Étang du Petit-Haut

Étang du Petit-Haut is a small pond tucked into the southern slope of the Ballon d'Alsace, inside the state forest that covers this part of the Vosges, within the commune of Lepuix (Territoire de Belfort). It sits away from the crowds that gather at the summit itself, offering a quieter stop where the trail meets still water framed by forested slopes.

Where exactly is the pond?

The pond lies at roughly 920 metres above sea level, within the forested land belonging to Lepuix. It is fed and crossed by the Savoureuse river, which rises in this part of the massif before flowing down toward the industrial valley near Belfort. A second, smaller pond, Étang des Roseaux, sits close by, and the two are commonly visited together as part of one loop walk.

How do you get there on foot?

The most straightforward approach starts from the car park near Bon Pommier, reached via the D485 road linking Lepuix to the Ballon d'Alsace state forest. An alternative route begins on the D465 between Giromagny and Ballon d'Alsace. The pond also lies directly on the GR5, the long-distance trail that runs through the Vosges toward the Jura and the Alps, making it a natural resting point for hikers covering longer stretches of that route. A popular loop linking both ponds with the surrounding forest runs just under 9 km, with a moderate amount of climbing suited to walkers with average fitness.

What is there to do around the water?

The banks of Étang du Petit-Haut are gentle and partly sandy, making it a comfortable stop for families with children, without demanding a scramble through dense woods or steep ground. It works well as a picnic spot on a longer outing through the area. Hikers looking to extend the walk can combine it with other nearby features of the Ballon d'Alsace, including the Rummel waterfall and the spot known as Saut de la Truite, with the Vierge du Ballon statue marking the summit further up.

How did this pond come to exist?

The pond is not entirely natural — it was built in the 19th century as an artificial reservoir designed to keep the Savoureuse at a workable level during dry spells. Its stored water once powered hydraulic machinery used by industrial works further down the valley. That original purpose has long since faded, and today the reservoir blends into its surroundings as one of several ponds scattered across this stretch of the Vosges, valued mainly for its setting rather than any industrial role.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in the pond? Étang du Petit-Haut functions mainly as a scenic waypoint on a hiking route rather than a swimming spot — it's best treated as part of a longer walk rather than a standalone beach destination.

How long does it take to reach it? This depends on the starting point. From the Bon Pommier car park or the D465, reaching the pond typically takes anywhere from a short stroll to closer to an hour one way, depending on the chosen route.

Is the walk suitable for children? The immediate area around the pond, with its gentle, partly sandy shore, is manageable even for young children. Longer loops connecting both ponds with the slopes of Ballon d'Alsace call for a basic level of fitness.

Is the pond close to the Ballon d'Alsace summit? Yes, it sits on the mountain's southern slope within the same forest block, making it a convenient waypoint for anyone planning to continue up to the summit.