""Spirit of place""

Gaëlle Hochstetter's favourite spot

It's not that I want to keep this secret little spot to myself... Or play guessing games. But, the thing is that it deserves it. Otherwise the magic doesn't work. And the spirit of place wouldn't come and watch over you...

So here are a few clues to get you on your way. A few personal feelings to make you want to get there... And I'll let you see it for yourself.

To start with, you have a choice. It's in the centre of the world! Well, my world. Ban de la Roche, where I come from, is very nearby. When you have Ranrupt, where I work, at your feet. When you can see all of Colroy la Roche where I live. When you get up close and personal with the Grand Climont, you'll be there! Well, maybe... You still have to find the exact spot. It's a bit above Promont Farm and you can already sense the peace of the place. Along a path marked by a yellow circle that goes up to a gap in the trees with incredible views: no fewer than 9 ridge lines that stretch to Ste Marie Aux Mines Valley!

That's where I stop for a picnic in the evening. Where I often go for a run, sometimes a motorbike ride... It's always a pleasure. Because I can breathe there. It's not that I can't anywhere else. I love my job, my valley, my life. But this is where I really appreciate it all. I can hear the bells ringing in Ranrupt and I realise how lucky I am to live and work here. Away from the hustle and bustle, this landscape gets under my skin. I soak up the peaceful universe that I've got to know so well. And magic always happens.

A butterfly lands on me. I know it's the spirit of place. And that I belong.

I hope you feel the same...

Ah! One last detail: My favourite spot is called Gaize Woods. It means ""goat"" in patois.

Nice isn't it?