GR 5 Lorraine
The place
The GR®5 Lorraine section is the northern part of the great crossing of France that links the North Sea to the Alps. From Luxembourg or Sedan to Wissembourg, it crosses the Lorraine hills, the Moselle valley, the Sarre and the Vosges foothills over approximately 200 km. Gently rolling terrain, oak and beech forests, Moselle vineyards, villages with Franco-German architecture. An ideal stage for walkers wanting to discover the peaceful Lorraine countryside.
Why go
Metz and its cathedral (detour). Moselle vineyards. Villages with mixed French and German architectural heritage. Sarre forests. Historic border between France and Germany.
A bit of history
The GR5 is one of the oldest Grande Randonnée trails in France, waymarked by the FFRP in the 1960s. The Lorraine section links territories marked by the history of the two world wars, and remnants of that period are frequently encountered.
Getting there
Luxembourg: international airport (flights from across Europe). Wissembourg: TER station (50 min from Strasbourg). Easy access from Paris, Metz or Strasbourg.
Recommended gear
Standard hiking gear. Non-technical terrain. Abundant accommodation in gîtes and guesthouses.
Best season
Possible year-round. Best periods: May–June (greenery, blossoms) and September–October (autumn colours). Avoid the hottest weeks of July–August.