Mont Donon, Archaeological mountain site in Grandfontaine, France
Mont Donon is a mountain in the northern Vosges at about 1008 meters elevation, topped with a television transmission tower visible from afar. The summit offers views across the surrounding landscape and connects multiple hiking routes that approach from different directions.
The mountain once held a Gallo-Roman sanctuary in ancient times, with archaeological finds now stored in the Strasbourg Museum. In 1914, it became a battlefield where German and French forces clashed during the opening month of World War I.
Military memorials at the summit honor soldiers from both German and French forces who fought here during the early days of World War I. These monuments shape how visitors experience the hilltop and reflect the region's shared struggle.
Several hiking routes lead to the summit with distances between 5 and 9 kilometers and elevation gains ranging from 230 to 360 meters. The mountain remains accessible year-round, though winter conditions can make the climb more demanding.
A carved sandstone block near the summit marks where the writer Victor Hugo visited and found creative inspiration. Many hikers pass by without noticing this quiet memorial to his connection with the place.
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