Lac de Gérardmer
Lake Vosges lake and popular regional recreational destination
Glacial lake in the Vosges near the town of Gérardmer; popular for boating, lakeside promenades, summer swimming and as a base for nearby hiking and winter ski areas.
Lac de Gérardmer is a natural lake in the Vosges department of northeastern France, next to the town of Gérardmer. It is one of the principal lakes in the Vosges mountains and a local center for leisure and tourism.
Shoreline promenades, beaches and facilities for boating and swimming are the main attractions, and the immediate area supports walking routes and lakeside cafes. Activities are seasonal, with swimming and boating in warmer months and lakeside walks throughout the year.
The lake is a natural basin formed in the mountainous Vosges landscape; the town of Gérardmer developed as a tourist and resort settlement on its shores. Over the last century the lakeside has been adapted for recreation and accommodation for visitors.
It sits in the Vosges mountains in the Grand Est region, immediately adjacent to the town of Gérardmer and surrounded by forested slopes and ski and hiking areas.
- Access: Has a town directly on its shore with promenades, beaches and a small marina that support seasonal tourism and watersports.
How to Get to Lac de Gérardmer #
By car via RN417 and local D-roads from Épinal or Colmar; regional buses serve Gérardmer from nearby towns. The town center and lakeside promenades are walkable from local parking.
Tips for Visiting Lac de Gérardmer #
- Stroll the lakeside promenade early in the morning to avoid boats and tourist groups; light on the water is best around 7-9am in summer.
- Walk up the Circuit des Roches for good panoramas of the lake and the town - it is less crowded than the central promenade.
- Winter offers frozen surfaces and cross-country ski trails; check local tourist office for safe skating conditions.
Best Time to Visit Lac de Gérardmer #
Best in summer for lake activities and winter for snow sports; spring/autumn are quieter.
Weather & Climate near Lac de Gérardmer #
Lac de Gérardmer's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1140 mm/year), wettest in December, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (117 mm).
