Top 6 things to do in the Vosges

Welcome to the Vosges, a vast natural area of lush green forests, hills and valleys, a land of adventure, history and gastronomy! The Vosges offers a wide range of activities to suit all tastes: relaxation in spa towns renowned for their health benefits, cultural and historical visits, tasting of local produce, and outdoor sports in summer and winter in unspoilt countryside. Come and find what you’re looking for over a weekend or during your holidays in the Vosges, and it’s also said to be the perfect romantic destination for lovers or for finding your other half…

What absolutely must you do in the Vosges?

1. Gérardmer and its lake

• Category: Discovery / Sport
• Price: € per person
• Description: Ideal for relaxing and family outings on foot, by boat or by bike, Gérardmer lake offers a magnificent view of the Vosges massif. You can try all kinds of water sports: canoeing, sailing, rowing, pedal-boating, fishing and, of course, cool off with your best dives! You can also wander through the bucolic streets of the village, which offers a good choice of small restaurants and hotels with spas to round off your visit in style.

2. Thermal spas in the Vosges

• Category: Relaxation / Discovery
• Price: €€ / €€€
• Description: Sometimes right in the heart of the mountains and forests, the spa resorts of the Vosges offer a privileged setting for an exceptional moment of well-being. Plombières-les-Bains is a renowned resort frequented by distinguished guests, including Napoleon III, Empress Josephine and even Voltaire! The neo-Byzantine spa town of Contrexéville, also known as the “slimming capital”, offers a romantic setting, while Vittel has a large park and golf course for you to enjoy after your cure.

3. Épinal, a picturesque village

• Category: Gastronomic / Cultural / Discovery
• Price: € per person
• Description: Take a break from your daily routine with a visit to the beautiful village of Épinal. Its varied architecture will take you on a journey through different eras and cultural influences, as it is located close to the German, Swiss, Luxembourg and Belgian borders. The remains of its medieval castle are listed as a Historic Monument, and (in addition to the authentic interior) make for a great visit to its hilltop park. The town also has some exceptional cultural attractions, such as its planetarium and the Cité de l’Image, which has an Imagerie open to visitors and the Musée de l’Image, which houses Europe’s largest collection of popular images!

And while you’re in the Vosges, take the opportunity to awaken your senses and curiosity in Colmar at the Musée Gourmand du Chocolat Choco-Story :

4. The Fraispertuis City leisure park

• Category: Unusual / Sensation / Discovery
• Price: €€
• Description: This amusement park for all ages is located in Jeanménil and is open from April to September. With more than 35 attractions, numerous restaurants and gift shops, the thrills and laughter of a day at the park make it an unforgettable experience! From the giant Golden Driller to the Carrousel of the 60s, you won’t be disappointed. The wide variety of attractions on offer means there’s something for all the family and all types of adventurer!

5. Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park

• Category: Nature / Sports
• Price: € € € € € € € € € € € €
• Description: This natural area boasts a wide variety of landscapes, offering a range of outdoor activities to satisfy your thirst for adventure! Spanning Alsace, Franche-Comté and Lorraine, this park offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter on the park’s signposted trails, and hiking, cycling and horse-riding in summer. You’ll be able to admire incredible flora and fauna unique to France, such as lynx and peregrine falcons, and a variety of medicinal or emblematic flowers such as arnica. For hikers, the Vosges offers exceptional panoramic views, such as the 1424-metre-high Grand Ballon mountain. The famous Route des Crêtes, a favourite with motorcyclists, is also a great way to reach its summit, with its many magnificent viewpoints over the valley.

6. Getaways for lovers

• Category: Unusual / Relaxation / Gastronomic
• Price: €€ / €€€
• Description: You can take advantage of a wide range of choices of unusual and romantic accommodation throughout the region: sleeping in an old French plane, a western holiday in a teepee, a glass pyramid for stargazing or a tree house surrounded by forest birds, there’s something for everyone. In this rustic or chic setting, escape on a gastronomic getaway to awaken your senses: Vosges gastronomy is renowned for its delicious local specialities. Brimbelle tarts, Vosges salads, tofailles, pâté lorrain… So many dishes to discover with your better half, and of course accompanied by the famous Alsace wines!

Discover the wonders of Alsace with these suggestions for activities around Colmar!