Beautiful Vosges
things to do with the family
For a small fee for a day's access to a sandy beach with diving board, slide, sun-beds, parasols, changing rooms and lifeguards. South facing, so catches the sun really well, young children will appreciate the golden sand and shallow depth and swimmers can do laps and swim with the fishes (in a non-mafiosa-corleone kinda way)
7 paikallista suosittelee
Union Nautique
21 Rte d'EpinalFor a small fee for a day's access to a sandy beach with diving board, slide, sun-beds, parasols, changing rooms and lifeguards. South facing, so catches the sun really well, young children will appreciate the golden sand and shallow depth and swimmers can do laps and swim with the fishes (in a non-mafiosa-corleone kinda way)
Walk around the lake for a lovely 6km walk
Swim in the lake either on the south side on the grassy area, or on the north side for a small fee at the Union Nautique. Go to the Base Nautique (not to be confused with the Union Nautique) to rent a paddle or a kayak for 10€ an hour, get there at 9am in August or you will have a long wait.
Get an ice-cream cone at the kiosk, rent a paddle boat or take a boat trip at one of the many rental places on the east side of the lake (closest to the center of town)
148 paikallista suosittelee
Lac De Gerardmer
25 Fbg de RamberchampWalk around the lake for a lovely 6km walk
Swim in the lake either on the south side on the grassy area, or on the north side for a small fee at the Union Nautique. Go to the Base Nautique (not to be confused with the Union Nautique) to rent a paddle or a kayak for 10€ an hour, get there at 9am in August or you will have a long wait.
Get an ice-cream cone at the kiosk, rent a paddle boat or take a boat trip at one of the many rental places on the east side of the lake (closest to the center of town)
Very pleasant way to spend an afternoon, friendly helpful owner and staff. Climbing trails for all levels. Bring your own reusable water bottle to avoid plastic waste.
28 paikallista suosittelee
Acro-Sphère
Chemin du LaunardVery pleasant way to spend an afternoon, friendly helpful owner and staff. Climbing trails for all levels. Bring your own reusable water bottle to avoid plastic waste.
Free attraction, it's an easy 1 hour trail on forest path with some outdoor fitness equipment on the way. Pick some wild blueberries in july/august and hop skip and jump your way around the trail. Bring a picnic as there are tables across the road from the starting point.
6 paikallista suosittelee
Parcours Santé GERARDMER
Chemin du Grand LiézeyFree attraction, it's an easy 1 hour trail on forest path with some outdoor fitness equipment on the way. Pick some wild blueberries in july/august and hop skip and jump your way around the trail. Bring a picnic as there are tables across the road from the starting point.
800 meter luge piste, great fun. Chairlift to the top of the piste, plastic luge on wheels with a lever - push forward to go, pull back to stop. Get off the piste quick when you reach the end to stop someone rear-ending you. Speed junkies should leave lots of time between themselves and to those who like to take it slow (watch out for people with their phones out to record their experience, and dont get caught behind them!) If you want to break the speed of light, for safety sake slow down before the end. I have seen many near misses, a few rear-endings and one helicopter evacuation up there.
20 paikallista suosittelee
Kesäkelkkailu Col De la Schlucht
Col de la schlucht800 meter luge piste, great fun. Chairlift to the top of the piste, plastic luge on wheels with a lever - push forward to go, pull back to stop. Get off the piste quick when you reach the end to stop someone rear-ending you. Speed junkies should leave lots of time between themselves and to those who like to take it slow (watch out for people with their phones out to record their experience, and dont get caught behind them!) If you want to break the speed of light, for safety sake slow down before the end. I have seen many near misses, a few rear-endings and one helicopter evacuation up there.
Outside Photographic Exhibition in a Herb farm and forest. Magical. Go on Thursday afternoon in summerfor the outdoor market in the village.
