La Roche des Vieux Chevaux, Scenic viewpoint in Xonrupt-Longemer, France
La Roche des Vieux Chevaux is a natural rock formation near Xonrupt-Longemer in the Vosges, with a wide view over Lake Longemer below. The water stretches out beneath the rock, framed by forest and rolling hills on all sides.
The name of the rock comes from an old accident in which a farmer's horse fell near the edge of the cliff. That event stayed in local memory for generations and gave the rock its name.
The name of the rock comes from the local Lorraine dialect: "lè reuche do vié chevau" means "the rock of the old horse". The plural x in "chevaux" reflects a quirk of the dialect, and that spelling has stayed with the rock ever since.
The path to the viewpoint is narrow and technical, with uneven ground and loose stones, especially on the way down. Sturdy footwear is needed, and extra care is advised in wet weather, as the rocks can become slippery.
Near the rock, there are traces of an old copper mine that show the area was once used for mining as well as farming. Most visitors walk past without noticing, since the view from the top draws all the attention.
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