SET OFF TO DISCOVER THE VOSGES AND GERARDMER
Between shimmering lakes, deep forests, snow-covered peaks and mountain villages, the Vosges offer endless experiences to enjoy in every season.
In Gérardmer and the surrounding area, every stay becomes an invitation to explore: skiing and snowshoeing in winter, hiking and swimming in summer, Christmas markets, zip-lining, waterfalls, forest walks, encounters with chamois and gourmet discoveries.
From the Forest Lodge in Xonrupt-Longemer, you are ideally located to discover the most beautiful sites in the Vosges, before returning in the evening to the calm of a chalet nestled in the heart of nature.
What to do in the Vosges?
What to do in the Vosges? The must-do activities include hiking along the ridges, walks around the lakes of Gérardmer, Longemer and Lispach, waterfalls, skiing in Gérardmer or La Bresse, family outings, Christmas markets, educational farms and wellness experiences in the heart of nature.
Around Gérardmer, the Vosges can be enjoyed all year round: skiing and snowshoeing in winter, swimming and water activities in summer, glowing forests in autumn, waterfalls in spring and gourmet escapes on rainy days.
Activities in the Vosges: must-sees around Gérardmer
Wondering what to do in the Vosges during a stay around Gérardmer? From hiking, lakes and waterfalls to skiing, family activities, Christmas markets and iconic local events, the region offers a wide variety of experiences to enjoy all year round from the Forest Lodge.
Hiking, lakes and waterfalls
Around Gérardmer, the Vosges reveal some of their most beautiful landscapes: glacial lakes, waterfalls, deep forests and panoramic ridges.
To discover:
Lac de Lispach · Roche du Page · Saut des Cuves
Skiing and winter activities
In winter, the Vosges become an ideal destination for skiing, sledging, snowshoeing or simply enjoying the snow-covered landscapes.
To discover:
Gérardmer · La Bresse-Hohneck · Lac Blanc
Family activities around Gérardmer
Christmas markets and events
Easy walks, animals, adventure parks, summer sledging, zip-lining and gourmet outings: the Vosges are a gentle and lively destination for families.
To discover:
Bois des Lutins · Montagne des Lamas · Ferme aux Rennes
Between traditions, major local gatherings and sporting events, the Vosges live to the rhythm of the seasons.
To discover:
Christmas markets · Fête des Jonquilles · Film Festival · Gérardmer Triathlon
What to do in the Vosges by season?
Each season reveals a different side of the Vosges mountains: snow and chalet atmosphere in winter, waterfalls in spring, lakes and outdoor activities in summer, and glowing forests in autumn.
In winter
Skiing, snowshoeing, sledging, Christmas markets, snow-covered landscapes and evenings by the fire make the Vosges an ideal destination for an accessible and family-friendly mountain getaway.
In spring
The waterfalls regain their full power, the forests awaken, and the first trails become pleasant again — a perfect time to enjoy the Vosges in a quieter atmosphere.
In summer
Hiking along the ridges, swimming, water activities, mountain biking, summer sledging, zip-lining and forest walks set the rhythm for days around Gérardmer.
In autumn
The forests dress in golden colours, mist settles over the lakes, and the Vosges become perfect for a nature-filled, family-friendly and cosy getaway.
What to do in the Vosges when it rains?
Even in the rain, the Vosges offer plenty of possibilities. The weather is part of the mountain experience, and a rainy day can become an opportunity to discover another side of the region.
When it rains in the Vosges, you can visit an artisan confectionery, discover an educational farm, enjoy an aquatic centre or indoor swimming pool, visit a museum or a place showcasing local craftsmanship, take a gourmet break in an inn, or simply slow down at the chalet.
Rain often makes the landscapes feel more intimate: the forests become deeper, the waterfalls more spectacular, and the lakes more mysterious.
And sometimes, it is also the perfect excuse to enjoy the chalet: a fire in the fireplace, a moment in the jacuzzi, a game of table football, a book, a raclette or a family evening after a day outdoors.
Tourism around Gérardmer: what to see within one hour?
What to see around Gérardmer
Around Gérardmer, the must-see places include Lake Gérardmer, Lake Longemer, Lac de Lispach, the Saut des Cuves waterfall, the Route des Crêtes, the Hohneck and family-friendly forest trails.
