What to visit in Gérardmer in a week? The complete guide to family vacations

Are you planning a week in Gérardmer and looking for simple, pretty ideas that are really suitable for the whole tribe? Good news: between the lake, forests, waterfalls, mountain panoramas and gourmet outings, there’s more than enough to fill seven days without running around.

In this guide, you’ll find a flexible itinerary for what to visit in Gérardmer as a family, with ideas for walks, nearby sights and easy-to-organize excursions from your accommodation. The aim is not to do everything, but to create a balanced family vacation in Gérardmer, combining nature, discovery and quiet time.

Why does Gérardmer appeal so much to families?

If we often choose to visit Gérardmer for a week, it’s because the destination ticks several boxes at once: an emblematic lake, accessible trails, changing landscapes depending on the season and numerous ideas for visits around Gérardmer without long journeys. In fact, the Gérardmer – Hautes Vosges Tourist Office describes the area as one of lakes, forests, high-altitude meadows and outdoor activities, making it an ideal base for a family holiday. Source : https://gerardmer.net

Another advantage is that you can easily alternate a day of gentle walking, a more scenic outing, a gourmet visit and a moment of swimming or relaxation. It’s this rhythm that makes the destination so enjoyable with children, especially when you want to avoid busy days.

• For kids: the lake, waterfalls and easy little loops are often the best choices.
• For parents: panoramic views and natural sites provide real breathing space.
• For everyone: day outings around Gérardmer avoid multi-mileage.

Day 1: Start with Gérardmer lake and the town center

For a first day, there’s nothing better than discovering the heart of the resort, at Lake Gérardmer. It’s the easiest way to get into the local atmosphere: a stroll along the water’s edge, a photo break, a game for the kids and a first look at the places you’ll need to visit during the week. Gérardmer’s official website highlights the region’s lakes, which are ideal for swimming and water sports.

Around the lake, you can plan a leisurely stroll without looking for performance. The idea is to get your bearings, enjoy the scenery and identify areas where you can come back later for a picnic, an ice cream or a quiet late afternoon.

If you like the atmosphere of a mountain resort, Gérardmer’s town center is the perfect place to spend the first day: there’s plenty of room to stroll around, do some practical shopping and prepare for the next few days’ outings.

What to do on arrival

• Take an orientation tour around the lake.
• Identify the best break points for families.
• Plan your first swim or water activity if the weather is suitable.

Day 2: an easy walk to the Tendon waterfalls

For a change of pace, the Tendon waterfalls are an excellent idea for a day out. The Vosges Tourist Office describes them as a must-see site, and the Grande Cascade is even described as the longest waterfall in the Vosges. Source : https://www.tourisme.vosges.fr/tresors-caches-vosges/cascade-rudlin-defile-de-straiture-entre-valtin-plainfaing/776004740-cascades-de-tendon

This outing appeals to families because it’s a refreshing change from the lakeside without requiring a lot of organization. We come for the refreshment, the forest walk and the simple pleasure of watching the water in motion. It’s typically the kind of visit that works well with children, as long as you keep a leisurely pace and bring good shoes.

If you’re looking for Gérardmer s ights that give the impression of a “real vacation”, this waterfall duo is a good choice: it’s natural, accessible and spectacular enough to leave a lasting impression.

Practical advice

Plan this outing for the morning, or at the end of the day if you’re traveling in summer. You’ll enjoy softer light and a calmer atmosphere, especially if you want to take photos or have a picnic nearby.

Day 3: Gain height on the Route des Crêtes

A week in Gérardmer is always worth including at least one scenic outing. The Route des Crêtes is perfect for this: the official Vosges tourism website points out that it crosses emblematic points such as the Hohneck and the Col de la Schlucht. (source : https://www.tourisme.vosges.fr/randonnees-vosges/776001595-la-route-des-cretes)

For a family, the appeal of this day out is twofold: the journey itself is part of the experience, and the stops provide a stress-free break from the road. Depending on the season, you can take a short walk, admire the scenery or simply enjoy the views over the massif.

If you like open landscapes, ridges and mountain atmospheres, this is one of the best ideas for visits around Gérardmer. It’s also a good place to show children that there’s more to the Vosges than just lakes: there’s also high thatch and wilder terrain to discover.

Day 4: a nature break at the Jardin d’altitude du Haut Chitelet

If you’re looking for something a little different, the Jardin d’altitude du Haut Chitelet is a great option. Located in Xonrupt-Longemer, on the Route des Crêtes, this botanical garden is dedicated to mountain flora and enjoys a remarkable setting. (source : https://www.jardinbotaniquedenancy.eu/jardin-du-haut-chitelet )

This outing is particularly interesting if you’re traveling with inquisitive children, grandparents or simply enjoy a quiet stroll. This is not a “quickie” visit, but a place where you take the time to observe, understand and breathe.

In a Gérardmer family vacation program, this type of visit is invaluable: it allows you to slow down the pace without making an empty day of it. It’s also a good alternative if the weather is a little uncertain but you want to stay in the mountains.

To remember

• An ideal outing for lovers of botany and high-altitude landscapes.
• A great break between two busy days.
• A natural complement to a trip along the Route des Crêtes.

Day 5: A gourmet outing to the Confiserie des Hautes Vosges

When you’re traveling with the family, a gourmet visit is often the unanimous choice. Visit Confiserie des Hautes VosgesThe Confiserie des Hautes Vosges, in Plainfaing, offers a guided tour and tasting of the craftsmanship that goes into making Vosges sweets. The official website points out that the candies are made by hand, and that the tour is designed with the public in mind.

