Gracious green mountains, lakes and ruins: experience it from your holiday home in the Vosges!

The Vosges is a region in France with an area of almost 3000 km². This forested area in the northeastern corner of the country, near the German border, is known for its rolling hills and numerous lakes. So don’t be surprised if you come across a hidden forest lake during your hike or bike ride. Castles and ruins are part of the scenery as well! Want to soak up natural beauty near your holiday home in the Vosges or enjoy the good life in romantic towns like Colmar? Read below to discover why this region is such a beloved destination!

Ballons des Vosges Nature Park

One of the most famous nature parks in the Vosges is Ballons des Vosges. Visitors who stay in this park during their holiday enjoy mountain biking trails, hiking and cycling routes, or relaxing paddle tours over glistening lakes. There are also plenty of waterfalls to discover. For example, take a scenic 4 km trail through the pine forest near Gérardmer to the Bourrique waterfall. Along the way, you’ll encounter the Phény stream and picnic tables for a restful break.

Historic sights

Your holiday home in the Vosges will likely be surrounded by lush nature — but there’s more! The region is rich in castles, ruins, charming villages and churches, such as the Gothic cathedral of Saint-Épvre. One of the most magnificent castles is Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, perched on a hilltop. This architectural gem is like something out of a fairy tale, and the surrounding walking paths offer breathtaking views of the green “ballons” — the French word for the rounded hills. Want to visit several castles on a single hike? Start at Auberge du Windstein and follow a loop route that takes you past five ruins deep in the woods. Be aware: this hike requires good physical fitness!

Lac Vert and Gérardmer

Whether walking or cycling, you’ll frequently encounter lakes large and small in the Vosges, usually framed by forests. Experience the peaceful atmosphere at places like Lac Vert — a small emerald-green lake surrounded by pine trees. Combine your visit with a trip to Lac du Forlet and conquer the ridge of Tanet. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of the Alpine peaks on the horizon. Looking for more excitement and water activities? Head to Gérardmer. Tip: take a walk along the lakeside and enjoy the view from the balcony terrace of Le Manoir au Lac — a lovely spot to relax.

Visit the charming half-timbered town of Colmar from your holiday home in the Vosges!

If the nature of the Vosges satisfies the adventurous hiker, then the bon vivant will feel completely at home in Colmar! Tip: if you want to take a boat ride anywhere, this is the place! Glide between colorful timber-framed houses and feel like you're in an open-air museum. After a scenic city walk, treat yourself to a sunny terrace by the canals and admire the cheerful houses, flower-covered bridges and lively atmosphere.

Route des Crêtes

A scenic drive worth taking from your holiday home in the Vosges is the famous Route des Crêtes. This mountain road not only offers stunning views of the low mountain range, but also passes several panoramic hotspots in the heart of nature. For example, head to Gazon du Faing, a high moorland plateau that overlooks the Alsace valley. Tip: take this road trip in autumn to admire the forests cloaked in vibrant fall colors. On clear days, you can even spot the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps.

Mountain biking and cycling through the Vosges

The Vosges can roughly be divided into a western part with gentle fields and scattered woodlands, and an eastern part that is more densely forested. Because of the moderate elevation changes, the western area is ideal for recreational cyclists. The eastern slopes are best for sporty cyclists. If you’re heading toward Alsace, the routes gently ascend and then descend more steeply toward the Rhine Valley. One of the most beautiful corners for cycling is Mille Étangs — the “Land of a Thousand Ponds.” You’ll encounter few cars here, and the roads lead through varied landscapes dotted with lakes.

The best family attractions in the Vosges

A must-see for families with children is La Montagne des Lamas et Alpagas in Bresse — a park with a large herd of llamas and alpacas. Except on Wednesday and Saturday mornings during summer, the farm is open daily year-round. Another family favorite is the Col de la Schlucht toboggan run. After taking the chairlift up, you descend the bare slopes of the Hohneck mountain. Prefer to cool off? Head to one of the swimming lakes such as Longemer. After a refreshing dip, spend a relaxing afternoon on the shore with a picnic, gazing at the water and rounded hills.

Want to admire the lake surroundings from the water? Longemer is the perfect place! You can rent a kayak, canoe, or pedal boat right on site.

Rent a holiday home in the Vosges

Holidaying in the Vosges sometimes feels like being in Sweden — the region is also called the “land of a thousand lakes.” But unlike Sweden, these lakes are surrounded by high, rounded hills. While the area is mostly forested, you’ll come across everything from streams and waterfalls to ancient ruins. Looking for a fun city trip from your holiday home in the Vosges? Then hop on a boat tour in the picturesque town of Colmar!