Winter and summer alike, the mountains are definitely a good option for an outdoor holiday. But you're not ready to give up the idea of refreshing summer dives? Heading for Gérardmer, in the heart of the Hautes-Vosges.
Known for its magnificent lake, the commune of Gérardmer is one of the largest winter sports resorts in the Vosges Massif. With its many slopes for all desires, a ski resort with the Family Plus label, the one that is rightly known as the "Petite Perle des Vosges" has everything to please. Nestled in a natural environment preserved in the heart of the Parc Naturel des Ballons des Vosges, it has 40 kilometres of alpine ski slopes spread out between 770 and 1140 metres above sea level on the La Mauselaine - Gérardmer domain. A total of 21 slopes make up the domain, including 8 green, 3 blue, 8 red and 2 black slopes for the most experienced skiers. Note also that Gerardmer has the largest piste in the Vosges, the blue piste of Les Chevreuils, 2900 metres long! If there is another track that we particularly recommend, it is the red Tétras track: with its breathtaking views of Gérardmer and its lake, it is the most beautiful track in the whole resort. Do you prefer Nordic activities to alpine activities? Don't panic, as Gerardmer has more than 30 kilometres of Nordic ski slopes perfect for skating and alternative in the heart of the Vosges forest, renowned for its high scented fir trees. Those who love wide open spaces will also enjoy the slopes linked to the La Bresse and Xonrupt-Longemer ski areas, with a total of more than 100 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails. On the fun side, children can opt for beautiful toboggan runs, and snowboard fans can enjoy a snowpark on the red Le Cabri slope as well as a boardercross near the green Le Sanglier slope.
When summer arrives in Gérardmer and its forest breaks away from its cottony shell, this charming resort becomes a real little green paradise, tirelessly inviting you to escape and enjoy outdoor activities. For beautiful views of the lake, there is nothing better than taking the Schlucht road: renowned for its many (very) curves, it offers incomparable views of the lake and the nearby Longemer Lake from its heights. Lake Gérardmer is one of the most beautiful treasures of the department: the largest natural lake in the Vosges, this lake of glacial origin perched at an altitude of 660 metres is located in the heart of the city. Huge, it allows summer visitors to practice various water sports such as canoeing, SUP, sailing, pedal boat, rowing, fishing... You can even rent a small motor boat to go around the lake, and swim in its fresh waters, perfect for a swim break during the hot summer months. Walkers? Several trails criss-cross Gerardmer, its forests and mountains, including the lake tour trail, which will allow you to discover its various faces in less than two hours (7 kilometres). In addition to the latter, more than 350 kilometres of discovery trails, family or sports outings criss-cross the Valley of the Lakes and Munster... You will have plenty to do in this small hiking paradise!
Finally, passing through Gérardmer, it is impossible to miss the natural wonders of the surrounding area: the cascade of Retournemer, that of Charlemagne, the magnificent Grande Cascade du Tendon, the Saut du Bouchot, the cascade of La Pissoire, the small lake of Retournemer, the Lac Blanc and the Lac des Corbeaux will give you a beautiful insight into the splendours of the Vosges mountains.
Small semi-detached house, ideally located in the heart of the Vosges mountains, in Gérardmer. Close to the town center, restaurants, shops, casino,...
