Enjoying the lakes in the French Vosges
France: a versatile holiday country and one of our favorite camping destinations for a reason. There are many beautiful regions to discover. A beautiful destination, for example, is Gérardmer and the Vallée des Lacs. Here in the French Vosges, you can enjoy hiking and reflect in the ripple-free water of all those beautiful lakes…
The French Vosges can be found in the east of the country, directly south from Luxembourg. The Vosges is a beautiful nature reserve through which three different rivers flow: the Moselle, the Meuse, and the Rhône. Famous is the Parc Natural Régional des Ballons des Vosges, quite a mouthful, with beautiful nature and for the sporty among us: wonderful for cycling.
Grand Ballon
And of course, you immediately take in the famous Grand Ballon: the highest peak of the Vosges, at 1,424 meters. Here you will find one of the largest spruce forests in the country, and these trees can grow up to forty meters high. Don't be surprised if you encounter deer and wild boars in these forests, and the same goes for the banks of the lakes of La Bresse and Lake Gérardmer.
Water sports
The latter is the largest lake in the Vosges. The lake is 2.2 kilometers long and just under eight hundred meters wide. It is very popular with tourists, and there are various water sports opportunities on and around the lake. You can sail, row, boat, swim, and fish here.
The circumference of the lake is about six kilometers, and you can walk around it in an hour and a half. On the information boards along the route, you can read that the lake was formed by an ancient glacier. Nearby is also Lake Longemer, known as 'the mirror of a thousand reflections,' and you must have seen that world wonder too.
Waterfalls
Another attraction is the Cascade de Tendon, which consists of two waterfalls – a nice day trip if you are looking for some cooling on hot summer days. At the largest waterfall, the stream plunges 35 meters down.
You can go down via a rocky hiking path. The second waterfall is about half an hour further and is less touristy. Here you can enjoy paddling or swimming. Or just read the next chapter of your exciting book, nicely in the shade.
Our tips in the Vosges
Must do
Even more waterfalls: the Cascades de Saut des Cuves – you can walk there in about 20 minutes: a beautiful walk. More information at www.gerardmer.net.
Must see
Dutch people love water. You can also indulge yourself in the surrounding regions, in terms of lakes. Such as in Franche-Comté, Alsace, Champagne-Ardennes, and Burgundy.
Must try
A perfect spot for a romantic dinner: Lido Gérardmer. Here you dine on the beach, with the most beautiful view of the entire lake! More information: www.lido-gerardmer.fr.
Large selection of motorhomes and caravans
Explore the Vosges from your own camper or caravan? Our website offers a large and up-to-date selection of new and used campers and caravans. View the offer here. Even more interesting camping areas view here.
