THE VOSGES MOUNTAINS
The Vosges Mountains are the green heart of northeastern France, a land of ancient forests, serene lakes, and rolling peaks. This region is a haven for nature lovers and a playground for outdoor adventures, steeped in a rich history and distinct culture.
It is a place where tranquility reigns and tradition endures. From the scenic Route des Crêtes to charming mountain villages and vibrant spa towns, the Vosges offer an escape into a world of natural beauty and peaceful exploration.
Most Popular Attractions
High Peaks & Scenic Routes:
Grand Ballon: The highest peak in the Vosges, offering panoramic views stretching to the Alps on a clear day.
Route des Crêtes: A breathtaking scenic road built during WWI, winding along the main ridge of the southern Vosges. It provides stunning views and access to numerous hiking trails.
Hohneck: The third-highest peak, known for its subalpine environment and unique wildlife, including the chamois.
Col de la Schlucht: A famous mountain pass and a gateway to numerous hiking trails, especially the scenic Sentier des Roches.
Sentier des Roches: A challenging but rewarding hiking path along the cliffs, offering spectacular views.
Lakes & Waterfalls:
Lac Blanc: A beautiful glacial lake perfect for hiking and rock climbing. A chairlift operates in summer and winter for easy access to the trails.
Lac des Corbeaux: A small, tranquil lake surrounded by dense forest, offering a peaceful retreat.
Lac de Gérardmer: The largest lake in the Vosges, offering a variety of water activities like swimming, boating, and paddleboarding.
Lac de Longemer: Known as the “Pearl of the Vosges,” this lake is more tranquil than its neighbor and popular for camping and picnicking.
Cascade de Tendon: A series of beautiful waterfalls, including the Grand Tendon and Petit Tendon, nestled within a lush forest.
Charming Villages & Towns:
Gérardmer: A lively town on the shores of its namesake lake, known as the “Pearl of the Vosges,” offering many shops and restaurants.
La Bresse: A popular ski resort town and a hub for outdoor activities in both winter and summer.
Kaysersberg: A picturesque Alsatian village with a medieval bridge, cobbled streets, and a beautiful castle ruin.
Riquewihr: A stunning walled village known for its half-timbered houses and vineyards.
Ribeauvillé: A charming medieval town with three castle ruins that you can hike to.
Hunawihr: One of the “most beautiful villages in France,” famous for its fortified church and the Center for the Reintroduction of Storks.
Obernai: A beautiful historic town with an impressive medieval bell tower and well-preserved ramparts.
Historical Sites & Museums:
Struthof Concentration Camp: The only Nazi concentration camp on French soil, now a memorial and museum dedicated to its victims.
Hartmannswillerkopf: A former WWI battlefield and memorial site, offering a sobering look at trench warfare with well-preserved trenches and bunkers.
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg: A magnificent medieval fortress overlooking the Alsace plain, fully restored and offering incredible views.
Musée du Textile des Vosges: A museum in Ventron that showcases the history of the textile industry, which was a vital part of the region’s economy.
Activities & Experiences
Hike to a Mountain Lake: Discover the stunning glacial lakes scattered throughout the massif, such as Lac Blanc, Lac des Corbeaux, or Lac de Gérardmer. Many have well-marked trails and offer beautiful views.
Go Skiing or Snowboarding: In winter, hit the slopes at one of the many ski resorts, including Gérardmer, La Bresse, and Le Markstein. They cater to all levels, from beginners to experienced skiers.
Explore a Medieval Castle: Visit the ruins of Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle, a stunningly restored fortress that offers panoramic views of the Alsace plain and the Black Forest.
Try Local Flavors on the Route des Crêtes: Drive or cycle along the scenic “Route des Crêtes,” a road built during WWI that winds through the high-altitude pastures, stopping at a traditional “ferme-auberge” for a hearty local meal.
Go Paragliding: Take to the skies with a tandem paragliding flight from sites like the Hohneck or the Grand Ballon for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the landscape.
Visit a Local Distillery: The Vosges is known for its fruit brandies (eaux de vie). Take a tour of a traditional distillery to learn about the process and sample some of the region’s famous liqueurs.
Mountain Biking on the Trails: The region has an extensive network of marked mountain biking trails (VTT), from easy forest paths to challenging downhill tracks, especially around the La Bresse and Gérardmer areas.
Discover the Hohneck Massif: Hike or drive up to the Hohneck, one of the highest peaks in the Vosges, for breathtaking 360-degree views and a chance to see the famous chamois.
Experience a Spa in Vittel or Contrexéville: Relax and rejuvenate in the thermal spas of these famous spa towns, known for their healing mineral waters.
Go Canoeing or Kayaking: Paddle on the calm waters of Lac de Gérardmer or Lac de Longemer, renting a boat for a peaceful afternoon on the water.
Explore the “Pays des Mille Étangs”: Hike through the “Land of a Thousand Ponds” in the Southern Vosges, a unique landscape of small lakes and marshes.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Recommended: The Vosges is best explored by car, as many of the scenic routes, hiking trails, and picturesque villages are not easily accessible by public transport. This is especially true for the Route des Crêtes and the high-altitude areas.
