The Champ du Feu

The Champ du Feu, standing at 1099 meters, is the highest point of the Lower Rhine. The vegetation of its mountain stubble fields and raised peat bogs make this natural site as fragile as it is exceptional. In the winter months, downhill skiers enjoy its snowcovered slopes and cross-country skiers happily partake in the many miles of groomed ski trails. The observation tower at the summit, still referred to as the Hohenlohenturm, was built in 1898 by the Club Vosgien. It is the symbol of the Champ du Feu. There are many hypotheses as to the origin of the name Champ du Feu (literally “field of fire” in modern French). It may come from Vehfeld (cattle field) or it may be a deformation of the name “Champ des Fées” (Field of the Fairies) or of “Champ du Faîte” (Field at the Summit). Other suggested origins include references to will-o'-the wisps seen because of the emanations of methane from the peat bogs and to fires in the coalfields. As the highest point of the Lower Rhine region, this granite hill range offers abundant high pastures making it ideal for hiking and winter sports (Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, sledding, snowshoeing…).