12 paikallista suosittelee
Le Haut du Tôt
Outside Photographic Exhibition in a Herb farm and forest. Magical. Go on Thursday afternoon in summerfor the outdoor market in the village.
Great family station. Ski Saturday morning to avoid the crowds. Buy a two hour pass from the automatic machines behind the sales booths if you don't want to queue. Get there early in high season to park, or take the shuttle bus from the town, which is pretty regular. Pray for snow, its a relatively low station, and there was not enough snow in the 2019/2020 season. The pistes on the Chaume Francis side are less busy, but avoid the chair lift if you can. It sweeps the legs out from under you at great speed, then crawls up the mountain at a snail's pace. Take the button lifts just opposite, unless you are an absolute beginner. Get a mulled wine at the Grouvelin or have lunch there or better yet at the slightly hidden and excellent La Sérotine.
22 paikallista suosittelee
La Mauselaine
Great family station. Ski Saturday morning to avoid the crowds. Buy a two hour pass from the automatic machines behind the sales booths if you don't want to queue. Get there early in high season to park, or take the shuttle bus from the town, which is pretty regular. Pray for snow, its a relatively low station, and there was not enough snow in the 2019/2020 season. The pistes on the Chaume Francis side are less busy, but avoid the chair lift if you can. It sweeps the legs out from under you at great speed, then crawls up the mountain at a snail's pace. Take the button lifts just opposite, unless you are an absolute beginner. Get a mulled wine at the Grouvelin or have lunch there or better yet at the slightly hidden and excellent La Sérotine.
When it's not ski season, park at the higher starting point of the Nordic Skiing, les Hautes-Vannes and walk up to the Auberge de Grouvelin via la Colline de Chajoux which has breathtaking views over the valley of la Bresse. Wet your whistle or have a meal at the auberge, but check opening hours before you head off, they close during low season. Easy 2 hour hike. Watch out for deer on the left hand side of the road in the forest as you drive up to the nordic skiing area. Take refillable bottles of water with you.
auberge de grouvelin
66 Chemin de Derrière le HautWhen it's not ski season, park at the higher starting point of the Nordic Skiing, les Hautes-Vannes and walk up to the Auberge de Grouvelin via la Colline de Chajoux which has breathtaking views over the valley of la Bresse. Wet your whistle or have a meal at the auberge, but check opening hours before you head off, they close during low season. Easy 2 hour hike. Watch out for deer on the left hand side of the road in the forest as you drive up to the nordic skiing area. Take refillable bottles of water with you.
Glacier lake at 900m high up in the mountains. The water heats up nicely in summer, bring sunscreen and some inflatables for the kids and don't forget your picnic.
60 paikallista suosittelee
Lac des Corbeaux
Route du Lac des CorbeauxGlacier lake at 900m high up in the mountains. The water heats up nicely in summer, bring sunscreen and some inflatables for the kids and don't forget your picnic.
Majestic scenery, lovely to walk around or swim in. Less crowded and more beautiful than the Gérardmer Lake, and arguably more fun to rent a paddle boat here, as there are fewer boats and no boat tours. Easy to walk around with an even path. If you want to meet some Gerardmer natives, you will see them walking around this lake! Small kids can bring their bikes or hover-boards as there are many little bike paths on the north side of the lake. Check out the little chapelle St Florent, masses are said here on Wednesdays in summer.
67 paikallista suosittelee
Lac de Longemer
121-457 Rte de la PlageMajestic scenery, lovely to walk around or swim in. Less crowded and more beautiful than the Gérardmer Lake, and arguably more fun to rent a paddle boat here, as there are fewer boats and no boat tours. Easy to walk around with an even path. If you want to meet some Gerardmer natives, you will see them walking around this lake! Small kids can bring their bikes or hover-boards as there are many little bike paths on the north side of the lake. Check out the little chapelle St Florent, masses are said here on Wednesdays in summer.
Wooden Tower with amazing views of the lake and surrounding area. Hike up here from the football parking at Ramberchamp.
