Vosges

The Vosges are a rounded, forested mountain range in northeastern France, mainly within the Grand Est region, with their highest summits just over 1,400 metres. The range forms the western edge of the Upper Rhine valley and is a major natural region of Alsace and Lorraine.

Hilltops and plateaus are the main attractions - several summits rise to around 1,000-1,400 metres and there are extensive marked hiking trails, alpine-style ski areas, lakes and forested ridgelines. The range contains popular day-hike and short-circuit walks, lakes such as Lac de Gérardmer, and compact downhill and Nordic skiing at resorts including La Bresse and Gérardmer.

The Vosges are an ancient massif shaped by long erosion; their rounded summits are locally called “ballons.” The area has long been a cultural and strategic borderland between France and Germany and the mountains saw military activity during the First World War.

Geographically the Vosges lie in northeastern France west of the Rhine, extending through the historic regions of Alsace and Lorraine. Nearest major urban centres include Strasbourg to the east and Metz/Nancy to the west; the range forms a clear natural barrier above the Rhine plain.

• Summit height: Highest peaks are around 1,400 metres, with the Grand Ballon topping out at 1,424 m.
• Outdoor activities: Well suited for hiking in summer and low-altitude skiing in winter, with compact ski areas such as La Bresse and Gérardmer.

What to See #

• Grand Ballon: The highest summit in the range, reaching 1,424 metres and offering panoramic viewpoints and marked trails to the summit ridge.
• Route des Crêtes: A high-ridge route that runs along many of the main summits and provides multiple roadside viewpoints, hiking access and links between passes and villages.
• Gérardmer and Lac de Gérardmer: A group of lakes and a small resort town popular for year-round outdoor activities; the lake and town are focal points for walking, boating and winter sports in the central Vosges.