What to do and see in the Vosges? The 17 must-sees in 2025

What to do in the Vosges? 17 must-sees© Olympixel - Adobe Stock

You don't have to go abroad to get a change of scenery! The Vosges, located in the Grand Est region of France, is a perfect example. Nature is rich here, and there are plenty of things to do. Although a weekend in this département is possible, there's so much to see that you'll be sure to come back for a longer vacation. Whether you're traveling as a couple, with family or friends, you're sure not to get bored, especially if you love nature. Here are 17 must-sees on a trip to the Vosges.

1. Épinal, a town rich in culture

Aerial view of Épinal© Leonid Andronov - Adobe Stock

The images of Épinal... We've all heard about them, and now you're going to find out first-hand what they're all about. To do so, visit the Musée de l'Image, which boasts a rich collection.

Other points of interest await you on site:

- the medieval castle,

- the museum of ancient and contemporary art,

- the planetarium,

- the Chinese tower,

- the Place des Vosges...

In short, it's impossible to get bored in this Grand Est town! It's a fairly central location in the Vosges, where you can set down your suitcases. You'll be able to get to all the sights easily, while enjoying all the comforts and necessities of home. There are plenty of restaurants in Épinal, for example, where you can enjoy a good local meal at the end of the day. For a gourmet meal, Les Ducs de Lorraine is a good address. For a more reasonable budget, go to Bistrot Gourmand or O'Loup en Pyjama, to name but a few. And don't forget to try the local specialties: a real treat!

2. The most beautiful waterfalls in the Vosges

Waterfalls in the Vosges© PhotoGranary - Adobe Stock

The Vosges is the place to go if you love nature. So don't miss the Tendon waterfall, one of the most beautiful in the area. You'll feel like you're in a magical place, completely disconnected from the city. The good news is that it's just a few minutes from the parking lot. So it's an easy place to see if you're traveling with children.

Did you like it? Other beautiful waterfalls await you in the area, such as :

- La Pissoire,

- Charlemagne,

- Saut du Bouchot.

Take a picnic and sit back for a moment of pure relaxation.

3. In the footsteps of Joan of Arc at Domrémy

Statue of Joan of Arc in Domrémy© Roger - Adobe Stock

Domrémy-la-Pucelle is the birthplace of Joan of Arc. Here, you can visit the house where she was born, and discover her story through a variety of tours. Stop off at the "Visages de Jehanne" center, to retrace the story of this young girl with a unique destiny. Finally, round off your visit with the Basilique du Bois Chenu, a national monument dedicated to the woman nicknamed "La Pucelle".

Just 15 minutes away, you can visit Châteauneuf. Enjoy a meal at Le Romain restaurant, then take a tour of the town. Known for its remarkable woodwork and stylish furniture, it also boasts a rich heritage. Its historic center has preserved buildings dating back to the Renaissance.

The combo of these two towns is sure to make for an enjoyable day of historical learning.

4. Grand amphitheatre

Grand amphitheater© PHILETDOM - Adobe Stock

With a center length of 148 m, it is one of the largest Roman monuments of its kind in Europe. It could accommodate up to 17,000 spectators for gladiatorial and animal fights. A superb giant mosaic can also be admired at the Grand amphitheatre, which is a richly instructive site for archaeological excavations. To find this Gallo-Roman work of art, head for Midreveaux, just outside town. The amphitheater hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including horse shows, historical re-enactments and even hot-air balloon rides!

5. Admire the view from Gérardmer

Lake Gérardmer from the Merelle observatory© Christophe LAGOCKI - Adobe Stock

Gérardmer is a must-see on any trip to the Vosges! You can drive up to the Mérelle tower for a superb view. On Lac de Gérardmer, you can paddle, fish or canoe. If you're visiting the Vosges in spring, we also invite you to discover Gérardmer's Daffodil Festival. A true splendor!

In fact, this pretty village is an ideal place to put down your suitcases. There are many points of interest nearby. It's also an ideal destination for skiing with children, or if you're just starting out. There are easy runs for skiing and tobogganing, as well as hiking trails for the whole family. There's so much to see in this town, you could spend all day here. At lunchtime, take a seat in one of the town's fine restaurants, such as :

- Le sommet du Hohneck,

- Les copains d'abord,

- La taverne alsacienne.

If you've seen it all and still have time, you can visit La Bresse, less than 20 minutes away.

If you're with children or a Harry Potter fan, we recommend booking this great escape game in Gérardmer . The scenario? A spell has fallen on the Pearl of the Vosges and put the wizarding world in a difficult position: they no longer have access to lane 9 3/4! Will you be able to fight the forces of evil to free Gérardmer?

