Hiking in the Grand Est: the Vosges, the Ardennes and the Argonne

💡 January: Deep winter: the ridges are under snow and most of the Route des Crêtes is closed. Opt for low-altitude waterfalls and forests, or guided snowshoeing in the mountains.

💡 February: The days are still short and hunting continues until the end of February, depending on the département: stay on waymarked paths and aim for loops of a few hours, such as the Montagne de Reims or the Meuse valley.

💡 March: The waterfalls are swollen with snowmelt, but the high ground is often still snow-covered and the Route des Crêtes has generally not yet reopened. A good month for memorial sites and lowland forests.

💡 April: The Route des Crêtes reopens depending on snow conditions, sometimes as early as April. Mid-altitude trails turn green again; be prepared for mud and patches of snow higher up.

💡 May: The start of the main season: the herds return to the chaumes and many fermes-auberges reopen. Long weekends are very busy, so set off early.

💡 June: Long days, ideal for big stages along the ridges or a multi-day trek on the GR5. The quiet zone remains signposted until July: do not cut across the chaumes.

Also in season: Lake Longemer

💡 July: High season: set off early to avoid the heat, afternoon thunderstorms and full car parks at the passes. The lakes and waterfalls offer cooler walks.

Also in season: Hiking the Route des Crêtes

💡 August: Conditions as in July, with large crowds around the lakes and along the Route des Crêtes. The Ardennes, the Argonne and Haute-Marne remain quieter.

Also in season: Hiking the Route des Crêtes

💡 September: An excellent month on the ridges: clearer air and fewer people. Hunting resumes in many areas: check locally and wear bright colours.

💡 October: The beech woods take on their autumn colours, from the Montagne de Reims to the Vosges. The fermes-auberges gradually close: check before you set off.

💡 November: A month of transition: first snow possible on the high ground and winter closure of the Route des Crêtes, generally in late November. Favour memorial sites and forest loops.

💡 December: Off-season for high-altitude hiking: time for snowshoeing when there is snow, or short forest walks between Christmas markets.