With our stay and travel plans already set, I’d love to share more about the beautiful hikes we’ll explore together. From peaceful forests to chapel-topped hills and the shimmering lakes of the Mille Étangs, these walks are the heart of our retreat — a chance to move with ease, breathe deeply, and experience the natural rhythms of the Vosges countryside.

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Hike 1: Circuit des Deux Chapelles

This charming loop trail combines gentle hills, peaceful forests, and cultural landmarks. Named after the two historic chapels along the route, the trail offers sweeping views over the Haute-Saône countryside and a chance to connect with the heritage of the Vosges.

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• Distance: ~8 km (5 miles)

• Duration: 2–2.5 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Scenic vistas, two historic chapels, and quiet village paths

   

Hike 2: Les Grilloux (Les Gillot)

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This loop hike takes us through the heart of the Mille Étangs — a patchwork of lakes, meadows, and hamlets shaped by centuries of history. Starting from the Plateau des Grilloux parking lot near Servance, the path leads over the plateau, past Nordic-style lakes and rustic countryside, before winding into tranquil woodland and along streams.

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• Distance: 10.8 km (6.7 miles)

• Elevation gain: 270 m (885 ft)

• Duration: 3–3.5 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Mille Étangs landscapes, hamlets, peaceful forest, serene lakes

   

🍴 Lunch stop halfway: Midway through our walk, we’ll pause at Restaurant Chez Gaby in Beulotte-Saint-Laurent. This family-run restaurant is beloved for its authentic regional cooking and warm atmosphere — the perfect recharge before completing the loop.

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Hike 3: Forêt de Saint-Bresson

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For those who love the calm of deep woods, the Forêt de Saint-Bresson trail is a refreshing forest loop. Shaded by tall pines and lined with mossy rocks, the path offers peaceful seclusion with occasional openings to reveal rolling hills and countryside views.

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• Distance: ~10 km (6 miles)

• Duration: 2.5–3 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Dense forest atmosphere, quiet immersion in nature, calming energy of the Vosges woods

   

🌄 Sample Day Schedule in Amage

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⚠️ Please note: this schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions. Hikes will be chosen accordingly to ensure the best and safest experience each day.

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• 7:30–8:15 am – Morning Yoga Flow

• 8:15–9:00 am – Breakfast

• 9:30 am–1:00 pm – Guided Hike

• 1:00–2:30 pm – Lunch (picnic or local restaurant)

• 2:30–4:00 pm – Rest & Relaxation at the villa

• 4:00–7:00 pm – Cultural Excursion to a nearby town or village

• 7:00–8:00 pm – Dinner

• 8:30–9:15 pm – Evening Yin Yoga & Gentle Stretch

• 9:15–9:45 pm – Yoga Nidra / Meditation

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🎒 Packing Tips for Hikes

To stay comfortable and prepared, please bring:

• Supportive walking or hiking shoes

• Hiking poles (recommended for extra stability on inclines and uneven paths)

• A light rain jacket (weather can change quickly in the Vosges)

• Refillable water bottle

• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)

• Backpack for personal items

• Camera or phone for capturing the beautiful views

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These hikes will let us experience the Vosges at its best — from chapel hilltops to forest stillness and shimmering lakes.Each trail offers a chance to ground ourselves in nature, move with awareness, and enjoy the rhythm of walking together. Whether short and gentle or longer and more adventurous, every hike will weave beautifully into our retreat days of yoga, rest, and connection.