Let me guess, you're a close-knit family, or a group of friends - because yes, friends are also family - and you're looking for a weekend or holiday idea. Maybe you've even planned to get away from it all and spend some quiet time in nature. And you're absolutely right!
But like everyone who's planning a holiday, you've got a series of questions running through your head: how to keep busy? with children? What does everyone like, young and old? Should you pronounce the "r" in Gérardmer?
Fortunately, we have the answer: The waterfalls of the Vosges.
This article gives you an overview of the waterfalls around GérardmerA town in the heart of the Vosges.
Do you know the town of Gerardmer?
Gérardmer is probably the most famous town in the Vosges mountains. Its location, right in the centre of Ballon des Vosges nature parkThis makes it an ideal holiday destination.
That is, as long as you pronounce Gérardmer "é" and not Gérardmer "r". Even though the Gérardmer lake is very large, it's just a lake, far from the Mediterranean.
Known primarily for its ski slopes and numerous hiking trails, few people know that this town is full of surprises and Gérômois :
Here are the key facts you need to know about the "the pearl of the Vosges" :
- Surface area of 54.78 km²
- A population of 7807
- It takes its name from Gérard de ChâtenoisDuke of Lorraine (1048-1070)
- Gérardmer means "Gérard's garden".
- Lac de Gérardmer is the largest lake in the Vosges, covering 155 hectares.
- As there is no train station in Gérardmer, the town is accessible by bus from Remiremont.
Now you know the basics, Gérardmer is a garden, not a sea.
The waterfalls of the Gers are as refreshing as they are legendary. than the seas and oceans. Let us help you discover them.
We've announced some surprises, haven't we?
Mérelle waterfall and Mérelle tower
The Mérelle waterfall is one of the most accessible and beautiful waterfalls in Gérardmer. Nestling in the heart of a dense forest, it's ideal for family outings. The path to the waterfall is easy and well-marked, perfect for young children and the elderly. At the top, a lookout offers a panoramic view of Lac de Gérardmer, a perfect place to take photos and relax.
Characteristics of the Mérelle waterfall :
- Located in Gérardmer
- Height of 5m
- Mérelle stream
- Low water flow
- Easy access for children and the elderly
- 360° viewpoint over and around Lake Gérardmer
- Best visited in spring and autumn
Please note, however, that depending on the weather, the path leading to the belvedere may be closed for safety reasons and to preserve the site.
A walk that will plunge you into an osmosis with nature. There's no doubt that your children will have fond memories of it.
Le saut de la bourrique
An impressive waterfall near Gérardmer. The water defies gravity for almost 10 metres, gliding over dark rocks in a magnificent gorge. To get there, you'll need to walk along the stream of the same name. No great difficulties, apart from an average 40-minute walk along a path lined with trickling water and a stone bridge.
Legend has it that a lord returning from the Crusades was ambushed by brigands. To save him, the lord's donkey sacrificed itself by pushing the brigands into a fatal fall. A sad story that reminds us of the strength of the bond between human and non-human animals.
Characteristics of the Saut de la Bourrique waterfall :
- Located in Gérardmer
- Height 10m
- Saut de la Bourrique stream
- Easy access (walking distance required)
- Low / medium flow
- an enchanting place in every season
Saut des Cuves waterfall
Saut des Cuves is an invigorating, bucolic spot between Gérardmer and Xonrupt-Longemer. It's a special place, where the river Vologne crashes down on granite boulders, creating "vats". The site is easily accessible for young and old alike.
Just a few metres from the waterfall is the the fairy bridge. Legend has it that a handsome young man, forbidden to love by his godmother, succumbed to a fairy's kiss. A fairytale legend for a magical place.
Characteristics of the Saut des Cuves waterfall :
- A must-see in the Valley of the Lakes
- Located in Xonrupt Longemer
- Height 3m
- River Vologne
- easy access (10m from the car park)
- variable flow depending on rainfall
- a magical place in every season
If you're not short of energy, take a trip to the Lake Longemer. It's a landscaped area, accessible by car (large car park opposite the lake), with the river Vologne running through it. Here you can relax, eat and swim.
