Activities and outings around Gérardmer:
- Nicolas Toussaint
- Jul 19
- 4 min read
Discover the treasures of the Vosges
Located in the heart of the Vosges Mountains, Gérardmer is an ideal destination for nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, and explorers. While the town is famous for its lake and mountain scenery, its surroundings also offer a wealth of activities and places to discover.
Whether you are a couple, a family, with friends or simply looking for a relaxing moment, you will easily find an outing that suits your desires.
Between hiking, waterfalls, water sports, gourmet discoveries and typical villages, here are the best activities and outings around Gérardmer not to be missed.
1. Take a walk around Lake Gérardmer: an unmissable outing
It is impossible to stay in the region without discovering the famous Lake Gérardmer.
With its approximately 6-kilometer trail, the walk around the lake is accessible to all. This stroll allows you to enjoy an exceptional setting between mountains, fir forests, and calm waters.
It's a perfect activity:
With family and children;
For a romantic stroll;
For a photo outing;
To admire the sunset.
Depending on the season, the lake offers different experiences:
In summer: swimming, paddleboarding, pedal boating and water sports;
In autumn: magnificent colours in the surrounding forests;
In winter: snowy landscapes worthy of a postcard.
2. Go hiking in the Vosges
The area around Gérardmer is a true paradise for hikers.
Hundreds of kilometers of trails allow you to discover the iconic landscapes of the Vosges: deep forests, peaks, lakes and exceptional panoramas.
The waterfall and the tower of Mérelle
This is one of the most popular hikes around Gérardmer.
The route crosses a beautiful Vosges forest before reaching the Mérelle tower, a viewpoint offering a spectacular view of Lake Gérardmer.
An ideal outing for half a day.
The Vosges mountain ridges and the Hohneck
For lovers of wide open spaces, head to the Vosges peaks.
The Hohneck massif offers impressive landscapes with:
Panoramic views of the valleys;
Mountain trails;
A preserved natural environment.
On a clear day, the views are exceptional.
3. Discover the most beautiful waterfalls around Gérardmer
The Vosges are renowned for their numerous waterfalls nestled in the heart of the forests.
The Tendon waterfalls
Located a few kilometers from Gérardmer, the Tendon waterfalls are among the most famous in the region.
The site includes:
The great waterfall;
The small waterfall;
Accessible trails for a pleasant walk.
It's an ideal outing when you want to enjoy the coolness of the forest.
The Saut des Cuves waterfall
Closer to Gérardmer, this waterfall offers an easy and pleasant walk along the banks of the Vologne river.
The place is particularly popular with families and photography enthusiasts.
4. Enjoy water sports on the Vosges lakes
The lakes around Gérardmer offer the opportunity to enjoy many outdoor activities.
On Lake Gérardmer
You will be able to practice:
Paddle;
Canoe;
Pedal boat;
Veil ;
Swimming in summer.
Lake Longemer
A few kilometers from Gérardmer, Lake Longemer offers a wilder and more natural setting.
It's a perfect place for:
A picnic;
A relaxing day;
A stroll along the water's edge;
A family outing.
Trout Lake
Also known as Lac du Forlet, this small mountain lake is a true gem of the Vosges.
Accessible after a hike, it offers a spectacular setting surrounded by peaks.
5. Take a family outing around Gérardmer
The region offers many activities suitable for children.
Some ideas for outings:
Treetop Adventure Park
Tree climbing courses allow you to enjoy the forest while having fun.
On the agenda:
Zip lines;
Suspension bridges;
Courses adapted to different ages.
Easy walks in the forest
Numerous trails allow families to discover nature without difficulty.
The children will be able to observe:
The streams;
The animals of the forest;
Mountain landscapes.
Local farms and discoveries
Some farms in the Vosges region open their doors to visitors to discover the animals, local products and agricultural know-how.
6. Visit the typical villages around Gérardmer
The area around Gérardmer is home to charming Vosges villages waiting to be discovered.
Xonrupt-Longemer
Located right next to Gérardmer, this village is appreciated for its exceptional natural environment.
To discover:
Lake Longemer;
Forest trails;
Mountain landscapes.
La Bresse
Located about twenty kilometers away, La Bresse is an unmissable destination in the Vosges.
You will be able to practice there:
Hiking ;
Mountain biking;
Skiing in winter;
Outdoor activities.
Munster
On the other side of the mountain range, the village of Munster is famous for its cheese and its Alsatian atmosphere.
A lovely day trip.
7. Discover Vosges gastronomy
An outing around Gérardmer also involves the pleasures of the table.
Local specialties you absolutely must try:
Munstiflette;
The tofailles;
Farmhouse Munster cheese;
Vosges charcuterie;
Blueberry pie.
Farm inns are particularly popular for discovering authentic cuisine in a natural setting.
8. The best activities around Gérardmer depending on the season
In spring
Enjoy:
Waterfalls with a strong flow rate;
First hikes;
From the awakening of nature.
In summer
The must-haves:
Swimming in the lakes;
Water sports;
High-altitude hiking;
Picnics in the forest.
In autumn
This is the ideal season for:
Walks in the forest;
Photography;
The colorful landscapes.
In winter
Discover:
Ski resorts;
Snowshoeing outings;
Winter markets and entertainment;
Snowy landscapes.
9. Ideas for outings around Gérardmer when it rains
The weather in the Vosges can sometimes be changeable, but that doesn't stop you from enjoying your stay.
Some ideas:
Visit the shops selling Vosges linens;
Discover local products;
Enjoy a traditional restaurant;
Go on a wellness outing to a spa;
Visit the surrounding villages.
A rainy day in the Vosges can also be an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the warm atmosphere of the region.
Conclusion: Activities for everyone around Gérardmer
The activities and outings around Gérardmer offer incredible diversity: hiking, lakes, waterfalls, villages, gastronomy and family leisure.
Whether you are a sportsman, a landscape lover, a photography enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing moment, the Vosges around Gérardmer have something to charm you.
Between unspoiled nature and local traditions, this destination is ideal for a successful weekend or holiday in any season.
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