Escapade in the Vosges: 10 unmissable places!

The Vosges department offers a diversity of landscapes and activities to delight everyone in every season. From skiing in winter to summer hiking, through the medley of autumn colours enhanced by the mountainous landscape, the natural spaces of this beautiful region will captivate you. The Vosges ballons regional nature park is one of the largest in France and covers virtually the entire department. Culture is not left behind, as we shall see: let us explore together 10 Vosges locations not to be missed during a stay in the Grand Est region.

#1 Gerardmer

First stop at Gerardmer, a small but famous town of 8,500 inhabitants, notably known for its La Mauselaine ski resort. Equipped with 40 km of alpine ski runs and 30 km of cross-country ski runs, it is the second largest ski area in the Vosges mountains. In addition to mountain activities, visitors can stroll along the edge of its magnificent lake or wander through the boutiques in the town centre. Film enthusiasts meet there annually for the international fantasy film festival, whose 29th edition is being held in January 2022. The pearl of the Vosges thus offers multiple activities that will delight the whole family.

#2 Summits aplenty!

Several options are available to you to discover the Vosges peaks such as the Hohneck (1,363m), the Petit Ballon (1,272m) and the Grand Ballon (1,424m). Travel the ridge road with your vehicle and stop at each summit, where you can recharge while enjoying the magnificent view over the region, and even sample specialities at one of the inns. The ridge road was created during the First World War and served a strategic purpose of defence and resupply. The most experienced sports enthusiasts can tackle a multi-day trail to the peaks and passes for an immersion in nature. Time to bivouac!

#3 Lakes with fairy-tale settings

Among the many lakes in the department, the Lac Blanc and the Lac Noir are worth mentioning. Both accessible via a car park, you can walk around them, albeit with some effort. Some sections can be steep but you will not be disappointed with the trip. The walks offer panoramic views of both the lakes and the adjacent forest. You can also opt for the “two lakes” hike, which takes approximately 4 hours.

#4 La Confiserie des Hautes Vosges

It is impossible to leave without tasting the sweets from the Confiserie des Hautes Vosges in Plainfaing! Hand-made, there are more than 35 types of sweets (including 17 without colouring) that will delight your taste buds. And nothing goes to waste! The broken sweets are not thrown away but recovered to be consumed as a hot (with an “inhalation” effect guaranteed!) or cold drink. The brand also offers a free guided tour to explore the secrets behind the making of its fir buds, eucalyptus sweets or other Vosges resins. Founded in 1986, CDHV is a family business that wishes to preserve its history and that of sweet making: the sweet museum traces the manufacturing processes of the sweets from our childhood.

#5 Fraispertuis

From eastern France to the American Wild West, there is just one step here! Voted best French family park in 2004, Fraispertuis-City park offers more than 30 attractions. Thrill-seekers, water ride enthusiasts and families will all find something to enjoy! Opened in 1966, the park welcomes 280,000 visitors per year (outside of the pandemic period obviously). Opt for a day at Fraispertuis-City for a guaranteed change of scenery and unforgettable moments with your loved ones.

#6 A wellness cure at Plombière les Bains?

What if you treated yourself to a wellness break? Let us stop for a moment at the spa town of Plombière les Bains, founded by the Romans 2,000 years ago! However, the town owes the bulk of the development of its spa activity to its patron Napoleon III. If you are looking to treat digestive or rheumatological disorders in particular, this spa town is recommended. You can also find change of scenery and relaxation in the heart of its historic buildings. Nicknamed the town of a thousand balconies, it has attracted many celebrities throughout the centuries. Take the opportunity to stroll through the streets of this charming small town, nestled in its valley, which will soon hold no more secrets for you!

#7 Tendon waterfall

Let us now head for a refreshing stop at the highest waterfall in the Vosges. Nestled in its green setting, the Tendon waterfall cascades down 30 metres in height. A marked path will allow you to make a 7 km loop in the Vosges forest, where you can admire the small and large Tendon waterfalls from various angles, and cross small streams. This route is best explored outside of the dry seasons if you wish to enjoy the pretty water flows.

#8 Épinal

The department’s leading economic and commercial centre, the town of Épinal knows how to showcase its heritage. It is overlooked by its medieval castle, whose remains you can admire while walking through the gardens and animal park, or picnicking while enjoying the splendid view of the town centre: the Moselle, which flows through the town, gives it additional charm. Continue your discovery with the Basilique Saint Maurice d’Épinal, of Romanesque architecture. Its bell tower and eclectic appearance will certainly spark your curiosity. Despite these historical gems, Épinal owes its fame above all to its prints: the last still active in the world. Visit the museum to discover 220 years of images through an interactive trail. You could easily spend a full day there!

#9 Le Musée d’Histoire Bernard Counot

For history enthusiasts, the museum located in Liffol-le-Grand is a must-see. Thanks to excavations carried out locally on a Gallo-Roman site, funded by private donations, historical objects from everyday life are now preserved there. Welcomed by volunteers, you can admire treasures dating from prehistory through to the medieval period.

#10 Jardin d’Altitude du Haut Chitelet

If your Vosges escapade takes place between 1st June and 30th September, do not miss stopping at the Col de la Schlucht to see some of the 2,500 alpine species at the Jardin d’Altitude du Haut Chitelet. Situated on the ridge road at an altitude of 1,228m, the site abounds in floral wonders and includes an altitude beech forest and a natural peat bog. The garden also has the mission of conserving threatened plant species and contributes to biodiversity preservation.

Discovering the Vosges often exceeds the novice’s expectations: this region abounds in natural, historical and cultural wonders, and activities for the whole family. The non-exhaustive list we have made only reflects an experience that is certainly incomplete: it is up to you to supplement it with your own wanderings. Happy stays at the summits!