With the arrival of warmer weather, the desire to get outdoors and explore our landscapes naturally arises. It's the perfect time to lace up your sneakers and set off to discover an accessible and charming route.
Nature and walks freely
The Villé Valley is a true paradise for nature lovers. Forests, orchards, ridges, and rivers create an ideal playground for hikers, mountain bikers, and cyclists. Marked trails guide you through diverse landscapes, from breathtaking panoramas to picturesque villages.
The destination also offers numerous outings to enjoy as a family: treasure hunts, geocaching trails, orienteering courses, and stroller-friendly walks provide a fun way to explore the region. Whether you're a casual athlete or a seasoned hiker, everyone can find a route that suits them.
Today, to celebrate the arrival of sunny days, I suggest you discover the Three Villages Loop. An ideal hike to escape for a few hours, while remaining in the heart of our beautiful valley.
Hiking – Three Villages Loop
Starting from Saint-Martin, this lovely loop takes you through three iconic villages of the valley: Breitenbach, Saint-Martin, and Maisonsgoutte. A varied route, between open meadows and forest paths, offering a beautiful balance between nature, heritage, and scenic views.
Throughout the hike, you can admire a panorama overlooking Breitenbach, enjoy the calm of the undergrowth, and finish your loop by passing in front of the majestic Château du Honcourt.
Practical information
- Start date : parking lot of the Saint-Martin town hall
- Distance : 13,5 km
- Duration : about 4h30
- Positive elevation : M 321
- Markup yellow cross, red circle, red cross, yellow circle, blue cross
A complete, varied loop accessible to any walker accustomed to outings of a few hours.
The step-by-step itinerary
From the town hall parking lot, turn left onto Rue du Calvaire, then follow the river along the yellow cross markers. You will cross the village via Rue du Chemin Neuf, then Rue de la Grotte.
Before the last house, a dirt track begins on the left at a wayside cross, heading towards Breitenbach. At the first fir trees, continue to the right (yellow cross). After passing near the cave, the path continues along the hillside and already offers beautiful views of the landscape.
At the first fork in the path, follow the red circle marker to the right. Further on, in a wide bend, go down to the left (red cross), then continue to the right on a path that climbs slightly.
A new wayside cross marks a landmark: turn right for a few meters, then immediately turn left onto an uphill path of about a hundred meters (yellow circle). At the top, turn right following the "tulip" marker.
Shortly before the summit, at a hairpin bend, turn left to go over a fenced enclosure. After this, keep right at the various intersections to begin the descent. You will cross a stream and pass a surprising kangaroo park—an unexpected sight in the heart of the valley.
Upon reaching Rue des Tilleuls, continue uphill to the right towards Ferme Lindgrub, then leave the road for a path on the left (red circle). The path gradually descends towards the houses.
At a stop sign, follow the departmental road to the right (yellow circle), pass an oratory, then at a right-hand bend, take the path going uphill to the right at a wooden barrier.
You then arrive at the parking lot of the 48° Nord hotel. Cross the D425 to continue on the path opposite, then stay to the right following the yellow circle markers.
After a concrete wall, turn right onto a small road, cross a stream, then turn left uphill. The path marked with a red circle will then guide you through the forest.
After a sharp bend, take a small path descending to the right, then follow the signs for "Forêt de Maisonsgoutte / Chemin de pâtisseries". At a junction, go down to the left (blue cross), then keep right towards "Chemin des Fermes".
The "Chemin Höllrain" trail gently leads you along the stream to the heart of Maisonsgoutte. Cross the village via Rue du Kuhnenbach, passing the church and town hall, then follow the river (blue cross) towards the convent.
At the last house, a small path overlooking the river offers a more secluded section. Near the Château du Honcourt, follow the modified route to bypass the estate to the right.
You then rejoin the river and walk gently upstream towards the entrance of Saint-Martin. After following the D424, pass the Freppel bar, cross the D425 and take the main street (yellow cross). Finally, turn right onto Rue de l'Église to return to the town hall parking lot.
