Grand Ballon

The Grand Ballon (1,423m/4,669ft), above the town of Guebwiller, is the highest peak in the Vosges, with views extending in clear weather as far as the Alps (Säntis to Ste-Odile-Blanc). In early historical times there was a shrine here to a Celtic sun god named Bel or Belen, from which the name of the hill seems to be derived. There is a monument commemorating the defense of the hill by French Chasseurs Alpins during World War I.

400m/1,300ft below the summit, surrounded by forest, is the Lac du Ballon, which was dammed by Vauban in 1699 and now serves industrial purposes. The area is popular with winter sports enthusiasts.