Le Petit Donon

Le Petit Donon is a 961-metre summit in the Vosges mountains, rising above the forests of Wisches, a village in the Bas-Rhin department, a few kilometres from the town centre. It stands next to the taller Grand Donon (1,008–1,009 m), whose summit carries a reconstructed Gallo-Roman temple — together the two peaks form one of the most recognisable massifs in this part of the Vosges.

What will you see at the top?

The main draw of Le Petit Donon isn't the view but the history carved into stone. Scattered through the fir forest are pink sandstone steles — a legacy of the First World War. In 1916, German soldiers burying the dead on these ridges began engraving names directly into the rock; around 180 such steles were eventually created to commemorate both French and German soldiers who fell here. About 143 still survive today, hidden among the trees. Walking this "path of the steles" feels almost meditative and is one of the strongest reasons to visit outside peak season, when the forest is quiet.

The summit itself is covered in dense coniferous forest, with trails winding through picturesque undergrowth and several viewpoints over the surrounding hills of the Donon massif.

How do you get there?

Le Petit Donon sits within forest land belonging to the commune of Wisches, roughly 7 km northwest of its centre. The most convenient starting point for hiking trails is the Col du Donon (Donon pass), from where marked paths connect both summits. Access by car runs along local roads through the Vosges; during high season, expect limited parking near the pass.

Which trail should you choose?

For a short walk, an easy loop of about 4 km covers the site without technical difficulty, letting you take in the history of the Donon area with minimal effort. A more demanding but still moderate option is a roughly 5.5 km loop from the Col du Donon with about 265 m of elevation gain, combining both Grand Donon and Petit Donon in a single outing. Both options suit families and hikers without advanced mountain experience.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn offer the best conditions for a forest walk, when light filtering through the trees illuminates the steles well and temperatures stay mild. Summer brings welcome shade under the canopy, though trails can get busier thanks to the popularity of the neighbouring Grand Donon. In winter the ground can turn muddy or icy, so sturdy footwear is worth packing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Petit Donon and Donon the same summit? No — they are two neighbouring peaks within the same massif. Grand Donon rises to about 1,008–1,009 m and is known for the temple at its summit, while Petit Donon is lower (961 m) and best known for the historical steles scattered through its forest.

How long does a hike to Petit Donon take? The short loop usually takes 1–1.5 hours, while the longer route combining both summits (about 5.5 km, 265 m of elevation gain) typically takes 2–3 hours at a relaxed pace.

What are the steles on Petit Donon? They are around 180 pink Vosges sandstone slabs into which German soldiers, in 1916, carved the names of fallen French and German soldiers buried on these ridges during the First World War. About 143 of them survive today.

Is the trail suitable for children? Yes, the shorter loop (about 4 km) has no technical difficulty and is easy for families with children, though comfortable footwear is recommended because of roots and stones on the path.