Vosges Ridges at Orbey will delight you if you're looking to enjoy the scenery while running. Next, visit the local and historically rooted villages: Gerardmer, Graufthal, or Colroy-la-Roche, a charming place. Don't forget to take a detour to Munster (which lent its name to the famous cheese), Saverne or Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, the major cities in the Massif. Feel free to indulge in Vittel, and the Vosges candies are another local specialty...
What's exciting in the Vosges Massif race calendar? If you enjoy tough, physically demanding challenges, go for the Infernal Trail des Vosges. It's a challenging race that starts in Saint-Nabord... The Trail of the Valley of Lakes is a wonderful opportunity to combine trail running in the Vosges Massif with the discovery of lush landscapes dotted with lakes. The Munster’Trail is also a must-try in the area.
Shall we go in search of the Great Tetra?
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