The surrounding area
Set amongst mountains, lakes and charming villages, the 573 enjoys an ideal location in the heart of the Hautes-Vosges, right on the border with Alsace. In both summer and winter, the surrounding area offers a wide variety of activities: sporting, cultural, relaxing… or simply culinary.
Anould
Anould is a small tourist resort nestled in the heart of the Hautes Vosges, close to Saint-Dié-des-Vosges (12 km), Gérardmer and the mountain ridges. An ideal base for exploring the Vosges mountains, the village offers access to hiking trails, snowshoe routes, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing.
For a trip into town, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges is the nearest town: shops, restaurants, a market and architectural heritage, including the famous cathedral.
gérardmer
Lake Gérardmer
The heart of the town, the lake offers opportunities for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, pedalos, sailing or a stroll along its landscaped banks. Whatever the season, it gives Gérardmer its unique atmosphere.
Town centre & shops
The town centre offers restaurants, markets, shops and entertainment all year round. In summer, the outdoor terraces come alive; in winter, the town takes on a more cosy atmosphere.
Practical information from Office de Tourisme Gérardmer Hautes Vosges
The mountains, in summer and winter
Hiking
30 marked trails starting from Anould: family walks (Roche de Boslimpré), medium-length loops (Roche d’Osseux, Étangs des Huttes) and full-day hikes towards the Hautes Chaumes and the ridges.
Skiing & winter sports
Gérardmer (downhill and cross-country skiing) and La Bresse-Hohneck (220 hectares, toboggan run, snowshoeing, ice rink) — two resorts just a few minutes away.
Cycling and mountain biking
Forest trails around Anould for leisurely rides. La Bresse Bike Park in summer for downhill enthusiasts.
Valley of the Lakes
Gérardmer, Longemer and Retournemer — three glacial lakes perfect for a stroll, a spot of kayaking in summer or simply a moment of quiet contemplation.
Whether you’re the type to clock up the miles or head straight for the hot tub after a long walk — the Vosges will adapt to your pace.
The Ridge Route
A legendary 90-kilometre route winding its way between Alsace and Lorraine at an altitude of over 1,000 metres. From the Col de la Schlucht — just a few minutes from the gîte — it offers breathtaking views stretching as far as the Black Forest and the Alps on a clear day.
Must-see stops: the Hohneck massif (1,363 m), the Grand Ballon (1,424 m, the highest peak in the Vosges), and the Haut-Chitelet mountain garden. All along the route, farmhouse inns invite you to stop for a break and enjoy a traditional herdsman’s meal and a well-matured Munster cheese.
A day trip to Alsace
Less than an hour from the gîte, Alsace unfolds with its half-timbered villages, its Wine Route and its picture-postcard landscapes. A cultural and culinary getaway that can be enjoyed in a single day.
Riquewihr
39km away
Events & Highlights
International Fantasy Film Festival (January) Every year at the end of January, Gérardmer becomes the capital of fantasy cinema. With screenings, previews, meetings with filmmakers and award ceremonies, the atmosphere is unique and the whole town gets into the spirit of things. 🔗 festival-gerardmer.com
Daffodil Festival (April, even-numbered years) Every other spring, Gérardmer celebrates the daffodil, the iconic flower of the Hautes-Vosges, with a spectacular flower parade, concerts, brass bands and entertainment in the Place du Vieux Gérardmer.
Lake Fireworks (July and August) On 14 July and 14 August, Lake Gérardmer is lit up by spectacular fireworks displays synchronised to music. A show that attracts thousands of spectators every year.
Gérardmer Triathlon (September) Every first weekend in September, athletes and spectators gather around the lake for this international competition combining swimming, cycling and running. There are events for all levels, including the youngest participants. 🔗 triathlondegerardmer.com
Saint-Dié International Geography Festival (October) Just 12 km from the gîte, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges hosts one of the world’s most renowned geography festivals every first weekend in October: featuring lectures, debates, exhibitions and events open to all. 🔗 festival-geographie.com
Christmas markets (December) Colmar, Kaysersberg, Strasbourg — some of France’s most beautiful markets are just a short drive away. And in Gérardmer itself, a cosy Christmas market brings the town centre to life throughout December.
For further tourist information
