Situated in the Vosges region of Lorraine, Gérardmer is a mountain town nestling at an altitude of over 700 metres. Surrounded by mountains and forests, and set on the edge of a natural lake, this popular tourist town attracts thousands of visitors every year, drawn by its gentle way of life and the many activities on offer all year round.
In summer, visitors can stroll through the town's lively streets, visit the museums, art galleries, parks and gardens, or take advantage of the many outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, swimming, fishing and canoeing. In winter, Gérardmer becomes a winter sports resort, with cross-country and downhill ski runs, snowshoe trails and ice rinks. So many possibilities that make Gérardmer a dynamic mountain town, with a unique local living experience.
One of the largest natural lakes in the region, Lac de Gérardmer is surrounded by mountains and dense forests. Over the years, it has become a major tourist attraction in the Grand Est region, offering numerous opportunities forleisure activities such as swimming, pedal-boating, kayaking and sailing on the lake.
The area around the lake is very popular, and has been developed to provide maximum comfort for users. You'll find a public beach, picnic areas, footpaths and cycle routes.
Tip: For an unbeatable view of Lake Gérardmer, head for the Mérelle tower! Standing 15 metres high at an altitude of 897 metres, this impressive wooden tower offers a 360° panoramic view of the lake, the ridges and the La Mauselaine ski resort. Access is free (85 steps - access limited to 4 people for safety reasons).
When the weather is gloomy, or simply to enrich your general knowledge, we invite you to discover the various museums available around Gérardmer. In Ventron, around thirty minutes' drive away, the Maison Artisanale invites visitors to discover local art through woodwork, pottery and embroidery. These skills are also on show at the Maison de l'Artisanat in Liezey, less than 10 kilometres from Gérardmer.
Gourmets will want to stay in the town of Gérardmer to visit the Confiserie Géromoise, famous for its delicious Vosges sweets, the Biscuiterie des Lacs, which bakes on site and offers free tastings, and the La Géromoise craft brewery, housed in Gérardmer's oldest farmhouse dating back to 1752.
The Cascades de Tendon are a series of waterfalls located in the forest of the same name, near the town of Gérardmer. Formed by the waters of the river, which flow into a series of basins and waterfalls, these cascades create an impressive and magnificent natural spectacle.
The Tendon waterfalls can be reached via a small forest road leading to a car park. From here, it's about a 15-minute walk along a signposted path to the point of interest. Visitors can stroll around the cascades and admire the various waterfalls, pools and narrow gorges. It is also possible to swim in the natural pools formed by the waterfalls in summer.
In Gérardmer, as in many mountain towns, the local specialities are all about cheese! Munster, Comté and Saint-Nectaire cheeses are used in a host of comforting recipes, including Savoyard fondue, raclette, tartiflette and potée lorraine. On the sweet side, blueberry tart is very popular with tourists and locals alike, and is often served as a dessert or snack throughout the year.
To discover the local gastronomy, you can visit the twice-weekly market (Thursdays and Saturdays) and the specialist food shops. You'll find local products such as artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, which you can sample on the spot or take home as souvenirs.
But if you really want to enjoy a good meal in complete relaxation, head for one of the city's many restaurants. Our favourites include La P'tite Sophie, a bistronomic restaurant with a cosy atmosphere, the Auberge au Bord du Lac, with its idyllic location, and the Comptoir Joa, in Gérardmer's casino.
From typical Vosges chalets to town-centre flats and elegant, comfortable hotel rooms, there's no shortage of accommodation options in Gérardmer! This highly popular tourist destination hasaccommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, either close to the lake or in the hills, close to the ski slopes.
Great East
