Tête des Perches

Tête des Perches is a granite summit in the Vosges massif, rising to 1,222 metres on the border between the Vosges and Haut-Rhin departments, just above the village of Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle. The peak sits within the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park and ranks among the more popular hiking destinations in this part of the range.

How do you get to the summit?

Most routes start from Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle, with trails first winding through forest before opening onto the ridge that leads to the summit. A well-known loop covers roughly 26.4 km and is rated as a demanding hike - plan for a full day and bring proper trekking boots. Shorter alternatives also exist, combining the climb to Tête des Perches with a visit to the nearby Lac des Perches.

What will you see along the way and from the top?

The trail runs mostly through woodland before breaking out onto open ridgelines, where a wide panorama unfolds over the relief of the Vosges and the Alsace Plain beyond. That view is the main reason hikers make the trip - from the granite summit you can take in a large stretch of the massif on both sides of the ridge.

Close to the summit, it's worth taking a detour to Lac des Perches, a small lake with clear water also known as the Sternsee. It's a quiet spot to rest partway through a longer hike, offering a contrast to the open, rocky stretch leading up to the top.

When is the best time to visit?

The best window runs from late spring through early autumn, when trails are dry and easier to walk and the exposed ridge sections are free of snow. In summer, an early start helps avoid the hottest hours on the unshaded parts of the route. In autumn, the forests on the lower slopes turn colour, adding another reason to make the climb.

Who is this hike suited for?

Given the length of the full loop (over 26 km) and the demanding terrain, a trip to Tête des Perches is best suited to hikers with reasonable fitness and some mountain experience. Families with children or those looking for an easy walk should consider shorter options instead, such as an approach limited to the area around Lac des Perches rather than the complete ridge loop.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Tête des Perches? The summit reaches 1,222 metres above sea level and sits on the border between the Vosges and Haut-Rhin departments.

How long does the hike to the summit take? The popular loop of about 26.4 km is considered demanding and usually takes a full day; shorter alternatives are available for less experienced hikers.

What can you see from the summit? The top offers a panorama over the Vosges massif and the Alsace Plain.

Is there anything else worth seeing nearby? Yes, Lac des Perches (also called the Sternsee) lies close to the summit - a small, clear-water lake that makes a good rest stop along the hike.