The ultimate guide to your unforgettable family holiday in the Pearl of the Vosges — jacuzzi, pool, sauna, lakes, mountains, and pure mountain magic.
A spacious mountain chalet with private wellness facilities, nestled on Route de Rochesson with stunning Vosges mountain views.
Spacious rooms for 4 adults + 4 kids (ages 6, 8, 9, 10)
9.0/10Walk-in showers, one with hot tub/jacuzzi
8.5/10Hot tub to relax after a day of adventure
9.5/10Seasonal pool — open in July! Perfect timing
9.0/10Unwind in your own Finnish sauna
9.0/10Full kitchen with dishwasher, oven, everything you need
8.5/10Cozy evenings by the fire, even in summer
8.0/10Balcony & terrace with panoramic Vosges views
9.5/10Outdoor dining area with barbecue facilities
9.0/10Private parking on-site, free Wi-Fi included
9.0/10Flat-screen TV, living room, family game nights
8.0/10Rated 8.5/10 on Booking.com by verified guests
8.5/10The chalet is non-smoking and has quiet hours from 22:00 to 08:00. A €500 damage deposit (cash) is required on arrival and refunded at check-out after inspection. Host Noël is very responsive — guests rave about feeling right at home!
From adrenaline-pumping adventure parks to peaceful lake cruises — Gérardmer has it all for families with kids aged 6–10.
The largest natural lake in the Vosges (115 hectares). Paddle boarding, kayaking, pedal boats, electric boat rides, and supervised swimming beaches with slides and diving boards.
Tree-top climbing courses graded by difficulty, via ferrata, and special "tickle trails" for younger children. In breathtaking forest surroundings with helpful, well-positioned staff.
Thrilling summer luge ride down the ski slopes! Kids absolutely love it. Quick rides up and down. Also features disc golf and mini golf with gorgeous lake views.
Nature-themed adventure park with zip-lining at 30–40 km/h through the forest, bungee jumping, and various trail challenges for all skill levels. Spectacular views.
Fully equipped beach with deckchairs, parasols, table tennis, playground, slides, and diving boards. Lake water reaches 24–25°C in July! Safe supervised swimming for kids.
Indoor escape rooms like "Le Manoir" — great for rainy days. Suitable for teens and families, with friendly staff who provide hints when needed. A few well-placed chills!
Les Crins de Ramberchamp offers scenic horseback rides through the Vosges valleys. Perfect for children and beginners with gentle, guided treks.
Watch traditional sweets being made in copper cauldrons over open flames at Plainfaing. Guided tour with tastings — kids love the candy samples at the end!
The Vosges offer some of France's most stunning natural landscapes — glacial lakes, thundering cascades, and peaks with Alpine views.
The jewel of the Vosges — a 115-hectare glacial lake at 660m altitude. 6km lakeside path perfect for walking or cycling. Multiple beaches, water sports, and picnic areas beneath fir trees.
Climb to this panoramic viewpoint for breathtaking views over the lake and forests. Arrive early — it's small but the vista is unforgettable. Great for photos!
Impressive waterfall even in August. The entire surrounding forest is beautiful — a short, shaded walk brings you to the cascading water. Refreshing and magical for kids.
The 2nd highest peak in the Vosges with panoramic views. On clear days, see all the way to the Alps! Watch for wild chamois along the ridge trails.
A quieter lake just 8km from Gérardmer — perfect for afternoon swimming. Less crowded with peaceful shores and beautiful mountain backdrop.
Hidden waterfall in the forest, reachable via a pleasant family hike. The trail through the Vosges woodland is an adventure itself.
A dark, atmospheric glacial lake surrounded by steep forested slopes. Wild and dramatic — feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
Alpine botanical garden near Col de la Schlucht with 2,500 plant species from mountain regions worldwide. Educational and beautiful for all ages.
From hearty mountain meals in farmhouse inns to refined gastronomic dining — the Vosges culinary scene will surprise you.
The traditional mountain feast of the Vosges: soup, meat pie (tourte), smoked pork with tofailles (stewed potatoes, onions & bacon), Munster cheese, and dessert — either fromage blanc with kirsch or tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry tart). Best enjoyed at a fermette-auberge high in the mountains!