Buses and Taxis: A limited bus network connects some of the larger towns and villages, but schedules can be infrequent. Taxis are available in major towns like Gérardmer and Épinal but can be expensive for long distances.
Trains: Train stations in towns like Épinal, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, and Remiremont connect the region to major cities like Nancy and Paris. From there, you’ll need to use local transport or a rental car to reach smaller villages and the mountains.
Bike Rentals: Many towns and resorts have bike rental shops, offering road bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes for exploring the dedicated cycling paths and mountain trails.
Wear Appropriate Attire: The weather in the Vosges Mountains can be unpredictable. Even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly, and rain is common. Always carry an extra layer and a waterproof jacket, especially for hiking.
The “Ferme-Auberge” Experience: Look for these traditional farm-inns, particularly along the Route des Crêtes. They serve hearty, home-cooked meals made with local products from the farm. It’s an authentic dining experience you won’t want to miss.
Try the Local Cuisine: Don’t leave without trying some of the regional specialties. The Vosges is known for its unique cuisine, including Munster cheese, tourte vosgienne (a meat pie), potée vosgienne (a rich stew), and the local fruit brandies.
Winter Season: If visiting in winter, be prepared for snowy and icy roads, especially in the higher elevations. Snow tires or chains are often necessary and sometimes even mandatory. Check road conditions before you travel.
Hidden Gems
- The Crystal Valley: Explore the charming villages of the Vallée des Lacs, like Lac des Corbeaux and Lac de Retournemer. The area is also famous for its crystal production.
- The Roman-esque Abbey of Moyenmoutier: Tucked away in a quiet village, this abbey offers a peaceful and historically rich visit, often away from the main tourist trails.
- Sentier des Roches: While popular, this challenging and exhilarating hiking trail between Hohneck and Col de la Schlucht offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the region, with ladders and chains to navigate rocky sections. It’s a must for experienced hikers.
- The “Maison de la Culture du Val de Villé”: This small museum in the village of Villé offers an excellent insight into the history, traditions, and daily life of the Vosges region.
Language: While the Vosges is a popular tourist destination, especially for Germans and other Europeans, English is not widely spoken in smaller villages. Learning a few basic French phrases will be very helpful and appreciated.
Top Restaurants
Auberge du Lac de la Maix [$25-$40] – A charming inn with a traditional, rustic atmosphere, located by the tranquil Lac de la Maix. Known for its generous portions of hearty, authentic Vosgian cuisine.
Ferme-Auberge du Schiessrothwasen [$30-$50] – A true farmhouse inn high in the mountains, offering simple, delicious meals made with ingredients from their own farm, including Munster cheese and smoked meats.
Le Chalet du Lac [$20-$35] – A classic lakeside restaurant near Gérardmer, specializing in traditional regional dishes like “tofailles” (a potato and meat stew) and “tarte aux myrtilles” (blueberry tart).
Restaurant La Perle des Vosges [$25-$45] – Located in Gérardmer, this restaurant is known for its classic French and regional cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Ferme-Auberge du Kahlenwasen [$25-$40] – Another authentic farmhouse inn, this one is famous for its homemade cheeses, particularly the Munster, served with local potatoes and charcuterie.
Auberge de la Pente [$20-$35] – A cozy, family-run restaurant in the small village of La Bresse, popular with locals for its traditional “tartiflette” and other mountain specialties.
L’Auberge de la Schlucht [$25-$40] – Situated on the Col de la Schlucht, this historic inn offers classic regional dishes with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Le Jardin des Fées [$30-$50] – A picturesque restaurant in the heart of the Vosges, known for its creative menu that blends traditional Alsatian and Vosgian flavors with a modern touch.
La Table du Haut-Jardin [$30-$50] – This restaurant in Ventron offers a menu based on seasonal products, with a focus on traditional mountain cuisine and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Ferme-Auberge du Kastelberg [$25-$40] – Located in a beautiful high-altitude setting, this farmhouse inn is a perfect stop for hikers, offering hearty, traditional fare and their own farm-made products.
Auberge du Frankenbourg [$50-$80] – While technically on the Alsatian side of the Vosges, this Michelin-starred restaurant near the mountain range offers a contemporary take on regional cuisine with a focus on high-quality, seasonal ingredients.
Le Bistrot Gourmand [$30-$50] – A modern bistro in Épinal known for its inventive menu, which reinterprets classic French and Vosgian dishes with a creative flair.
Restaurant du Grand Hôtel & Spa [$40-$70] – This restaurant in Gérardmer provides a more modern and refined dining experience, with a menu that blends traditional flavors with contemporary cooking techniques.
L’Arbre Vert [$30-$50] – Located in Vagney, this restaurant offers a creative menu that uses fresh, local products to craft modern and elegant dishes.
Restaurant du Lac [$35-$60] – Situated on the shore of Lac de Longemer, this spot has a modern and stylish interior and a menu that combines traditional Vosgian dishes with contemporary gastronomy.