Each site offers a different experience: a walk by the water, a panoramic hike, a snowy outing, a gourmet break or simply a moment of contemplation.
Lake Gérardmer · Longemer · Lispach · Hohneck
To discover with family
For children, several outings offer a wonderful variety of experiences around the Forest Lodge: Bois des Lutins, Montagne des Lamas, Ferme aux Rennes, adventure parks, walks around the lakes, water activities in summer, sledging and snow activities in winter.
These experiences make it easy to create a lively stay, where each day finds its own rhythm between nature, play, animals, gourmet treats and peaceful moments back at the chalet.
Bois des Lutins · Montagne des Lamas · Ferme aux Rennes
Towards Alsace
The proximity to Alsace also makes it easy to discover some of the region’s most beautiful villages: Colmar, Kaysersberg, Munster and the first stages of the Alsace Wine Route.
In winter, the Alsatian Christmas markets offer a magical interlude among half-timbered houses, illuminated streets and gourmet traditions. In the warmer months, the wine villages invite you to enjoy a gentler escape, between heritage, landscapes and the Alsatian art of living.
This location allows you to create a beautifully varied stay: Vosges nature in the morning, an Alsatian village in the afternoon, then a peaceful return to the chalet in the evening.
Colmar · Kaysersberg · Munster · Alsace Wine Route
From the Forest Lodge, many activities are just a few minutes away.
View our interactive map to see the distances: skiing, hiking, visits, forest walks, animal encounters and more.
Where to stay to discover the Vosges?
To fully enjoy the Vosges, choosing the right place to stay is essential. The Gérardmer and Xonrupt-Longemer area is an ideal starting point: you are close to the lakes, ski resorts, hiking trails, family activities and some of the most beautiful panoramic views in the massif.
Staying in a chalet in the Vosges allows you to experience the destination differently. You do not simply come to visit the region: you take the time to feel it. In the morning, the forest is right outside the windows. During the day, activities are close at hand. In the evening, the chalet becomes a refuge where everyone comes together.
At the Forest Lodge, every stay is designed as a timeless escape between nature, comfort and shared moments: suites with forest views, generous living spaces, a fireplace, wellness area, private jacuzzi, games room, secret children’s dormitory and private concierge service.
Discover the Forest Lodge: our chalet rental in the Vosges
Frequently asked questions about activities in the Vosges
What are the best activities to do in the Vosges?
The best activities to do in the Vosges include hiking, lakes, waterfalls, skiing in winter, family outings, Christmas markets, educational farms, water activities and wellness experiences in the heart of nature.
What to do around Gérardmer?
Around Gérardmer, you can discover Lake Gérardmer, Lake Longemer, Lac de Lispach, the Saut des Cuves waterfall, the Route des Crêtes, the Hohneck, ski resorts, hiking trails and many family-friendly activities.
What is the best time to visit the Vosges?
The Vosges can be visited all year round. Winter is ideal for skiing, snow, and Christmas markets. Summer is perfect for lakes, hiking, and outdoor activities. Autumn offers spectacular landscapes and a quieter atmosphere. Spring is a lovely time for waterfalls, walks, and awakening nature.
What to do in the Vosges when it rains?
When it rains in the Vosges, you can visit an artisan confectionery, discover an educational farm, enjoy an aquatic centre, visit a museum, take a gourmet break in an inn or treat yourself to a wellness moment at the chalet.
What are the most beautiful lakes in the Vosges?
The most beautiful lakes in the Vosges around Gérardmer include Lake Gérardmer, Lake Longemer, Lac de Lispach and Lac des Corbeaux. They are perfect for walks, viewpoints, peaceful moments and, depending on the place and season, water activities.
Where to ski in the Vosges?
The main ski resorts around Gérardmer are Gérardmer, La Bresse-Hohneck, Lac Blanc and several Nordic ski areas located on the higher slopes. Depending on what you feel like doing, you can enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or sledging.
What to do in the Vosges with family?
With family, the Vosges are perfect for enjoying easy walks, lakes, adventure parks, tree-top courses, farms with animals, sledging, accessible hikes, water activities and gourmet discoveries.
