Étang du Devin

28 June 2015:  Our hike today from Aubure to Étang du Devin took us through forests and over two mountains: the Petit Brézouard (1203 m.) and the Grand Brézouard (1228 m.).  We appreciated the shade of the trees – it was another sunny, hot day – but we also enjoyed the open views from the high ridges and summits.  

We are following trails that we hiked in 1989, but memory plays tricks:  We are surprised sometimes not to recognize certain distinctive features (e.g., Koenigsstuhl yesterday and the Brézouards today).  However, as the valley curving down to Le Bonhomme came into view in the late afternoon, both Mary and I immediately recognized the sight and feel of that place.  We remembered, too, that we had camped on the football field near the center of town.  Alas, that field is now a vacant lot, overgrown with weeds.  The only evidence that it was once a football field is one of the goals still standing forlornly (and without its net, of course).  

We also remembered the steep hike through the woods south of Le Bonhomme.  In 1989, we hiked up that trail the morning after our night on the football field.  Today, we ended out hike on that trail, which led us to the Hôtel Étang du Devin, a simple, comfortable place run by friendly people.

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Leaving Aubure, we passed this structure, which was originally a monument built by German soldiers during the First World War, in honor of their commander, the Duke of Wurtemberg.  After the war, the French removed the dedicatory inscription and the martial statues, but left the coats of arms of Baden and Wurtemberg.  The structure now serves as a viewing point, with a good map (table d'orientation). 

Great views along our forest trails:

Local associations (e.g., sections of the Club Vosgien) have erected some impressive shelters in the woods. 

There is a lot of logging in these woods!  Fortunately, the loggers generally do not clear cut the forest. 

Mary shows the way!

The trail leads down from the Petit Brézouard to a saddle where there is a shelter and picnic tables, before the trail rises again to the Grand Brézouard.  Our lunch spot!

Grand Brézouard summit:

The descent from Grand Brézouard:

Approaching Le Bonhomme:

The former football field – and our campground – in Le Bonhomme:

A more flattering view of Le Bonhomme – from afar:

The trail from Le Bonhomme climbs steeply for about 45 minutes. 

The Hôtel de l'Étang du Devin:

We have a room with a view!