Gérardmer and the Vosges by campervan or motorhome: 6 must-see highlights

With shimmering lakes, deep forests and rolling peaks, the Vosges offer the perfect playground for van-life road-trippers. Here are 6 accessible yet off-the-beaten-track gems to discover.

Welcome to the beating heart of the Vosges, where Gérardmer, the jewel of the lakes, beckons. The scenery shifts with the seasons, but one thing is certain: your campervan or motorhome will be your best companion for navigating these winding roads and breathtaking vistas. Ready to hit the road? Here are 6 unmissable stops for an authentic and unforgettable journey.

Lac de Gérardmer

This Vosges gem, ringed by forests and mountains, is ideal for a lakeside stroll or a refreshing dip. Its calm waters mirror the ever-changing sky, putting on a show at every moment.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping des sapins Campsite ★ 4.4 200 m from the lake, shaded and spacious pitches. Quiet, family-friendly, rated 4.4 (164 reviews). › La Ferme Grandemange Campsite ★ 4.6 Authentic dairy farm, 2 sunny pitches. Warm welcome, homemade Munster cheese (5 km away). › Lakeside road parking Gérardmer Parking ★ 4.8 Free parking by the lake, unobstructed views. Recycling bins, 7-minute walk. › Quiet forest parking Xonrupt-Longemer Parking ★ 4.8 Secluded forest parking, water source. Steep road, natural setting (5 km away). › Chemin du Rond Faing, Gérardmer Motorhome area ★ 3.7 Paid overnight area (€8/night) at the foot of the slopes. Tarmac, narrow spaces, coin-operated meter (37-minute walk). ›

Ballon d'Alsace

The highest point in the Vosges, this iconic peak can be conquered on foot or by car for a 360-degree view over the Alsace plain. On clear days, you can even spot the Alps and the Black Forest.

Where to sleep nearby

Ballon d'Alsace parking Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle Parking ★ 4.5 Free parking at the foot of Ballon d'Alsace, toilets and water 24/7. 10-minute walk. › Camping Les Deux Ballons Campsite ★ 4.5 Family-run campsite in the valley, swimming pool and large shaded pitches. 5-minute drive. › Camping-car parking Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle Parking ★ 4.5 Large, isolated high-altitude parking, absolute peace and stability. 7-minute drive. › Camping à la ferme — Sewen Campsite ★ 4.5 Warm farm-inn, local cuisine and rolling countryside. 13-minute walk. › Hiking parking forest edge Lepuix Parking ★ 4.6 Shaded forest parking with tables, river nearby. 5-minute drive. ›

Cascade des Bas-Rupts

With its 20-metre drop, this spectacular waterfall is one of the tallest in the Vosges. A well-maintained path lets you admire it up close, deep in unspoilt nature.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping du Lac Campsite ★ 4.7 50 m from Longemer lake beach. Warm welcome, spacious pitches (4.7/5, 231 reviews). 7-minute drive. › Parking below the road Sapois Parking ★ 5 Secluded former quarry, 5 flat pitches. Very quiet, access via drivable track (5/5). 8-minute drive. › Lakeside parking La Bresse Parking ★ 4.6 Free parking by Lispach lake. Stunning views, toilets, hiking trails (4.6/5). 6-minute drive. › The Granges Bas Campsite ★ 4.6 Family campsite on the forest edge, swimming pool and bar. Spacious pitches, heated facilities (4.6/5). 5-minute drive. › La Ferme Grandemange Campsite ★ 4.6 Authentic dairy farm with Munster cheese. 2 sunny pitches, friendly atmosphere (4.6/5). 7-minute drive. ›

Col de la Schlucht

This legendary pass, at 1,139 metres, is a must for lovers of grand landscapes. It links Gérardmer to Munster and offers unbeatable views over the surrounding valleys.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping du Lac Campsite ★ 4.7 4.7/5-rated campsite by Longemer lake, 50 m from the beach. 5-minute drive, absolute peace. › View parking Soultzeren Parking ★ 4.6 Free parking with stunning views over the Munster valley. Ultra-quiet night, 5-minute drive. › Auberge de la Chaume du Firstmiss Campsite ★ 4.7 Private high-altitude parking on the Crêtes road, meal required. Clear views, 6-minute drive. › Auberge La Chaume de Schmargult Campsite ★ 4.6 Inn at 1,300 m with panoramic views, local breakfasts. 4 km from the pass, parking included. › Camping des Jonquilles Campsite ★ 4.4 Campsite by Longemer lake, direct water access and swimming. Natural setting, 5-minute drive. ›

Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

Perched on a rock, this restored medieval castle overlooks the Alsace plain and offers a dive into history. Its ramparts and towers invite you on a journey through time, with exceptional views.

Where to sleep nearby

D1B1, Saint-Hippolyte Motorhome area ★ 4.6 Free gravel parking, 360-degree views over the vineyards. 28-minute walk, absolute peace. › Achillée Campsite ★ 4.7 Campsite among the vines, views of Haut-Koenigsbourg. Rated 4.7, 8-minute drive. › Camping Onlycamp - Haut Koenigsbourg Campsite ★ 4.4 Lush municipal campsite with a stream, very quiet. 5-minute drive, 275 m altitude. › Village entrance flat parking Bergheim Parking ★ 5 Free parking in Bergheim, flat and quiet. 5-minute drive, clean toilets nearby. › Eagles aviary parking Kintzheim Parking ★ 4.3 Free parking at the foot of the eagle aviary. 35-minute walk, large and almost flat. ›

Hohneck

This iconic summit, reachable by hike or via the Crêtes road, is a must for breathtaking panoramas. In winter, it transforms into a paradise for snow sports.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping du Lac Campsite ★ 4.7 4.7/5-rated campsite by Longemer lake. 6-minute drive, spacious pitches with clear views. › Quiet parking with ski lifts La Bresse Parking ★ 4.4 Gravel parking at the foot of Hohneck. Quiet night, panoramic views, 16-minute walk. › Forest alcove parking La Bresse Parking ★ 5 Free, discreet forest parking. Absolute peace, 5-minute drive (4x4 recommended). › Camping A l'Eau Vive Campsite ★ 4.7 Family campsite rated 4.7/5 by the Vologne river. Heated facilities, 8-minute drive. › View parking Soultzeren Parking ★ 4.6 Free elevated spot with valley views. Very quiet at night, 7-minute drive (tight manoeuvres). ›

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