by Melissa Kaltak
There are too many anecdotes about the summits of Vosges to fit into this. However,
I hope you will enjoy this non-exhaustive list I have prepared especially for you!
Today I will share with you some of my favorite spots. This means so much to me because of all the memories I associate with the place.
In fact, sharing this road-trip experience with you came to my mind as I was thinking about my grandparents who didn’t hesitate for a second to take me on vacation
with them – on a path to new discoveries!
What to do in the Vosges? Go on a camping road-trip of course!
The Vosges, this superb mountainous massif located on the Alsatian border in eastern France will undoubtedly satisfy outdoor lovers in their search of adventure and surprises.
Between hiking and enchanting walks around the famous lakes and national parks, or discovering the remains of the past: who wouldn’t dream of camping there?
How about we get some altitude?
To start off, we recommend a “small” route known as the ‘Route des Crêtes’. On the way, do not hesitate to stop at Hartmannswillerkopf: the infamous memorial of the Great War. The summit of Vieil Armand will also offer you a breathtaking view of the Alsatian lowlands and its Mulhouse urban area, but also of the city of Basel (Switzerland). In exceptional weather, you would even be able to admire the Bernese Alps.
After this break, continue on to Le Grand Ballon, the highest point of the mountain range, which reaches an altitude of 1424 metres. Only the bravest among us will take on the climb up this mountain but it will greatly reward us for our efforts. We can enjoy a breathtaking view of the lowlands below, coupled with an incomparable panoramic view of the great peaks of the Alps.
In autumn, or during the frail beginning of spring, the lowlands will not be as easily visible as on a long summer day, but the ever-changing landscape of the Vosges won’t cease to surprise you and let you admire a magnificent sea of clouds. The effect will be spectacular! It will give you the impression of experiencing the scene of Caspar David Friedrich’s famous painting.
Then, head in direction of Markstein, the ideal mountain resort for plenty of activities! Mountain biking, mini-golf, tobogganing on rails, paragliding or even skiing or snowshoeing during the winter….. everyone will find joy and happiness many anecdotes you can tell your friends and family!
Are you ready for a visit to one of the last summits? Let’s go!
The Hohneck massif will undoubtedly be one of the best trails you have ever hiked and will surprise you with its many panoramas. At the end of the path, you can see the “Vosgian” cows or even chamois climb the steep slopes of the mountain.
How about we move back down a couple of metres after the summits?
Visit the Vosges: yes ! visit the summits of the Vosges: yes again ! Forget to go pass by the Vosges lakes: no!
Let’s walk past Lac des Corbeaux, Lac Blanc, Lac Noir or Lac de Gérardmer!
These lakes have been witnesses of an extremely distant past, at least for the first 3 there is no doubt and by this I mean vestiges of the prehistoric past, privileged witnesses of the glacial area. Indeed, these 3 lakes were formed at the time of the thaw towards the end of the Ice Age.
- The white lake get its name from the quartz sand at the bottom of the lake and is dominated by Hans’ castle. The black lake, like the white lake, gets its name from the colour of the bottom of its peat bog. Both lakes have a legend in common that I will let you discover by visiting them 😉
- The lake ‘des corbeaux‘ (of crows) located a few kilometers from the city of La Bresse will also offer you a beautiful stroll. On the way back, I suggest you discover the city of La Bresse, very charming and picturesque: on Sunday mornings you will have all the time you need to go to the market and discover the local products. Speaking of local products, I recommend a visit to the traditional confectionery store Bressaude, which produces the delicious and delicately scented candies from the Vosges. It is a real authentic confectionery where everything is homemade: it is worth the detour!
- The last lake I want to mention here is Lake Gerardmer, located in the city of Gerardmer. The lake will delight you with an enchanting stroll along the shore! The tour around the lake is about 5,500 meters! The 6 km of marked trails allow you to go by bike, scooter or simply walk. If you prefer, it is also possible to visit the lake by booking a boat tour or renting a pedal boat; And why not take a swim while you are there (of course within the swimming area)? If you choose to walk (the one I generally prefer), you are likely to meet painters around the lake who come to engrave the magnificent landscape that reveals itself to us on their canvas. It is often possible to buy their canvas, which are a unique souvenir to take home. When you return from your walk, don’t forget to enjoy an Italian ice cream and enjoy the view one last time before leaving.
After a long day of visits and new discoveries, amazed by the varied landscapes of the Vosges you will surely appreciate leaving your luggage at one of these campsites: the Mettey campsite with its Eco-friendly chalets is ine of our favourites, ot the JP vacances campsite! Comee and discover the other Vosges campsites on campstar.com