Roche des Corbeaux

Roche des Corbeaux is a rocky summit above Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, a small town in the Vosges department in eastern France. Built from the region's characteristic sandstone, the outcrop rises to 669 meters and sits entirely within the boundaries of the Saint-Dié-des-Vosges commune, forming part of the wider Massif de la Bure.

What does the name mean?

The name suggests crows or ravens (corbeaux in French), but local tradition says the birds have nothing to do with it. The word is thought to be a corruption of an old French term describing something curved or bent — a nod to the twisted shape of the rock formations rather than to any bird. It's a case where a place name survived long after its original meaning faded from use.

What will you see at the top?

The main draw of Roche des Corbeaux is the view. From the summit, the outlook stretches across the valleys surrounding Saint-Dié, and on a clear day you can make out much of the eastern Vosges. The rocks have been a protected natural site since 1910, a status that reflects their landscape value. The Sentier de la Déodatie, a trail waymarked by the Club Vosgien — the association that has been marking hiking routes across the Vosges since the 19th century — runs across the site. Many routes combine the climb to Roche des Corbeaux with a visit to the nearby Camp celte de la Bure, the remains of a Celtic hillfort on the same massif, making it easy to turn the outing into a longer loop with two sights in one trip.

How do you get there?

The most convenient starting point is Col de la Crénée, a pass close to Saint-Dié-des-Vosges reachable by car. From there, two paths lead to the summit: one steeper and shorter, the other gentler but slightly longer — both take between 20 and 30 minutes on foot. No technical experience is required, though sturdy footwear is worth having given the rocky sections.

When should you visit?

Thanks to the modest elevation gain and short approach, Roche des Corbeaux is a popular destination for family Sunday walks throughout the year. Spring and autumn tend to give the clearest views from the lookout, while summer brings more visitors as tourists explore the Vosges region generally. In winter, after snowfall, the steeper sections can turn slippery, so the gentler path is the safer choice.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Roche des Corbeaux? The summit reaches 669 meters above sea level.

How long is the climb? From Col de la Crénée, it takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on which path you take.

Is the trail suitable for children? Yes — it's a gentle, family-friendly walk, especially on the less steep route.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The Camp celte de la Bure, a Celtic hillfort on the same massif, is often combined with Roche des Corbeaux in a single hike.