Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Vosges”, Gérardmer is an ideal destination for hiking in spring. Trails wind around its iconic lake, through pine forests, past invigorating waterfalls and along ridges offering sweeping panoramic views. It’s the time of year when nature comes to life and the landscapes become brighter and even more colourful.
Staying in a chalet near the lake at Gérardmer gives you easy access to hiking trails, allowing you to plan trips that promise a complete change of scenery…
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Tips for hiking in Gérardmer this spring
Good planning is essential if you want to enjoy your mountain hike safely.
- Take the time to plan your route carefully, making sure it is suitable for the level of your group.
- Check the weather forecast, as rain or late snow can make some trails dangerous.
- If there is still snow on the ground, take lightweight crampons or walking poles for greater stability.
- Download your route using an app such as Komoot, Whympr or Iphigénie, or follow it on a paper map.
- Set off early in the morning to enjoy the best trail conditions.
- Remember to take enough water and some energy snacks with you.
- If you are hiking alone, make sure you let a friend or relative know your itinerary.
- Finally, it’s a good idea to check trail conditions with the Gérardmer tourist office before you set off, especially for medium and high altitude trails.
Easy walks around Gérardmer
Around the Gérardmer lake
Distance: 5,1 km
Elevation: +6 m / −6 m
Time: 1 hr 30min
Starting point: Henri Millan stadium car park (or anywhere around the lake)
This easy 5km walk takes you around the largest natural lake in the Vosges, on waterside paths which are often wooded. This flat route runs along the shore, passing close to the marina, with unmissable views of the lake and town.
The tour of Lake Gérardmer is an ideal walk for families or a relaxing outing. It is perfect as an introduction to the Vosges countryside at the start of your holiday.
Saut des Cuves
Distance: 5 km
Elevation: +300 m / −300 m
Time: 2 hrs 15min
Starting point: “Aire du Saut des Cuves” car park (Xonrupt-Longemer)
Taking in forests and scenic views, this loop combines moderate climbs with more challenging sections, particularly around the Roitelets gorge. However, it remains relatively accessible and the shade of the woods is particularly welcome in spring.
Forest trails will take you up to Roche des Bruyères, rewarding you with a magnificent view of Gérardmer and its lake. The route, which is varied and a little more demanding than the tour of the lake, is suitable for hikers used to mixed terrain.
Lac des Corbeaux and Croix Louis
Distance: 4,8 km
Elevation: +240 m / −240 m
Time: 2 hrs 05min
Starting point: Lac des Corbeaux car park (La Bresse)
This route starts at the picturesque Lac des Corbeaux and climbs towards Croix Louis via forest trails and mountain paths. Take a break at the Roche du Lac to admire the magnificent view, and the refuge at Croix Louis is a great place to stop for refreshments.
Offering a good compromise between scenery and reasonable effort, this hike is a great half-day outing, allowing you to discover the Vosges countryside at your own pace in the spring sunshine.
*These chalets offer short stays of two nights or more.
Moderate walks around Gérardmer
Mérelle waterfall
Distance: 4,9 km
Elevation: +230 m / −230 m
Time: 2 hrs 05min
Starting point: Henri Millan stadium car park (Gérardmer)
Starting from Gérardmer, this hike follows forest trails to the summit of Mérelle, where a viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the lake and the town. Along the way, the charming Mérelle waterfall emerges from moss-covered rocks.
The terrain alternates between forests and stony paths, with some slippery sections, making this a moderately difficult loop suitable for hikers with some experience.
Around Lake Corbeaux from Haut des Bluches
Distance: 8,7 km
Elevation: +500 m / −500 m
Time: 3 hrs 55min
Starting point: Haut des Bluches campsite (La Bresse)
Varied, sometimes stony paths with moderate climbs bring you to a viewpoint offering spectacular views of Lac des Corbeaux, a glacial lake in the Vosges forest.
During this hike, you will alternate between forest trails, wide tracks and challenging descents. You will therefore need to be physically fit and wear suitable footwear.
Lac de Lispach from the Lac de Longemer
Distance: 8,9 km
Elevation: +530 m / −530 m
Time: 4 hrs 05min
Starting point: “Belle rive” campsite (Xonrupt-Longemer)
Starting from Lake Longemer, this fairly challenging route will take you up forest trails to another of the region’s many lakes, Lake Lispach. It is surrounded by peat bogs and rugged countryside typical of the Vosges.
The terrain includes rocky sections and a few steep climbs, but you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the glacial lakes and the vegetation typical of peat bogs. Stay calm and keep your eyes peeled for some of the local wildlife…
Difficult hike around Gérardmer
Vallée du Chajoux circuit
Distance: 22,7 km
Elevation: +970 m / −970 m
Time: 9 hrs 15min
Starting point: La Bresse
This long loop is one of the most diverse in the area, crossing ridges, peat bogs and Vosges forests. You will explore highlights such as Chaume des Champis, Rouge Feigne peat bog and Lake Lispach, with remarkable views across the entire region.
The varied terrain, which can be challenging with rocky sections, makes this a difficult hike, recommended for experienced hikers looking for a long day’s effort. However, you will be rewarded by the beauty of the Vosges landscapes.
FAQs about walks in and around Gérardmer
Where can you find easy or moderate hikes near Gérardmer?
There are many accessible trails near Gérardmer, particularly around the lakes of Gérardmer, Longemer and Lispach, with well-marked routes and little change in altitude.
Which walks are suitable for families in Gérardmer?
The walks around Lake Gérardmer, Lake Longemer and the Mérelle waterfall are suitable for young children, with wide, shaded paths that are easy to access.
What are some of the natural highlights in and around Gérardmer?
Glacial lakes, waterfalls, pine forests and viewpoints are some of the highlights of Gérardmer, with iconic sites such as Hohneck, Saut des Cuves and Lac des Corbeaux.
What hikes can you do in the mountains around Gérardmer?
If you want to get into the mountains, you can hike to Hohneck, the Route des Crêtes or the high-altitude meadows, which offer vast panoramic views of the Vosges mountains.
What are the trails like around Hohneck or the Route des Crêtes?
These areas offer ridge trails, scenic loops and routes connecting lakes and peaks, with unobstructed views and generally rocky terrain.
What are the most photogenic hikes around Gérardmer?
The Lac des Corbeaux, Lac de Lispach, Hohneck and the viewpoints overlooking Gérardmer offer perfect opportunities for photography, whatever the season.
Gérardmer is a great destination for hikers, thanks to a wide variety of trails suitable for all abilities. When you go hiking around Gérardmer in spring, you will discover an unspoilt, peaceful and sun-drenched mountain region, where you can get back to nature and recharge your batteries after the winter.
A chalet holiday is the best way to make the most of hiking in Gérardmer:
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