In Summer, Come early morning or very late evening to avoid queues. 80 steps to the top, but totally worth it.
46 paikallista suosittelee
Tour de Mérelle
Wooden Tower with amazing views of the lake and surrounding area. Hike up here from the football parking at Ramberchamp.
In Summer, Come early morning or very late evening to avoid queues. 80 steps to the top, but totally worth it.
Scenic secluded spot, easier to find by hiking up from the Lido rather than hiking down from the tour de Merelle. A hiking pole or a ski pole might be useful for balance.
16 paikallista suosittelee
Cascade de Mérelle
Scenic secluded spot, easier to find by hiking up from the Lido rather than hiking down from the tour de Merelle. A hiking pole or a ski pole might be useful for balance.
Lamavuori
21 Rte de la Basse des FeignesOur visitors loved this place
Paved cycling path, great for bikes, rollerblades and hoverboards. Lovely scenery. From Gérardmer start from Nol and head in the Cornimont direction for the prettiest views and the best shade. Stop at the Gorges de Crosery, bring your swimming togs and a towel in summer.
8 paikallista suosittelee
Voie verte des Hautes-Vosges
5 Quai de la GarePaved cycling path, great for bikes, rollerblades and hoverboards. Lovely scenery. From Gérardmer start from Nol and head in the Cornimont direction for the prettiest views and the best shade. Stop at the Gorges de Crosery, bring your swimming togs and a towel in summer.
Historic church, services at 10:30 on Sundays and 18:00 vigil mass. More services added during summer holidays. Many musical recitals are performed throughout the year.
EGLISE ST BARTHELEMY Gérardmer
Rue Charles de GaulleHistoric church, services at 10:30 on Sundays and 18:00 vigil mass. More services added during summer holidays. Many musical recitals are performed throughout the year.
Fun visit to see how boiled sweets are manufactured. Free sinus clean-out when they are making eucalyptus sweets! No hard sell, friendly family enterprise. Worth a visit, especially on a rainy day.
70 paikallista suosittelee
Confiserie des Hautes Vosges
3074 HabauruptFun visit to see how boiled sweets are manufactured. Free sinus clean-out when they are making eucalyptus sweets! No hard sell, friendly family enterprise. Worth a visit, especially on a rainy day.
This season 2021 we are blessed with lots of snow, but the chairlifts are closed due to Covid. However the Nordic Skiing track is open, for a couple of euros for your forfait you have many kilometres of beautifully maintained cross-country skiing tracks. If you want to bring junior, rent a baby sleigh at the same place you buy your forfait. This attaches to your hips which leaves your hands free. To rent your skis, La Drosera is at the lower level, or Ski l'Eclair very nearby. Get out there early on a week-day off-season, you will have the place all to yourself. Don't be afraid to drive up the the 'Haute Vannes' starting point instead of staying at the lower level, where it is quite flat and more crowded.
Gérardmer Ski Nordique
2 Chem. des LièvresThis season 2021 we are blessed with lots of snow, but the chairlifts are closed due to Covid. However the Nordic Skiing track is open, for a couple of euros for your forfait you have many kilometres of beautifully maintained cross-country skiing tracks. If you want to bring junior, rent a baby sleigh at the same place you buy your forfait. This attaches to your hips which leaves your hands free. To rent your skis, La Drosera is at the lower level, or Ski l'Eclair very nearby. Get out there early on a week-day off-season, you will have the place all to yourself. Don't be afraid to drive up the the 'Haute Vannes' starting point instead of staying at the lower level, where it is quite flat and more crowded.
Food scene
Great for a cocktail, or waffle. Whacky interior will make sense after a few units of alcohol!
15 paikallista suosittelee
Mémé
5 Pl. Albert FerryGreat for a cocktail, or waffle. Whacky interior will make sense after a few units of alcohol!
Airy dining room with full service and table linen, a three course evening menu will cost 25 euros, and you will eat well. Kids eat for 10€ from the same menu. Classic French cuisine, great cheese trolley.
