Sarrebourg. The Marches du Donon: Immersion in the massif this Sunday

This Sunday, July 27, return to nature with the 28th edition of the Donon Walks, organized by the Sarrebourg-Abreschviller Vosges Club. These walks are divided into two hikes so there's something for everyone. "These aren't just walks. We enjoy the scenery," explains François Fischer, president of the Club Vosgien Sarrebourg-Abreschviller.

• The 10 km hike will start at 9 a.m. from Place des Passeurs in Abreschviller. Arrival at 12:45 p.m. in Grand-Soldat and return by forest train. The hikers will leave from the Abreschviller-Walscheid side to climb to the Roche du Diable. "We will be in the land of Erckmann-Chatrian. Next year, we will celebrate the bicentenary of Alexandre Chatrian." From the Roche du Diable, the hikers will see the Donon massif in front of them, with the village of Abreschviller below them. They will progress on the hillsides towards Walscheid.

• The 20 km hike will start at 6:45 a.m., Place des Passeurs, for a bus departure to the heights of Donon, either between the Deux-Donons, or from the Col de l'Engin (technical constraints in progress). From the Col de l'Engin, if the weather is good, you can see the Schirmeck valley. You can also see the flame of the Struthof concentration camp. After a short break at the Baraque Carrée, the walkers will take the GR53 still on the Alsatian side before joining the CV markings on the ridges. On the right Alsace, on the left Lorraine. The troop will take the direction of the Grossmann forest house. A 15-minute break is planned there with the distribution of water and raisins by a team from the Vosges Club. Passage through the Melkplatz (milking square) before tackling 200 m of climbing, nicknamed "the head of the hen". Then dive towards the Parc aux Bœufs.

For both hikes, it is recommended to bring a snack and a drink. The two groups will converge around 12:45 p.m. at the forest train station in Grand-Soldat.

Roger Fourmann, the renowned trail marking specialist, gave his name to the challenge, which rewards the largest participating groups, whether associations or families. Other rewards are planned.

"The Admiral," a historic figure in the CV, wanted people to walk more on Grossmann. "There's more to it than the GR5, the 'highway'." With his niece and François Fischer, they searched for paths to climb Donon. That was twenty-eight years ago.

Long walk: bus, train and meal: €25. Short walk: train and meal: €23. Meal only: €18. Registration: Sarrebourg Tourist Office on 03 87 03 11 82 or Vosges Club on 06 71 47 21 10 before July 26.