Top 5 things to do in Gérardmer

The town of Gérardmer is located in the Vosges department, a few kilometers from the German border and at the crossroads between Alsace and Lorraine.
This town, nestled in the heart of the magnificent landscapes of the Hautes Vosges, is renowned for the beauty of its panoramas and the quality of the activities it offers, which will delight tourists and locals alike.
From water sports on Lake Gérardmer to skiing on the slopes of the Hautes Vosges, including walks in emblematic natural places, here is a selection of 5 unmissable activities in Gérardmer

author Written by Anto
date 03 May 2025
reading time read in 1 min

Summary

Top 5 things to do in Gérardmer

1- Enjoy Lake Gérardmer

The town of Gérardmer is renowned for its natural glacial lake , one of the largest in the Vosges, located hundreds of meters above sea level, where the beauty of nature is revealed in every season. With an area of 115 hectares, Lake Gérardmer is the largest natural lake in the region. Surrounded by majestic forests, it is a veritable green setting. The clear water of the lake, fed by springs and streams, offers exceptional transparency, making the site a privileged place for lovers of unspoiled landscapes.

On the lake, it is possible to do many activities: supervised swimming, boat or pedal boat trips, picnics on the sand and hiking on the 6 km marked trail.

Whether for a family getaway, a sporting adventure, or simply a break, this lake offers an exceptional setting for all nature lovers.

2- Skiing at the Gérardmer ski resort

If you're looking for thrills, the Mauselaine alpine ski area has everything you need. Open throughout the winter season and located just 2 minutes from the town center, it's suitable for all levels of skiers.

The ski resort offers a full range of services, from ski schools to equipment rentals, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. The 22 ski slopes that connect the area are surrounded by forest. You can even have fun with the longest slope in the Vosges . It's the blue Chevreuils slope, 2900m long, which will immerse you in splendid views. And for children, the area has playgrounds and a toboggan stadium with free access.

Winter charm goes beyond skiing, offering snowshoeing and breathtaking panoramic views.
Enjoy the friendly atmosphere and quality facilities to experience unforgettable moments on the slopes of Gérardmer.

3- Hike to the Mérelle waterfall

Let's take a little height to discover the Mérelle waterfall , an unmissable stop during your visit to the Hautes Vosges. This waterfall offers a unique experience, with its water flowing into Lake Gérardmer . The well-maintained hiking trails allow visitors to easily access this natural gem, offering panoramic views of the waterfall and the surrounding forests.

Continuing your walk, follow the blue markings and climb the 85 spiral steps to reach the nearby Mérelles Observatory . You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the lake and the ski resort, as well as the Route des Crêtes, making this hike in the Hautes Vosges an unforgettable experience.

4 - Discover Lake Longemer

Near Gérardmer, Lake Longemer also offers breathtaking landscapes. Nicknamed the "mirror of 1000 reflections," this lake has been classified as a remarkable site and Natural Monument since 2002, thus preserving its identity and beauty.

As for activities, swimming is possible, although unsupervised. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy various options on the lake or by exploring the surrounding trails.

Finally, to further admire this natural beauty, we recommend you discover the site of Roche du Diable , located on the Route du Col de La Schlucht , offering a breathtaking view of the Vallée des Lacs, including the lakes of Longemer and Retournemer. Accessible by car, free parking on the side of the road will allow you to fully enjoy this natural splendor.

5 - Treetop adventure at the Gérardmer Adventure Park

To finish your discovery of Gérardmer, we suggest you spend an exciting afternoon at the Gérardmer Adventure Park . Between suspension bridges and zip lines over the water, the park offers several routes of varying difficulty suitable for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest!

This is an ideal activity in Gérardmer, suitable for both the most intrepid adrenaline lovers and families with children.

Anto

03 May 2025