Charlemagne waterfall
You don't have to travel to New Zealand to feel like you're in The Lord of the Rings! The Charlemagne waterfall site will immediately turn you into Gandalf or the Hobbit. The path leading to it is a moderate one, making for a pleasant walk for all the family. The lush vegetation and murmuring water create a serene atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing day.
History has it that Charlemagne came to fish in the lake retournemer - 600m below the waterfall fed by the Vologne. Naturally, he caught a pike there and released it back into the water. Except that before releasing it, he hung a bell on it. The most attentive can still hear it.
In snowy winters, the Charlemagne waterfall is sometimes even invisible. The aural experience of water pouring beneath a layer of ice and snow is the perfect way to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life.
Features of the Charlemagne waterfall :
- A must-see in the Valley of the Lakes
- Located in Xonrupt Longemer
- indefinite height
- River Vologne
- Easy access
- variable flow
- The tour promises a different experience depending on the season
The Bouchot and Bation waterfalls
(15 minutes from Gérardmer)
These two waterfalls are located 15 minutes from Gerardmer, in the communes of Rochesson and Gerbamont. Located just a few kilometres from each other, they can be the two starting points for the same hike.
The Bouchot waterfall
The water from this river falls in several cascades over 10 metres high. The effect can be truly impressive when the flow is sufficient (except during periods of drought).
On a hot summer's day, you can cool off in the pool and slip your feet into the water. The bravest can take a dip in the natural pool. The more observant will find wild crayfish hidden between the stones.
The path to this natural setting has been prepared, but is inaccessible to people with reduced mobility: the steps are high and can be slippery... There is a car park not far from the stairs leading to the waterfall.
The Bation waterfall
This pretty waterfall is nestled in the forest. It's ideal if you prefer a less crowded spot. To admire it, you'll need to follow a bucolic path.
Why are the Vosges waterfalls perfect for your stay?
So far, we've only highlighted the waterfalls and legends of the Vosges. Now let us tell you why these are the perfect places for you, your friends and your family.
Access to the Vosges waterfalls, from walks to family outings
The waterfalls in the Vosges are generally accessible via well-maintained, signposted paths. That's why they're just as suitable for experienced hikers as they are for less experienced walkers. The routes are straightforward and there is virtually no risk of getting lost. Looking for hiking ideas? Here are a few examples.
The advice we can give you is to use a hiking application such as Décathlon Outdoor or Wikiloc. These make it much easier to find your way around, which can sometimes be chaotic in the mountains.
It's better when it's child-friendly
Travelling with young children can be a challenge. The waterfalls of the Vosges are safer than the summits. A walk for pleasure rather than worry. That doesn't mean you don't have to the route des crêtesof course.
The Vosges is a nature park, which means that it needs to be preserved. Developments are therefore minor and subject to the vagaries of nature. A good family outing needs to be prepared and organised in advance.
In terms of equipment as a minimum :
- Hiking shoes
- First-aid kit (disinfectant, bandages, etc.)
- Comfortable clothes
- Waterproof jackets (k-way type)
- Enough to replenish your strength and hydrate regularly (taking care to leave the picnic area untouched).
We recommend that you prepare your outings well. The idea is to make the most of the time spent discovering and sharing with your children. Learn to do discover nature at the enfants.
For a sporting challenge with friends: the GR 5
Le GR5 (GR for grande randonnée) is not just about crossing the Alps. It starts in Rotterdam and ends in Nice. We're talking about a 2,600 km hike. Between these two points lies the Vosges massif, with its peaks and waterfalls. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Vosges pass through the route.
More precisely, the stage crossing the Vosges stretches over 430 km from Wissembourg to Fesches le Châtel. At the heart of this long stage, you'll be following the red squares, markers installed by the club vosgien.
The route allows you to take detours and stop off at the waterfalls around Gérardmer and elsewhere. The waterfalls in the Vosges are great places to cool off and recharge your batteries. Especially if you're taking advantage of the summer to go hiking.
Ready for a holiday?
The town of Gérardmer is ideally situated, right in the heart of the Ballon des Vosges nature park. The Vosges waterfalls are a guaranteed visit, full of emotion and imagination. It's the wide-open, sparkling eyes of the children and the calm, happy gaze of the adults.
Contact us for more information, and a place for the whole family to stay.
Thanks to the author of this article, Camille Guiardel.
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