In the surroundings

A famous lion, fortifications and lots of other surprises: welcome to Belfort!

Belfort is a city that does more than just roar with its famous Lion: with its impressive military heritage, lush greenery and friendly atmosphere, it can be explored on foot, by bike or by wandering through its narrow streets, and above all, it is full of surprises! Here’s a brief overview of what you can do, see, taste and immortalise just a stone’s throw from the L’Étang des Forges campsite.

You can’t come to Belfort without seeing its stone emblem: Bartholdi’s Lion, carved right out of the rock. This colossal monument (22 metres long, 11 metres high, no less!) symbolises the town’s resistance during the Prussian siege of 1870. For a not-to-be-missed photo: climb to the top of the Citadelle just above, which offers a superb panorama of the city, the Vosges and even the Alps on a clear day (yes, yes!).

The Citadelle de Belfort, another Vauban signature, is a must for fans of old stones, military architecture or just for those who like to wander around and discover history. The route features explanatory panels, a small local history museum and secret passages that are sure to delight children of all ages.

Belfort is also the place to go for a stroll! The old town of Belfort is full of charm, with its colourful houses, lively squares, welcoming terraces and small craft shops. For music-lovers stopping off in Belfort in July: don’t miss the Eurockéennes de Belfort, one of France’s biggest open-air music festivals. Set on the Malsaucy peninsula, it’s an incredible place to see international artists.

Finally, it’s impossible to leave Belfort without indulging in the local delicacies: mature Comté cheese, Montbéliard sausage (with lentils, of course) or a freshly baked blueberry tart. The markets of Belfort and the small restaurants in the town centre will delight you without disappointment. Don’t forget the Jura wine to accompany it all (in moderation, of course).

Cycling and mountain biking around Belfort: from leisurely strolls to real sporting challenges

Fancy a breath of fresh air, or testing your thighs in a postcard-perfect setting? Around Belfort, close to the Eurovélo6 cycle route, there’s plenty to keep you pedalling without ever getting bored. With forests, ponds, challenging climbs and well-designed cycle paths, two-wheelers are king in the region. Whether you’re an occasional cyclist or an all-terrain sportsman, you’re bound to find something to suit you!

To get off to a relaxed start, there’s nothing like the Voie Verte des Hautes Vosges du Sud. It runs alongside the Haute-Saône canal on a converted former railway line: no cars, just peace and quiet, greenery and the sounds of nature. Ideal for families, beginners or those who enjoy a leisurely stroll (up to 25 km round trip from Belfort).

From the campsite, enjoy a walk around the Étang des Forges, which takes you directly on a short circuit (12 to 15 km) around the pond and joins the paths to Lac du Malsaucy. A nature break of one to two hours to recharge your batteries at the water’s edge (with a gourmet break and a dip at the end).

For our sporty tourists with mountain bikes, you’ll love the ascent of the Ballon d’Alsace: a classic for cyclists in the East. It’s a steady climb, around 12 km long, with a difference in altitude of around 700 m. And the view from the top is incredible!

If you prefer dirt to tarmac, head for the Miotte forest or the Salbert hill, just a stone’s throw from the centre of Belfort. Here you’ll find signposted trails for mountain biking, with roots, rocks, technical bends and little bumps to wake up your calves. It’s the local mountain biking spot par excellence: shady, varied and great fun for mountain bikers!

A natural playground on the outskirts of Belfort: a trip to Etang des Forges

L’Étang des Forges is the green lung of Belfort and is directly accessible from the campsite. Natural and unspoilt, you’ll discover a peaceful lake lined with trees, where birds live a peaceful life, walkers of all kinds and discreet fishermen. Located just outside the town centre, it’s a firm favourite with the locals. And frankly, it’s a great place to be!

Around the pond, there’s a 3km path that allows you to make a short loop on foot or even by bike. Easy, flat and car-free, it’s ideal for a family outing after a barbecue at the campsite! You can easily reach the Voie Verte, Lac du Malsaucy, the Salbert footpaths or even climb up to the citadel to enjoy an evening aperitif.

Fishing enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy here. The lake is stocked with carp, pike, pike-perch and perch. All you need is your fishing licence and a little patience to enjoy a quiet moment by the water.

But for those who just want to enjoy the peace and quiet, there are picnic tables all around. Ideal for an impromptu meal!

Getaway to Lac de Malsaucy: swimming, water sports and relaxation

Just 7 kms from L’Étang des Forges campsite, Lac du Malsaucy is the perfect place to cool off, relax or enjoy outdoor activities. With its well-equipped beach, water sports activities and 100% natural setting, it’s a firm favourite with the locals in summer… and we know why!

You don’t have to travel 800 km to put your feet in the sand: at Le Malsaucy, you’ll enjoy a real supervised beach, with swimming, fine sand, a soft lawn and shade for your impromptu siestas. Ideal for family outings. The lake offers a multitude of activities: canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boating and even pedal-boating! A range of gentle activities where you can take your time to appreciate the tranquillity of the surroundings. It’s like being on holiday!

All around, footpaths and cycle paths allow you to tour the lake on foot or mountain bike. You’re very likely to come across some busy birds and fishermen! Picnic areas are available all around the lake, for your impromptu outside meals.

