Access to the hike to Les Cuveaux

From Remiremont, we took the N57 towards Saint-Nabord, then Éloyes. In Éloyes, we did not go towards the center of the town but turned right at the intersection, following “rue Charles de Gaule”, then right again “rue de Relanchâtel”. We followed the signposts “Les Cuveaux” by the forest road which climbs for 2km to the big intersection of Le Frêne with a car park.

We left the car and started the ascent taking the small paved road. But it is also possible to follow the path (red ring markings) in front of the shelter through the woods.

The view from Les Cuveaux

The small paved road which rises for 900 meters with an elevation gain of 130 meters is very pleasant for its calm and because it runs along beautiful deciduous forests. Following it, you reach the chalet-shelter which seems to be a very popular place allowing about ten people to settle there for a lunch break.

We have already been able to admire beautiful stones and a view of the village of Éloyes which we dominate from more than 350 meters in height. The one on the Moselle valley is still hidden by vegetation.

The belvedere of the Cuveaux

Then, we branched off to the right following a path through the woods and saw some pretty rocks for 400 meters. There, we discovered "the belvedere" installed on the highest point at 783m.

This 9m high promontory overlooking the Moselle valley offers a breathtaking view with its orientation table installed at the top of the tower. It also allows you to view, in good weather, the entire Vosges massif and even the Jura and the highest peaks of the Alps!

The rock of the "Tête des Cuveaux"

From this belvedere, the walk continues and led us in 15 minutes (500m) to the rock of the Tête des Cuveaux.

The site is incredible with its 17 cavities dug millennia ago in the sandstone and measuring approximately 60 to 70 cm in diameter which have earned this plateau the name of "Tête des Cuveaux" = small vats. This Vosges sandstone rock, about 8 meters high, is made up of superimposed blocks of unequal thickness, some excavated at their bases, others corbelled.

It is the presence of ancient glaciers and in particular the waters coming from streams flowing on the surface of these glaciers which would have produced these erosions. We settled comfortably in these rocks with cupules and immediately felt a powerful natural magnetism.

Magic of the place and unforgettable moment at the Cuveaux

The story goes that this place – facing south-west – was known for millennia by ancient civilizations, including the Celtic people of Leuques who ruled the area before the Roman conquest. They probably practiced a cult there where the stagnant water in the basins must have played a role of purification before worshiping the god Belenus represented by the sun.

On site, we discovered followers of meditation and magnetism. They meet at this place which they consider very vibratory, with a function linked to healing. A player of handpans, a metal drum with very spiritual and captivating sounds, flooded us with soft and subtle melodies. Within this exceptional and poetic universe, we had the feeling of being one with nature. This intimate moment in an unusual place left us with a memory that we are not ready to forget!

With its approximately 3km of walking for 140m of elevation gain, this hike is easily accessible. It alternates road and forest paths in undergrowth with rocks scattered along the route. The views are magnificent and the site of Les Cuveaux is both a real natural gem and a sacred place known for millennia (dating of the significant cults of the place to 1705, 610 and 51 BC).

Laurence