6. A visit to the Crosery Gorge

Group of friends kayaking© .shock - Adobe Stock

Here's another lovely natural spot to see in the Vosges, in Thiéfosse. Although these gorges are not the most impressive in France, they do make for a pleasant stroll. If you like cycling, there's a "voie verte" right next door. It's accessible by foot, bike or scooter. A footbridge crosses over the Crosery Gorge, allowing you to admire the river from above.

The gorges are accessible to children. Please note, however, that some of the passages are made of stone, so care and vigilance are required when climbing up or down them.

7. Take the 3 abbeys route

Mont Sainte-Odile in the Vosges© Leonid Andronov - Adobe Stock

Because vacations also include a touch of history, don't hesitate to take the 3 abbeys route, famous in the region. You'll discover the region's rich religious heritage, through abbeys, convents and other monasteries. On the program:

- Senones,

- Moyenmoutier,

- Etival.

The route can be explored on foot or by bike, with guided tours from April to October.

8. Thermal waters in the Vosges

Couple in a spa© Kzenon - Adobe Stock

The Vosges is renowned as a first-rate spa destination. You can enjoy the benefits of a day or spa treatment at :

- Vittel,

- Plombières-les-bains,

- Contrexéville.

These wellness facilities are housed in very old buildings, but with modern facilities. In Vittel, you can also explore the spa park, with its many pavilions. It's a restful, soothing place that invites you to let go.

9. The region's most beautiful gardens

No one in nature© Maridav - Adobe Stock

Magnificent gardens stretch across the Vosges. Nature lovers can't help but fall in love, and can head for :

- the Haut Chitelet high-altitude garden, where mountain flora flourishes freely,

- the callune gardens, composed mainly of rustic decorative plants,

-the Berchigranges gardenlocated in Granges-Aumontzey,

- the Gondremer botanical garden in Autrey, which can be visited by appointment only.

In all these places, you can discover the rich flora of the Vosges in all its splendour. It's a pleasant stroll, ideal for couples, for a moment of escape during the vacations.

10. A visit to the Pierre Noël Museum

Child in a museum© Arkady Chubykin - Adobe Stock

The Musée Pierre Noël, located in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, is a museum of art and history. It showcases the town and region through the works of great names in the arts. Jean prouvé and Le Corbusier are among the artists featured. Surrealism and abstract art are also present, as is decorative art. If you're travelling with children, they'll find the visit fun and entertaining, thanks to the Mupino mascot, who introduces them to the animals of the Vosges.

11. Skiing and tobogganing: a must in the mountains!

Family on vacation in the mountains© philippe Devanne - Adobe Stock

Looking for the perfect destination for your next winter vacation in France? You've found it! Head for the resort of La Bresse-Hohneck, in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges nature park. This vast ski area is family-friendly, and even offers night skiing. Winter and summer alike, you can enjoy tobogganing on the rails, which is great fun for young and old alike. In fine weather, in addition to this activity, you can enjoy superb hiking and biking.

12. The superb Lac des Corbeaux

View of Lac des Corbeaux© méli-L- - Adobe Stock

Lac des corbeaux looks like a big hole in the middle of an unspoilt natural setting... It's easy to let yourself go and admire this splendid view for a long time, if you go on a hike that takes you up a little way. For example, follow the path that leads to the Lac des Corbeaux rock, from the top of which you'll have a view of the lake. There are many other hiking trails in the vicinity of this superb body of water, but a parking lot provides access in less than a minute if you prefer.

If you'd like to discover the sights and hidden treasures of the Vosges mountains, we recommend you book your tickets for the Vosges Lakes Rally ! Cultural, anecdotal and fun, this rally is a great way to get some fresh air and discover the Vosges in a new and different way.

13. The route des crêtes, to the Vosges balloon

The route des crêtes in the Vosges© bobroy20 - Adobe Stock

73 km of trails, 1,400 m in altitude, welcome to the route des crêtes, which runs from Cernay to Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines. Once again, you'll arrive at the famous Ballon des Vosges. Nature lovers won't want to miss this route, considered one of France's most beautiful vacation destinations. It's best to take it on a fine day, to take in the unobstructed views.

14. Disconnect at the Lispach peat bogs

Tourbières de Lispach© Audrey - Adobe Stock

A peat bog is a bit like a marsh, with its vast wetlands and abundant vegetation. A deposit of peat is present on the ground, explaining the name of these natural, timeless places. The Lispach peat bogs in La Bresse offer a peaceful change of scenery. They invite you to unwind, especially if you visit at the end of the day. The sunsets are simply superb!

15. Sports activities in the Vosges

Family hiking© goodluz - Adobe Stock

Hiking may seem the most logical activity in the area, but there are plenty of other possibilities. In the mountains, climbing, for example, is a popular outdoor activity. There are some superbclimbing and via ferrata spots in the Vosges, and accrobranche enthusiasts will also be in for a treat, notably at the Ballon d'Alsace adventure park in Sewen.