Architecture, spirituality... and a work by Le Corbusier: discover Notre-Dame-du-Haut in Ronchamp

At first glance, the shape of this chapel resembles a ship resting on a hill. And yet, it is indeed a chapel. But not just any chapel: the Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Haut in Ronchamp, designed by Le Corbusier, a leading figure in modern architecture.

Situated around 25km from the L’Étang des Forges campsite, this jewel perched on the Bourlémont hill is well worth a visit.Built in the 1950s, this chapel is unlike any other: its rounded shapes and ultra-thick white walls, its colourful stained glass windows and its roof in the shape of an upturned boat hull create a unique, almost mystical and highly artistic atmosphere. Here, light enters in small, colourful bursts, diffused through irregular openings.

It’s not just a monument: it’s an experience in itself: as soon as you climb the hill, you feel a certain tranquillity take over. The interior is sober but powerful, with incredible acoustics. Outside, you can admire the chapel from all angles (because it doesn’t really have a “façade” like the others), in a calm, Zen atmosphere, with the added bonus of a superb view over the valley.Our little piece of advice: come to the site in the morning, to enjoy the play of light inside, and remember to look up: everything in this place is designed to take your eyes on a journey… and your mind too…

100% nature break: must-see spots for your outings and walks in the fresh air

Want to get some height, take a deep breath and marvel at every landscape? Head for the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park and the Mille Étangs, a real paradise for walkers, dreamers and families in search of nature!

Less than an hour from the campsite, these two areas offer you the ultimate in nature, combining mountains, forests, peat bogs and discreet lakes. So grab your best walking shoes and follow the guide!

For the first stage, head for the Ballon des Vosges. Here, the “ballons” don’t fly, but they’ll give your calves a workout! These rounded peaks offer unique panoramic views of the Vosges, the Alsace plain and even the Alps on a clear day.

We’ve put together a summary of the must-do hikes in the area. The Ballon d’Alsace (1,247 m) is the classic, accessible route, with signposted circuits for all levels. You can climb it on foot (the sporty version) or by car and then hike around it. On another level, the Ballon de Servance loop: wilder, with dense forests, ridges and beautiful high altitude areas. And don’t forget the GR5, which crosses the park! In summer, you’ll be lucky enough to spot a few cows grazing peacefully, and who knows, you might even get the chance to stop off at one of the farm inns where you can sample some of their delicious produce.

But the Vosges also has landscapes dotted with ponds!Head for the Plateau des Mille Étangs, in the north of Haute-Saône. Less well known, but even more magical, this area is home to hundreds of small ponds, scattered throughout a deep forest, formed by glaciers several millennia ago… The paths wind between the calm waters, peat bogs, wooden pontoons and moss carpets, and the local flora and fauna can be admired. Among the walks on offer are the Beulotte-Saint-Laurent loop trail (6km, easy level), the La Mer, Le Breuil and La Grande Chaudeau circuit (intermediate level, 12km) and the Sentier des étangs at Fresse, which is more accessible and therefore ideal for families.

Excursion to Mulhouse: a mix of giant museums, street art and pleasant surprises

Just an hour’s drive from the campsite, Mulhouse is the place to discover industrial Alsace! Less touristy than its half-timbered neighbours, the town is nonetheless full of surprises, good addresses and rich museums.

For the first stop, take a look at the Cité de l’Automobile, the largest automobile museum in the world (no less!). There are Bugatti, Ferrari and Rolls-Royce to discover and admire! You’ll leave the museum with stars in your eyes.

Not far away, the Cité du Train is the other local star. It’s Europe’s largest railway museum (another record…) and takes you on a journey through the history of the railways. On the programme: giant locomotives, vintage carriages and immersive displays that will have you dreaming, whatever your age. And you can even climb inside!

Don’t miss the city’s colourful town centre! The heart of Mulhouse is a patchwork of painted facades, lively squares and great places to stop for a bite to eat.Don’t miss the candy-pink town hall, the little pedestrian streets around the Place de la Réunion and the medieval Bollwerk tower. It’s also HQ for urban art, and it shows: giant murals colour the whole city, in sometimes surprising places.

As for nature, the zoological and botanical park is a haven of peace, home to a multitude of plants and animals, making it a fun day out for all the family.

Hiking around the Rummel waterfalls

The Cascades du Rummel is a little corner of paradise tucked away in the woods near Giromagny at the foot of the Vosges mountains (a 25-minute drive from the campsite). Not as impressive as Niagara, but well worth the diversions! Ideal for a family outing in the heart of nature, with the sound of water in the background.

To reach the waterfalls, you have to walk, but not for too long! From the car park, it’s a short loop of around 3 km, with sections in the forest, a path that goes down (and up…), and wooden staircases that give you an explorer’s feel for the Vosges. Along the way, you’ll cross a rocky gorge carved out by the Rummelbach, a river as discreet as it is energetic, leaping from pebble to pebble for our viewing pleasure! One waterfall follows another in an enchanted undergrowth atmosphere, with ferns, fluorescent green moss, singing birds and little wooden footbridges. A real reconnection with nature!