Hiking trail la baraque carrée

The Saar, a right-hand tributary of the Moselle, rises in the Vosges at the foot of the Donon at a height of 785 m. It is 246 kilometres long and flows through the towns of Sarrebourg, Sarre-Union, Sarralbe and Sarreguemines in France and Saarbrücken, Völklingen, Saarlouis, Merzig and Saarburg in Germany. 500 m from the D44, a small brick base releases the Red Saar Fountain and official source of the Saar.

The Saar River crosses numerous French cities such as Sarrebourg, Sarre-Union,Saaralbe and Sarreguemines as well as German cities like Sarrebruck, Völklingen, Sarrelouis, Merzig and Saarburg. At the edge of the forest, there is a sign giving you further information about this river. Both Red and White Saar become one in Hermelange.

You may find Engin Pass between the Red Saar River and the White Saar River, close to the Donon mountain.

Seven sanctuaries called the « Seven Roses » are to be discovered in Saint-Quirin and its surroundings. Notre Dame de la Délivrance Chapel (la Rose mauve) is located in Turquestein Blancrupt on the main road RN 993 (in the valley of Blancrupt crossed by the Sarre Blanche). The Chapel is located 500m away from Alsace.

The Grossmann is the highest point of the Moselle department at 986m. It is located in the state forest of Walscheid, on the border of the department.

Anne Holtzer, Master Craftsman and stained glass maker, offers unique and original creations entirely created and manufactured in her workshop in Saint-Quirin. At the heart of a region where glass making is a part of its heritage, all the creations belong to a humorous style. They are all made out of a very high quality American glass. You will a find a good range of funny and original creations such as tableware, jewellery, decorative objects, bottles, stained glass, glass paste...

From the 1st to the 3rd Century, people used to live at William's Cross hamlet: you can still see vestiges of houses, sanctuaries, necropolis and a sandstone quarry. It is a good exemple of the rural life during the Gallo-Roman era. While searching the site, some furnitures have been found: you may see them at Sarrebourg Museum. Open visit // Guided tour for groups: on request only (free). Access: while leaving Sarrebourg, take the D44 and the D46 until Saint-Quirin. Then, follow the direction of Abreschviller.

On July 2nd 1937, a french military plane crashed outside Turquestein-Blancrupt. It was coming from Essy-Les-Nancy military base. The 5 passengers perished in the crash. In order to remember them, you may see a stone tablet on D933 road.

Welcome to the Kiboki! This restaurant, ran by Hélène Petitpez, is located in the middle of Nature not too far away from Col du Donon in the Vosges mountains.

On the foothills of "Les Vosges", the Saint Quirin forest extends for km and offers limitless outstanding hikes. Plains and hills are rather in the North and West whereas the mountains are further South. Come to discover a good range of scenery thanks to the elevation gain (from 275m to 720m). Nowadays, the forest holds confinerous trees: firs, pines, spruces, beeches and oaks.

The Grossmann is the largest biological reserve in Lorraine, created in 1984 to preserve the habitat of the capercaillie. Originally 173 hectares, it was enlarged in 1990 to 1,568 hectares, straddling the state forests of Abreschviller and Walscheid.

The Canceley rock rises to 619m. Don't miss its shelter-arch and the old dry stone wall on the north face. The summit is reached by a stone staircase. From there, you can have a unique view of the Donon Massif. Unusual: there is also a well near the rock, said to be at least 350 m deep!

In the heart of Saint-Quirin forest, you may enjoy Lampertstein rock (470m high). There, enjoy the amazing view on Le Donon and other mountains. A good range of hiking trails lay nearby.

Stop by Belle Roche while hiking on the GR5 (a hiking trail). At the top, enjoy the outstanding view on the surroundings and a cave. You can also use it as a shelter when it rains! Don't forget to go to La Croix Saint Guillaume, a Gallo-Roman vestige.

Saint Quirin is considered among "France's most beautiful villages" and has a rich heritage. Its neighbouring communes- Métairies-St-Quirin, Vasperviller et Turquestein- also offer architectural treasures. Seven sanctuaries called the « Seven Roses » are to discover in Saint-Quirin and in the dependent communes of the Priory. The High Chapel (the red rose) is located on the hill which overlooks the village.

Hikers may enjoy the GR5 hiking trail running close to Turquestein-Blancrupt and Tête du Frésillon. Along the trail, you may see Brignon Borderstones and Saint-Quirin's coat of arms engraved on each stone. Some of the 166 borderstones disappeared over time, others were restored restored thanks to Club Vosgien and ONF's volunteers.

Enjoy this forest area located between 520m and 1000m high: find out more about protected bird species in the area, especially capercaillies. Unfortunately, they have not been seen very often lately and only a few remain in the area.