Hôtel de la Jamagne
2 Bd de la JamagneAiry dining room with full service and table linen, a three course evening menu will cost 25 euros, and you will eat well. Kids eat for 10€ from the same menu. Classic French cuisine, great cheese trolley.
The best pizza I have tasted outside of Italy. There is a lot of choice for Pizza in Gérardmer, but these guys use authentic Italian ingredients and methods for a really great result.
L'Arlequin
11 Rue Charles de GaulleThe best pizza I have tasted outside of Italy. There is a lot of choice for Pizza in Gérardmer, but these guys use authentic Italian ingredients and methods for a really great result.
There is a great choice of excellent bakeries in Gérardmer, and you won't get a bad baguette in this town, but best bread in Gérardmer in my humble opinion is to be got here. Friendly service, quirky seasonal decoration.
L Instant de Bonheur
3C Rue du LacThere is a great choice of excellent bakeries in Gérardmer, and you won't get a bad baguette in this town, but best bread in Gérardmer in my humble opinion is to be got here. Friendly service, quirky seasonal decoration.
Sightseeing
Breathtaking views any time of day. Go at daybreak or dusk to see the chamois. Take a picnic if the weather permits.
70 paikallista suosittelee
Le Hohneck
Breathtaking views any time of day. Go at daybreak or dusk to see the chamois. Take a picnic if the weather permits.
For competent hikers not afraid of heights, one of the top hikes in the Vosges. Forget it in foggy or rainy weather, proper hiking boots a must. Re-enact the "you shall not pass" scene from the Lord of the Rings when you pass through the mountain.
20 paikallista suosittelee
Sentier Des Roches
For competent hikers not afraid of heights, one of the top hikes in the Vosges. Forget it in foggy or rainy weather, proper hiking boots a must. Re-enact the "you shall not pass" scene from the Lord of the Rings when you pass through the mountain.
Things to do within walking distance of the holiday home
Gymnase Kléber
6 Rue du ChenyBasketball court accessible to all beside this gym
supermarkets
Lidl
32 Bd de la Jamagneplenty of parking, typical Lidl supermarket
Good for fresh produce, local cheeses etc. More choice than any other supermarket in town. Open Sunday morning.
70 paikallista suosittelee
Super U et Drive
108 Bd d'AlsaceGood for fresh produce, local cheeses etc. More choice than any other supermarket in town. Open Sunday morning.
Good all round supermarket, Halal meat section in fridge area, always lots of cashiers so short queues. Open Sunday morning.
51 paikallista suosittelee
Intermarché Super
73 Bd de la JamagneGood all round supermarket, Halal meat section in fridge area, always lots of cashiers so short queues. Open Sunday morning.
Leader Price
13 Rue Charles de GaulleBest central location, stays open late, also open Sunday mornings.
small well stocked supermarket, good bio section and some local produce. Open Sunday morning.
8 paikallista suosittelee
Supermarché Match Gerardmer
1A Rue Carnotsmall well stocked supermarket, good bio section and some local produce. Open Sunday morning.
Medical Emergencies
Tel: 03 29 60 29 60 Emergency Department on hand during the day till 19:00, otherwise Remiremont Hospital for night hours and for broken bones.
Hospital Center De Gérardmer
22 Bd KelschTel: 03 29 60 29 60 Emergency Department on hand during the day till 19:00, otherwise Remiremont Hospital for night hours and for broken bones.
Tel: 03 29 63 33 00 Competent efficient medical professionals.
Always busy but you may be able to get an appointment if you are lucky (Doctor, Dentist, Podologue).
Maison medicale les thermes
18A Bd Adolphe Garnier Tel: 03 29 63 33 00 Competent efficient medical professionals.
Always busy but you may be able to get an appointment if you are lucky (Doctor, Dentist, Podologue).