It’s a particularly practical outing for a day when you want to combine discovery and simple pleasure. Children generally like the “behind-the-scenes” aspect, while adults appreciate the regional aspect and the little gourmet souvenir to take back to the campsite.

In a seven-day trip, this stage provides a real breath of fresh air. It can also be used to complement nature walks with a lighter visit, useful when you want to spare the young ones or deal with less favorable weather.

Day 6: Plan a family day out in Fraispertuis-City

If you’re looking for an outing that appeals to the whole family, Fraispertuis-City is a sure bet in the Vosges. The park features almost 40 attractions and emphasizes its family DNA, with activities suitable for young and old alike. (source : https://www.fraispertuis-city.fr/le-parc/ )

For a stay in Gérardmer, this is a good idea for a day trip if you want a complete change of atmosphere. You’ll go from a quiet mountain to a more playful, fast-paced day out, with attractions for different ages and sensory levels.

This outing is particularly interesting if your children need a “wow” day during the week. It’s also a great break from the routine of a nature holiday, especially if you’re staying several nights in the same area.

Day 7: End the week at Lac de Longemer and in the valley

To round off your stay, head for Lac de Longemer, in Xonrupt-Longemer. The site is presented by the commune as a remarkable natural area, classified as a remarkable site to preserve its beauty. (Source : https://www.xonrupt.fr/Decouvrir/Voir-faire/Lacs.html )

This lake is often appreciated for a more peaceful end to a stay. After several days of discovery, you come here to walk, sit back, observe the scenery and enjoy one last day in the green. It’s an excellent option if you want to end your vacation without excessive fatigue.

For a family, Lac de Longemer is also interesting because it allows you to stay in a natural environment, without doing exactly the same thing as the first day in Gérardmer. It’s a change of scenery, but with the same gentleness.

Here’s an example of a simple itinerary to organize a week in Gérardmer with your family, without multiplying long journeys or overloading your days.

Day	Outing idea	Family outing	From the campsite
Day 1	Gérardmer Lake	Lakeside stroll, beach, pedal boat or electric boat.	Approx. 20-25 min.
Day 2	Tour de Mérelle	Short hike and panoramic view of Lake Gérardmer.	Approx. 25-30 min.
Day 3	Lac de Longemer	Swimming, picnics and walks in a wilder setting.	Approx. 25-30 min.
Day 4	La Bresse	Summer tobogganing, accrobranche, easy hiking or outdoor activities.	Approx. 35-45 min.
Day 5	Route des Crêtes and Hohneck	Panoramic views, mountain walks and discovery of the Hautes Vosges.	Approx. 45 min to 1 h
Day 6	Gourmet day or rain activity	Confectionery, local crafts, visit to Gérardmer or indoor outing.	Approx. 20 to 35 min.
Day 7	Relaxation at the campsite	Swimming pool, games, relaxation and a short stroll around Granges-Aumontzey.	On site or nearby

What’s the right pace for a week in Gérardmer with children?

The easiest way is to build the week by alternating three types of day: an “easy” day, a “discovery” day and a longer day. This avoids the marathon effect and keeps your energy up until the end of your stay.

• Easy days: Gérardmer lake, town center, short stroll, swimming or play break.
• Discovery days: Tendon waterfalls, Haut Chitelet, Longemer lake.
• More complete days: Route des Crêtes, Fraispertuis-City, gourmet excursion to Plainfaing.

If you’re camping, this organization works even better: you can leave early for the longer outings and save the late afternoons for a leisurely return, an on-site snack and a moment of rest.

Ideas for visits around Gérardmer depending on the weather

The weather can change quickly in the Vosges, especially in the mountains. To make sure you don’t lose a day, it’s best to have a few weather-related alternatives on hand.

To prepare your tourist reference points and organize your outings around the resort, you can also consult the dedicated Vosges tourism page on the campsite website.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does it take to visit Gérardmer?

A week is a very good length of time to discover Gérardmer without rushing. It leaves plenty of time to enjoy the lake, take a few walks, add one or two outings around it, and still have time to rest.

What’s the best place to visit in Gérardmer with children?

Lac de Gérardmer, the Tendon waterfalls and Lac de Longemer are excellent choices. These are natural outings, easy for children to understand and varied enough not to bore them.

What are the best sightseeing ideas around Gérardmer?

The Route des Crêtes, the Jardin d’altitude du Haut Chitelet, the Confiserie des Hautes Vosges and Fraispertuis-City are among the most interesting outings. They offer a variety of nature, panoramic views, gourmet delights and leisure activities.

Can we plan a week in Gérardmer without a car?

It’s possible to enjoy the lake and some of the nearby walks, but a car is still practical for excursions around Gérardmer. In particular, it facilitates access to the waterfalls, Haut Chitelet, Plainfaing and Fraispertuis-City.

When is the best time to visit Gérardmer with your family?

The summer months are ideal for enjoying the lakes, trails and panoramic views. But Gérardmer can also be explored outside summer, as long as the program is adapted to the weather and the family’s wishes.

In a nutshell

The best way to find out what to visit in Gérardmer in a week is to combine the lake, some of nature’s great classics, a panoramic outing and a more leisurely or gourmet tour. That’s exactly what makes family vacations in Gérardmer so enjoyable: you can put together a varied stay, without driving too far or multiplying constraints.

When planning your stay, remember to organize your days according to the weather and your children’s energy levels. And to complete your program, don’t hesitate to consult the campsite’s tourist information before you leave.