Famous route

Vosges: Route des Crêtes

The Route des Crêtes follows the Vosges ridge between Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines and Cernay; sources give about 70–90 km. Much of it is closed by snow in winter.

Region: Alsace, Grand Est, France
Length: About 70–90 km (sources differ)
Start / end: Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines / Cernay
Top elevation: 1,343 m (4,406 ft)
Best season: Usually Apr–Nov; snow closures in winter

What should you know before visiting Vosges: Route des Crêtes?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €7 (France).

Overview sources say the road is generally open from April to November. The road authorities (Collectivité européenne d'Alsace, Vosges département) close it for winter and reopen it in stages. Check the current status beforehand.
The highest point of the route is the pass at the Grand Ballon, 1,343 m. The summit itself is 1,423 m and the highest mountain of the Vosges.
Under French law camping is not allowed on or directly beside public roads or in protected areas, and municipalities can add signed bans. Ask the local council beforehand.

The drive

The French military built the road during the First World War so that troops could move faster between the valleys. It runs from Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines in the north to Cernay in the south over passes such as Bonhomme, Schlucht (1,139 m) and Grand Ballon. At the Col de la Schlucht it meets the D417 between Munster and Gérardmer. The Grand Ballon and the Hohneck are described as the coldest and windiest points in Alsace.

Camping

French law bans camping in certain places and otherwise requires the landowner's permission. It is not allowed directly on public roads, in protected or heritage areas and near drinking water sources. For hikers, the Ballons des Vosges nature park says bivouacking is generally allowed unless prohibited and is banned in nature reserves. That covers a light kit, not automatically motorhomes. Fire bans can apply in dry spells.

FAQs

How long is the Route des Crêtes?

Sources give between about 70 and 90 km, depending on how the route and its access roads are counted, between Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines in the north and Cernay in the south. With viewpoints, passes and trailhead stops, allow more time than the pure driving time.

Is the Route des Crêtes open in winter?

Usually not throughout. Overview sources give April to November, and the road authorities close it for the winter. Reopening happens in stages and depends on snow, so check the current status with the Collectivité européenne d'Alsace or the Vosges département beforehand.

Where is the highest point?

The pass at the Grand Ballon, 1,343 m, is the road's highest point. The Grand Ballon itself, at 1,423 m, is the highest mountain of the Vosges, about 25 km north-west of Mulhouse.

How much are the tolls on Vosges: Route des Crêtes?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €7 (France). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.