Book description
This is a practical guidebook to the trekking possibilities in the
Vosges and French Jura mountains. These mountains, which contain three
regional parks and contrasting landscapes and wildlife habitats, are of
a relatively moderate height, and have a well-developed network of
waymarked paths that provide a wealth of opportunities for the walker.
The book will be useful to anyone who plans to explore this lesser-known
corner of France on foot, whether by means of short excursions or longer
trails. The main part of the guide describes a continuous long-distance
route (672km, 418 miles) which traverses the Vosges and Jura ranges from
the German border in the north to Lake Geneva in the south, much of it
along the GR5 footpath. Walking the entire route is a significant
undertaking, amply rewarded by the diversity of landscapes and villages
encountered along the way. The guide has suggestions for circular walks
using selected sections of the GR5, ideas for shorter walks from centres
throughout the region, and information on alternative long-distance
routes. The background section, written with the walker in mind, covers
the history, wildlife and landscape of the region. Les and Elizabeth
Smith live in Perthshire and, after following sensible careers as
scientist and geographer respectively, have embraced a more flexible
outdoor life, pursuing their love of Scotland, wild places, wild life
and photography. Enthusiastic walkers and campers, they have backpacked
along many long-distance routes, both in the UK and more widely in
Europe. This is their first guidebook.