La Table d’Angèle [$40-$65] – This restaurant in Remiremont is known for its creative and refined cuisine, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and beautiful presentation.
Le Toya [$70-$120] – A fine dining restaurant in Faulx, with a strong focus on high-quality, regional products presented in a refined and elegant manner.
Auberge du Couvent [$60-$100] – Housed in a former convent in the charming village of Taintrux, this restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with a creative, modern menu.
L’Auberge du Lac de la Maix [$60-$90] – While also a traditional favorite, this inn offers a more refined, high-end dining menu in a separate section, featuring elaborate dishes and an excellent wine list.
Restaurant l’Hôtel des Bains [$70-$110] – A classic high-end restaurant in Contrexéville, known for its refined service and a menu of traditional French and regional cuisine with a modern touch.
Le Grill de la Forêt [$25-$45] – Located in Gérardmer, this restaurant specializes in grilled meats cooked over a wood fire, offering a hearty and unique dining experience.
Le Collet [$20-$35] – A small, unpretentious restaurant in the heart of La Bresse, known for its delicious crêpes, galettes, and other sweet and savory specialties.
La Vache qui Rit [$20-$35] – A fun and casual restaurant in Gérardmer specializing in cheese fondue, raclette, and other communal dining experiences perfect for a group.
La Cabane au Goût [$30-$50] – A small, unique restaurant in a secluded forest setting, offering a unique and intimate dining experience with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Le Refuge du Sotré [$25-$40] – Located on the Route des Crêtes, this refuge offers simple but delicious meals, including hearty soups and sandwiches, in a beautiful, panoramic setting.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
La Rhumerie: Found in Gérardmer, this themed bar is well-known for its wide selection of rums and beautifully crafted cocktails. The friendly atmosphere and quality drinks make it a great spot for a night out.
Les Rives du Lac: Located with a spectacular view over the Gérardmer lake, this bar is perfect for a relaxed moment. It offers a variety of drinks, including cocktails, in a warm and inviting setting.
Le Chapître: This stylish bar is situated in Remiremont and offers a sophisticated atmosphere with a large central fireplace. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a meticulously chosen cocktail or a glass of wine.
Bar Le Gobiat: Located in La Bresse, this friendly bar is a good choice for a casual drink. It’s a popular spot with locals and visitors alike, offering a comfortable place to hang out.
Memphis: Found in Épinal, this American-themed restaurant also features a bar with a menu of classic and contemporary cocktails. It’s a fun and lively spot for a drink before or after a meal.
Le Carré: A bar and club in the center of Épinal that is a popular spot for both pre-dinner drinks and late-night dancing.
Hôtel Bar des Vosges: A traditional bar located within a hotel, providing a classic and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a reliable choice for a simple drink in a classic setting.
Le QG Bar & Restaurant: A popular spot in a number of ski resort towns within the Vosges, known for its lively après-ski scene. It’s great for cocktails, a laid-back vibe, and often has live music.
The Secret Bar: A hidden gem with a focus on good value drinks and a relaxed atmosphere. A perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet moment.
Wine Not Bar: This cozy wine bar offers a large sunny terrace perfect for enjoying a drink and some tapas in the mountains. It has a rustic interior for chilly evenings.
L’Endroit: A popular bar in Gérardmer, offering a relaxed setting with a good selection of beverages.
Le 23: Located in Épinal, this bar is known for its friendly staff and a variety of drinks. It’s a good place to start your evening.
Le Fût et à Mesure: A unique concept bar in Épinal where you can serve your own beer from a tap at your table, making it a fun and interactive experience.
Bar Les 2 Pêcheurs: A small, charming bar in Épinal that is a favorite among locals for its authentic atmosphere and classic French pub feel.
La Taverne des Brasseurs: For those who prefer beer, this brewery and pub in the Vosges offers a great selection of local craft beers in a traditional setting.
Clubbing La Suite: A nightclub located in Épinal, providing a lively atmosphere with DJs playing a mix of music to get the party going late into the night.
Le Papillon: A popular nightclub near Gérardmer that features a vibrant dance floor and themed parties on weekends.
L’Evasion: Situated in the nearby town of Riquewihr, this club is a destination for those looking for a high-energy dance experience with top DJs.
Le Parc: Found in Wintzenheim, this club is known for its modern facilities and a diverse mix of music, attracting a dynamic crowd of night owls.
Le Diam’s: A well-known club in Mulhouse, close to the Vosges, that offers a spacious dance floor and a festive atmosphere with music ranging from current hits to timeless classics.
Le Valentino: Located in Mulhouse, this modern and dynamic club is a great spot for a night of dancing, with a wide variety of music genres and skilled resident DJs.
Le Gibus: A nightclub in the heart of the Vosges that is a go-to spot for those seeking a fun and energetic party scene.
Theatro Club: While often located in larger cities, smaller Theatro-style clubs can be found in larger Vosges towns, offering unique themed events and live performances.
Le Seven: A lively club found in larger towns of the region that offers a great party atmosphere and often has special offers for groups.
Boomerang: A club known for its international clientele and a great selection of drinks, perfect for a fun night out with friends.