Lac de Gérardmer walks

Saut de la Bourrique is a waterfall in the Vosges mountains in the commune of Gérardmer. The legend associated with the name of this waterfall actually comes from a bourrique that belonged to a lord. Returning from the crusades, he was attacked by bandits, and to protect him the animal threw itself on them at the foot of the waterfall, where it perished with the miscreants. 28/05/2024: Hiking not possible at present: Sentier du saut de la bourrique closed from (1) to (2) by municipal by-law since 15 March 2024 for works. See practical information

“Les Perles de Vologne” is a wonderful site on the shaded bank of the Vologne. You will pass on Pont des Fées and the Marie-Louise islands, before climbing along the torrent in the Roitelets Gorge, to reach the Roche des Bruyères from where you can admire the town of Gerardmer and its lake. Then, at the Gilet Fountain, located in the forest, you can refresh your hands. Take a break at the Belbriette Pond before descending to Longemer Lake and the Saint Florent chapel.

A magnificent route with a variety of landscapes. You will be charmed by the walk along the shores of the largest natural lake in the Vosges. After a detour through the forest and pastures that border the southern shore of the lake, you will enjoy the natural beauty of the Saut de la Bourrique site. Following the Ruisseau du Phény stream and its remarkable little bridges, you will return to the lake shore to complete this circular path.

After starting in a wood, we very quickly arrive at a path in the undergrowth, running alongside the Ruisseau du Phény stream, which is one with the path, except for numerous passages over small stone bridges. It leads us to the Saut de la Bourrique. A few more hundred metres of climbing and, after passing Urson, we arrive at a wide path that leads us to the Col du Haut de la Côte. There is a section of uphill road, then the descent begins, with some sections more challenging than others. Before returning to the starting point, there is a magnificent viewpoint at La Roche du Renard.

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.

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.

A lovely circular route that takes you around the centre of Gérardmer, the Xettes hillside and part of the lake circuit.

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.

This hike goes around Lake Gérardmer, the largest natural lake in the Vosges. Covering an area of 115 hectares, it is surrounded by forests and lies at the foot of the town of Gérardmer, known for its ski resort and also for its many water sports attractions.