5th-generation chef Julien Jeanselme blends local Vosges flavors with international techniques. Creative, playful, contemporary cuisine. Excellent kid-friendly options with local specialties.
Traditional Vosges restaurant 5 min from the lake. 100% homemade cuisine using local produce. Stunning terrace with valley views. Quiche lorraine, trout, grillades — simple and excellent.
Charming 18th-century Vosges farmhouse serving hearty burgers, tartes flambées, fondues paired with locally brewed beers. Family-friendly atmosphere.
Several spots between the town center and the lake offer wood-fired pizzas, raclettes, and fondues. Perfect for a casual family dinner.
Chef Luc Masson forages wild plants from the Vosges forests daily. Gourmet experience surrounded by nature, with 300+ wine references. A true celebration of terroir.
Authentic mountain dining at altitude! Rustic farmhouses serving the iconic repas marcaire. Try Ferme-Auberge du Kastelberg after a hike — the full mountain experience.
The border region between Lorraine and Alsace offers incredible diversity within easy reach of your chalet.
An 89km legendary mountain road along the Vosges ridges — endless panoramic viewpoints, chamois sightings, and farm-inn stops. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Alps!
Just 1 hour away — explore Petite Venise, half-timbered houses, the Tanners' Quarter, and Collégiale Saint-Martin. Pair it with a drive along the wine route through picture-perfect villages.
The main mountain pass connecting Alsace and Lorraine at 1,140m. Starting point for hikes to the Hohneck. In summer: paragliding and summer luge!
Visit an adorable llama farm in the mountains. Kids can walk with the llamas through the forest — a unique and gentle experience for young animal lovers.
Magnificent medieval fortress perched 750m above the Alsatian plain. Fully restored with stunning views. Interactive visits appeal to children and history enthusiasts.
Home of the famous Munster cheese. Visit the valley, see the cheese farms, and enjoy the quintessential Alsatian landscape of rolling hills and vineyards.
A balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, nature, and culture — designed for your family of 8.
Meet host Noël, pay the €500 deposit (cash), get tour of the chalet
Walk around the lake shore, get your bearings, pick up groceries
Fire up the barbecue, let the kids enjoy the garden and pool
Relax under the stars — you're on holiday!
Rent pedal boats, kayaks, or paddleboards. Swim at Union Nautique beach
Grab provisions from the market and enjoy a lakeside lunch
Climb for panoramic views of the whole lake and surrounding forests
Early dinner to secure your spot for the Bastille Day celebrations
One of the finest fireworks displays in the Grand-Est region — over the lake!
Thrilling luge rides, disc golf, and mini golf with lake views
Try the local quiche lorraine and blueberry tart
Courses for all ages — tickle trails for the youngest
Cool down with a forest walk to this impressive cascade
Cook at home, kids swim in the pool, adults enjoy the jacuzzi
Stock up on local cheese, charcuterie, and fresh bread
Stop at panoramic viewpoints, watch for chamois, enjoy the ridgeline
The legendary repas marcaire — bring cash, some farms don't take cards!
Family-friendly route from Col de la Schlucht. Look for chamois!
2,500 alpine plant species — educational and beautiful
Cross from Lorraine into Alsace via the Col de la Schlucht
Petite Venise boat ride, Tanners' Quarter, half-timbered houses
Tarte flambée, choucroute, or Alsatian winstub experience
Visit a cheese farm, explore the valley on the way back
Artisan night market in the park — local food, crafts, and live music
Last market visit and a candy factory tour at Plainfaing
The quieter lake — final swim and peaceful morning on the water
Burgers, tartes flambées, and locally brewed beer in an 18th-century farmhouse
Pool, jacuzzi, sauna — one last round of pure relaxation
Last sunset from the terrace, mountain views, and family memories
Everything your 4 kids (ages 6, 8, 9, 10) will love about this holiday.
The chalet has its own pool and jacuzzi — no need to share! Kids can swim all day while parents relax with a mountain view.
