Lapoutroie

Perched in the heart of the Vosges, Lapoutroie is a picturesque village where abundant nature and rich heritage meet.

Known as Sconerloch in 842, it belonged to King Lothair I and was inhabited by charcoal burners. Traces of an ancient Roman road and the Faudé peak, possibly linked to druidic cults, attest to its distant past. Its eventful history has shaped a strong identity, notably through the Roman Welche dialect still spoken today in this lush valley lined with majestic firs, within the Welche Country.

The commune is also a major World War I memorial site: the Tête des Faux, a famous battlefield, preserves many relics accessible via hiking trails. Marked paths invite exploration of these landscapes, such as the climb to the Faudé Tower offering exceptional views, or the discovery of the Etang du Devin, a mysterious peat bog favored by hikers and botany enthusiasts.

Lapoutroie charms with its lifestyle and local products: cheeses like Munster, craft beers, eaux-de-vie, and even Alsatian whisky, often tasted directly at producers. An 18th-century coaching inn houses the eaux-de-vie museum, displaying old stills and collections of miniatures, posters, and vintage bottles.

For families, a fun treasure hunt is offered: Rose and Louis, two young detectives, guide children and adults on a walk filled with puzzles to help the giant Guéllef reconstruct a recipe. Roadbooks are available at the tourist office.