You can also see the Vosges from the air, with paragliding and hot-air ballooning More down-to-earth? Opt for mountain biking, gyropods, all-terrain scooters and fat bikes. In winter, in addition to downhill skiing and tobogganing, you can go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. And if you're looking for a more adventurous way of exploring the region, you can try donkey or horse riding.

16. Visit the 1900 village

Child holding hands with dad© olyphotostories - Adobe Stock

Discover old Vosges customs at the Village 1900 in Xaronval. This exhibition takes place every Sunday during the summer, with a staging that retraces the life of this era. From the costumes of yesteryear to the accessories of daily life, every detail is faithfully represented. Various activities are organized throughout the day to immerse you in the atmosphere of a bygone era. It's a very pleasant outing, ideal for families with children.

17. Enjoy culinary specialties from the Vosges region

Slice of quiche lorraine© FomaA - Adobe Stock

Making the most of your vacations is bound to involve some tasty treats. And there are plenty of them in the Vosges! Pâtés lorrains and brimbelle tarts will delight your taste buds. We invite you to try the quiche lorraine, to find out what it really tastes like in its region of origin. You'll also find candy shops along the way, where you can sample local sweets: violet or bergamot candies, Sapin buds, Flocon de Neige, you'll find plenty to enjoy! Mirabelle plums from Lorraine will also delight you, in tarts or other sweet treats.

How to get to the Vosges

The easiest way to get to the Vosges is by car. The road is superb, and you'll be able to admire it at your leisure by the time you reach your hotel, vacation rental or campsite. Public transport isn't as widespread in the mountains as in other parts of France, so you won't necessarily be able to visit everything you want if you don't have a car. Of course, you can also rent one if you need to. This is a good option if you're flying to Épinal, or taking the train. Depending on where you're staying, there are several train stations to choose from:

- Saint-Dié-des-Vosges,

- Vittel,

- Remiremont,

- Épinal,

- Raon-l'étape.

Find out all you can about the places you want to visit, and whether they are served by public transport. This will tell you whether or not you'll need a car during your stay.

What to do in the Vosges with your family

If you love winter sports, the Vosges has some great resorts for families with children. In Épinal, you can also take them on an accrobranche adventure at Spinaparc. This park, accessible from the age of 4, offers 13 different courses for the whole family. La ferme Aventure, with its maze park, is another great idea for a day out with the kids. To awaken your senses, walk barefoot through the forest, find your way out of the various mazes and enjoy the water slides. A day of adventure to please everyone! Finally, you can spend a day at the Fraispertuis City theme park in Jeanménil. Its western ambience plunges visitors into a world of exoticism, where mascots and attractions make for a great day out.

What to do in the Vosges for two?

- The Trapelune garden in La Croix-aux-Mines is ideal for couples on a romantic vacation. Its varied, colorful and fragrant flowers create an environment conducive to romance and seduction. Stroll hand in hand through these charming English gardens, designed to complement the natural surroundings.

- The Callunes gardens are equally romantic. In addition to the heather and other flowers and plants to be found here, the natural spaces are varied. Enjoy a romantic get-together on the banks of a small lake or stream... The atmosphere is cosy as can be. Either of these gardens will be ideal if you're planning a couples' weekend in the Vosges.

- As we mentioned earlier, there are also a number of beautiful waterfalls in this department of the Grand Est. A few hours at the large Tendon waterfall will be a great way to spend some romantic time together. You'll be able to enjoy a bucolic picnic, while finding peace and serenity next to each other...

What to do in the Vosges when it rains?

The weather isn't always perfect in the Vosges mountains! So it's a good idea to plan a few covered activities in case it rains.

- The Thuillières castle is a good idea in this case. This medieval castle has long since changed hands, and is now open to the public. In addition to the building itself and its tower, you can visit the Ève Lavallière museum, which has found a home here.

- Another highly original museum can be visited rain or shine: the Musée de la lutherie et de l'archèterie. Located in Mirecourt, it exhibits violins, cellos and mandolins. The town is renowned for its violin-making art, with workshops still in existence.

- Finally, for something different, head for the Basilique Saint-Maurice in Épinal. This ^10th-century sandstone edifice is listed as a historic monument. Open all year round and every day, it will immerse you in the religious history of the region.

The Vosges is often thought of as a winter skiing destination. But the mountains are also beautiful in summer! In fact, the Vosges is one of the top 10 places to spend the summer, while enjoying the great outdoors. If you're a city dweller, don't bother! Here, wide open spaces are king, and outdoor activities abound. It's an ideal destination for a weekend or vacation with your partner, family or friends, whatever the season.