The #1 kid-approved activity in Gérardmer! Fast, fun, and you can go again and again. Kids aged 6+ can ride with an adult.
Walk through the forest with llamas at La Montagne des Lamas. Gentle, patient animals perfect for kids of all ages.
Watch sweets being made in copper cauldrons, then taste them! Every kid's dream — they'll be talking about this for weeks.
Kids love steering the pedal boats on Lac de Gérardmer. Safe, fun, and the lake is crystal clear — they might spot fish below!
Acrosphère has beginner-friendly tree courses with safety lines. The "tickle trail" is designed specifically for younger kids.
You arrive on the 13th — perfect timing! The Gérardmer Bastille Day fireworks over the lake are among the biggest in eastern France. Thousands of people come to watch. Arrive early to get a good spot on the lakeside. An unforgettable first evening for the kids!
Everything you need within minutes of the chalet — with opening hours for your stay.
Largest supermarket in town. Great selection, in-store bakery, competitive prices. Can get busy — avoid Sunday morning rush.
Excellent selection including gluten-free options, fresh fish counter, wine section. Order online with Drive pickup! Open latest in town.
Best bakery in Gérardmer! Amazing croissants, baguettes, and ice cream. Opens at 6:00 AM — perfect for early risers. Closed Tuesdays.
Lovely artisan bakery on Rue Charles de Gaulle. Excellent baguettes, tarts, and viennoiseries. Opens 6:30 AM. Closed Wednesdays.
Skip the supermarket — this local grocery has fresh Alsatian fruits, vegetables, cheese, charcuterie at great prices. Open Sundays! Highly rated (4.6★).
Best-rated pharmacy in town (4.4★). Herbal remedies too. Owner is super helpful and professional. Open Sundays 9:00–12:00 & 14:00–17:00.
Day 1 (Mon 13 Jul): Super U is open until 13:00 on Mondays — grab essentials on arrival.
Daily bread: Boulangerie Géromoise opens 6 AM (closed Tue) · Les P'Tites Douceurs opens 6:30 AM (closed Wed) — between the two you're covered every day.
Best value: Skip supermarkets for cheese & meat — go to Côté Paysan or the Thursday/Saturday markets instead.
Sunday shopping: Intermarché & Super U close at 12:30. Côté Paysan is open until 18:30. Pharmacie du Carrousel open until 17:00.
All key locations around Gérardmer on one map.
All times by car. GPS: 48.073, 6.880 (96 Route de Rochesson).
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| 💎 Lac de Gérardmer | 4 km | 5 min |
| 🏘️ Gérardmer town center | 2 km | 3 min |
| 🛒 Super U / Intermarché | 2.5 km | 4 min |
| 🧗 Acrosphère adventure | 5 km | 7 min |
| 🛷 La Mauselaine (luge) | 4 km | 8 min |
| 💧 Saut des Cuves waterfall | 6 km | 10 min |
| 🌊 Lac de Longemer | 8 km | 12 min |
| 🍬 Confiserie (Plainfaing) | 18 km | 25 min |
| ⛰️ Col de la Schlucht | 15 km | 20 min |
| 🏔️ Le Hohneck (trailhead) | 18 km | 25 min |
| 🦙 Montagne des Lamas | 12 km | 18 min |
| 🏘️ Colmar (Alsace) | 60 km | 1h 00 |
| 🏰 Haut-Kœnigsbourg | 80 km | 1h 20 |
| 🚉 Épinal train station | 45 km | 45 min |
| ✈️ EuroAirport Mulhouse | 95 km | 1h 15 |
Plan your days with exact opening times during July 2026.
Cool & fresh at 15–18°C. Perfect for hiking before crowds arrive. Light jacket needed.
6:00–10:00Warm at 22–28°C. Best time for lake swimming and water sports. Sunscreen essential!
10:00–16:00Possible thunderstorms in mountains. Keep rain jackets handy. Waterfalls are best now.
16:00–19:00Drops to 12–16°C. Perfect for jacuzzi & sauna. Layers needed. Mountain air is fresh!
19:00–22:00Everything you need to plan a smooth, stress-free family holiday.
