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Cascade de Mérelle walks
Tour of Gérardmer from the Saut des Cuves
Visorando Member
16.16 mi
+3,100 ft
-3,110 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Xonrupt-Longemer (Vosges)
A long, challenging hike that takes you around a well-known town in the Vosges: Gérardmer. Nestled at an altitude of around 600 m, the town is home to the largest lake in the Vosges: Lake Gérardmer. It is also possible to take detours to explore the natural scenery. This hike offers a feast of rivers and waterfalls: the Saut des Cuves, the Saut de la Bourrique, the Cascade de Mérelle and other watercourses of varying sizes. It also passes close to several ski resorts, particularly during the first part of the circular route. Mainly through forest, there are also some rather pleasant views when the weather permits.
In winter, the track between points (6) and (7) is used as a ski run. It is better to take the track going up to the left at (6) and then the road to the right leading to point (9).
Point (13) Saut de la Bourrique has been closed by municipal order since 15 March 2024 for works; see practical information.
Tour of Lake Gérardmer via the Tête and Mérelle Waterfall
5.07 mi
+771 ft
-771 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Gérardmer (Vosges)
This hike goes around Lake Gérardmer, the largest natural lake in the Vosges, via the Tête de Mérelle, which offers a magnificent view of the lake and the town of Gérardmer from its belvedere at the top of the tower, then past the small Mérelle Waterfall, hidden among moss-covered rocks.
Mérelle peak and waterfall
3.06 mi
+768 ft
-768 ft
2h 05
Moderate
Departure from Gérardmer (Vosges)
The Tête de Mérelle offers a magnificent view of the lake and the town of Gérardmer from its belvedere at the top of the tower. The small Mérelle waterfall, hidden among moss-covered rocks, is well worth a visit.
Walks near Cascade de Mérelle
Gérardmer - Les Champis
7.48 mi
+2,480 ft
-915 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Xonrupt-Longemer (Vosges)
First stage of the Gérardmer Mini-Trek. On this first day, you will discover the aerial landscapes of Le Poli and the heights of Lispach, as well as the isolated stubble fields above the Vologne Valley. This stage allows you to make steady progress towards the Chalet des Champis, where you will spend the night. It is also an opportunity to spend a night in an unguarded cabin that has (almost) everything to please: isolated and at least a 30-minute walk from any built-up area, in the middle of the thatched cottages, accessible to all and all year round...It is a must-see in the area.
From the Cabane des Champis to Lac de Blanchemer
8.77 mi
+1,627 ft
-2,201 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
Starting from Les Champis, the route passes through the Marécage Rouge Feigne, the Col de Thiaville (alt. 1,112 m), the Hohneck (alt. 1,363 m) and the Col du Wormspel (alt. 1,277 m) before descending towards Lac de Blanchemer.
Gérardmer – Honneck – Sotré
12.06 mi
+1,220 ft
-2,782 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
This second stage of the Gérardmer Mini-Trek links the Chalet des Champis to Petit Xonrupt, passing through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Hautes-Vosges. After a descent into the Vologne valley, the route climbs back up to the heights of La Bresse-Hohneck, before reaching Lac de la Lande, the Schmargult farmhouse inn and the famous Route des Crêtes. The walk continues with a long descent past the Sotré mountain refuge, Lake Retournemer and the shores of Lake Longemer, before reaching the centre of Xonrupt-Longemer. A varied stage combining forests, high-altitude scree slopes, glacial lakes and remarkable panoramic views.
From the Chalet de Rouge Mousse to the Cabane des Champis
6.55 mi
+1,732 ft
-968 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
Starting from the Chalet de Rouge Mousse, the route takes you to Lac des Corbeaux, then via the GR®533 to La Roche Beauty (viewpoint), and on to Mont Moyenmont (alt. 969 m) to reach La Chaume des Champis and its hut.
From Lake Longemer to Lake Blanchemer
11.03 mi
+2,979 ft
-2,169 ft
7h 40
Difficult
Departure from Xonrupt-Longemer (Vosges)
The first stage of a two-day bivouac hike with an overnight stay at Lac de Blanchemer, passing by Lac du Lispach, which is reminiscent of a Canadian landscape, and the Machais peat bog.
Difficulty and beautiful views sum up this first stage.
From Lac de Blanchemer to the Chalet de Rouge Mousse
7.13 mi
+1,880 ft
-2,054 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
Starting from Lac de Blanchemer, the route follows theGR®531, taking you via the Rainkopf (alt. 1,305 m), before descending towards the Tourbière de Machais, the Col de Bramont and the Étang de Sèchemer to reach the Chalet de Rouge Mousse.
From Lac de Blanchemer to Lac de Longemer
6.46 mi
+738 ft
-1,532 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from La Bresse (Vosges)
Second stage of this hike with bivouac. This time, Lac Lalande, Lac de Retournemer, Cascade Charlemagne and Cascade de Retournemer will be on your route, allowing you to discover magnificent colours.
Charlemagne car park - Schiessrothried Lake
5.84 mi
+728 ft
-1,683 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Xonrupt-Longemer (Vosges)
day1: hike around Hohneck, snowfield route and descent to Schiessrothried Lake.
Col de la Schlucht – Le Grand Ballon: the Sentier des Crêtes
16.57 mi
+3,238 ft
-2,556 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Le Valtin (Vosges)
A very beautiful hike, taking in some remarkable sights: the Martinswand rocks, the summit of the Hohneck, the summit of the Kastelberg and the Grand Ballon (with the ‘Boule’ at the summit).
Schiessrothried Lake - Charlemagne car park
5.08 mi
+2,352 ft
-1,398 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Metzeral (Haut-Rhin)
From Schiessrothried, tour of Petit Hohneck, Dagobert's cave, Frankenthal and Col de Falimont.
This route is not accessible in winter. The route is closed between (3), (4), (5) and (6) from 1 November to 30 April 2022 (Prefectural Order of 18 May 2022).