Our comprehensive rating across all categories for this family holiday.
| Feature | Score | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| 🏡 Chalet Quality | 9.0 | |
| ♨️ Jacuzzi / Pool / Sauna | 9.5 | |
| 🏔️ Mountain Views | 9.5 | |
| 🚣 Lake Activities | 9.5 | |
| 🧗 Adventure Activities | 9.0 | |
| 🍽️ Restaurants Nearby | 9.0 | |
| 👶 Kid-Friendliness | 9.5 | |
| 🛤️ Day Trip Options | 9.0 | |
| 🅿️ Parking & Access | 9.0 | |
| 💶 Value for Money | 8.5 |
From easy lakeside strolls to rewarding mountain viewpoints — rated by kid-friendliness.
The classic 6km flat trail circling the entire lake. Smooth, shaded, with viewpoints and picnic spots along the way. Stroller-friendly on most sections.
Moderate hike through forest to a hidden waterfall, then up to the Observatoire de Mérelle viewing tower. Panoramic views of lake and peaks. Well-marked.
Peaceful riverside walk through pristine forest along the Vologne river. Easy terrain, beautiful scenery, quiet and shaded — perfect for hot days.
Easy loop around the quieter Longemer lake. Less crowded than Gérardmer, great for a relaxed family walk with swimming stops along the way.
The big one! Ridge walk with Alpine views, chamois sightings, and wildflowers. Exposed sections — bring water, sunscreen, and layers. Worth every step.
Ambitious full-day connecting Lac Vert, Lac Blanc, and Lac des Truites. Spectacular and remote — for experienced families who love a challenge.
Things most tourists miss — but you won't.
Don't leave without tasting these Vosges & Alsatian specialties.
Creamy, pungent local cheese. Best with caraway seeds & fresh bread. Buy at the market!
Must try!Wild mountain blueberry tart. Every bakery makes their own version. Try them all!
Must try!Stewed potatoes with onions, bacon & white wine. Pure mountain comfort food. Kids love it.
Must try!Savoury meat pie in puff pastry. The local version of a Lorraine classic. Grab one at the bakery.
DeliciousThin-crust flatbread with cream, onions & lardons. Alsatian pizza! Try the Munster version.
Must try!Melted cheese heaven. Many restaurants serve it, or make it at the chalet for a cozy family dinner.
DeliciousLocal wildflower honey from the Vosges. Available at markets. Makes a perfect souvenir to bring home.
Gift ideaThe Lorraine spirit! Sweet, fruity, and smooth. Sip after dinner on the terrace. Adults only!
AdultsMountain weather can change fast. Here's your backup plan for wet days.
6-lane bowling alley with kids' side guides, plus indoor swimming pool and ice rink — all under one roof. Perfect rainy day combo!
Three different escape room scenarios. "Le Manoir" is perfect for families with teens. Friendly staff, nice chills, great for rainy weather!
Adults-only evening out? The lakeside casino has gaming tables, slots, and a good restaurant. Book ahead — it gets busy!
Your chalet IS the rainy day plan! Jacuzzi in the rain is magical. Sauna, board games by the fireplace, movie night on the flat-screen. Cook a fondue together!
The candy factory is indoors (25 min drive). Combine with textile factory outlet shopping — Gérardmer has famous local brands.
Plot twist: waterfalls are even MORE impressive in the rain! Saut des Cuves with rain jackets = adventure. The forest shelters you from downpours.
A few words go a long way — locals really appreciate the effort!
Rough costs for 6 nights, 4 adults + 4 kids.
| Item | Est. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🏡 Accommodation (6 nights) | Check booking | + €500 deposit (refunded) |
| 🛒 Groceries (6 days) | ~€300–400 | Market + Super U |
| 🍽️ Dining out (3–4 meals) | ~€200–350 | Mix of casual & nice |
| 🧗 Activities | ~€100–200 | Luge, climbing, boats |
| ⛽ Fuel | ~€50–100 | Day trips + local drives |
| 🎁 Souvenirs & treats | ~€50–100 | Confiserie, markets |
| 💰 TOTAL (excl. accommodation) | ~€700–1150 | Very affordable! |