Family winter break in the Hautes-Vosges

• Put on your helmets and headlamps: your stay starts in the Ballons des Hautes-Vosges Regional Nature Park in the footsteps of the copper miners of the Dukes of Lorraine. The Hautes-Mynes du Thillot, dug between 1560 and 1761, offers an unusual underground adventure for young and old (from 5 years old) to discover the mining heritage and its history (1h45 for the complete circuit, not including a visit to the museum).
• Just a stone's throw from Le Thillot, the Maison Capdet welcomes you for lunch with a view, in a warm and modern setting. This is an opportunity to put down your bags in this recently renovated restaurant-hostelry in La Fresse-sur-Moselle, where you will also spend the night.
• In the afternoon, admire the magnificent panorama from the Chapelle des Vés before heading to the Ferme de Noiregoutte, at an altitude of 770 metres, for a magical family experience: a visit to the goat farm by candlelight (2-hour visit).

Your stay continues on an artistic note:

• In the morning, let yourself be tempted by a visit to an atypical place of creation: the Théâtre du Peuple. This cultural treasure, founded in 1895 by Maurice Pottecher, is listed as a Historic Monument and has the unique feature of having a stage backdrop that opens onto the forest. Continue to the foot of Drumont to see the Source de la Moselle, signposted by a fountain along the Route des Sources.

• Nestled in Le Ménil between two valleys, take a lunch break in a contemporary setting at the Hôtel-Restaurant Les Sapins. 

• In Cornimont, on the road to La Bresse, stop off at the Musée des 1001 Racines, dedicated to Vosges artist Michel Maurice, who for 57 years sculpted characters (including the ‘sotrés’, those little elves from Lorraine), animals, flowers and other imaginary scenes using the natural movements of roots found in the surrounding forests. This 1-hour tour (accessible to wheelchair users) is just like ‘Michel l'enchanteur’: fun, poetic, surprising and unique.

• Once you arrive in La Bresse, make yourself comfortable for two nights at the Les Vallées hotel and residence, a central establishment with the ‘Famille Plus’ label, including a traditional gourmet restaurant, an indoor heated swimming pool, a wellness area and electric vehicle recharging points.

Head to the Domaine de la Bresse-Hohneck (9 km from the village) for a day full of culinary discoveries, natural explorations and thrills.

• Once you arrive at the resort, let yourself be tempted by a toboggan run (for children aged 3 and over): buoy sledging on a prepared track (The Flying Donuts), rail sledging along a 900-metre circuit (Schlitte Mountain) or simple snow sledging with free access... there's something for everyone!
• Gain height (and strength) at Pied du Hohneck, an authentic Vosges inn perched at an altitude of 1250 metres, where you can sample excellent mountain specialities such as ‘munstiflette’ (a Munster cheese tartiflette).
• Admire the immaculate view from the ridge and then meet up with your mountain guide for a snowshoe walk through the heart of the coniferous forests, discovering the fauna (including tracking animal tracks) and flora of winter, lulled by the sounds of nature and the legends told by your guide (2h30).

After an active day at the summit, enjoy the cosy atmosphere of the Auberge Le Couchetat, where you can sample fusion cuisine (Andean-inspired Vosges cuisine) based on fresh local produce. A delicious bistro with a warm welcome.

• Your day begins with a gourmet tour of the Confiserie Géromoise, founded by Justin Wexler (artisan pastry chef, chocolatier and confectioner) and his brother. Discover the secrets behind the making of these traditional Vosges sweets, from the heating of the sugar to the tasting, and fall for some delicious gum or pastilles in the shop. These sweets are handmade, responsible (100% organic) and local (100% Vosges-grown plants, berries, honeys, propolis and fir essential oil). 

• Drive along the road overlooking Lac de Longemer, through the Roche du Diable tunnel (dug by order of Napoleon III to link Gérardmer to Munster) and then stop for lunch at La Chaume de Balveurche. This typical inn overlooks the Vosges mountains at an altitude of 1,100 metres, offering breathtaking panoramic views as well as serving excellent local cuisine (including the traditional and unmissable Marcaire meal and hot Munster cheese) in a friendly atmosphere. 

• Just outside the Auberge, a supervised activity halfway between Paintball and Dodgeball awaits you and your children (aged 12 and over and 2 people): Battle Archery. Grab your bows and arrows with foam tips, your protective mask and take on the opposing team. An original and fun game!

• Back in Gérardmer, check into a charming lakeside hotel with the ‘Clef Verte’ label. Les Loges du Parc offers rooms themed around wild animals, in collaboration with leading names in wildlife photography, and is within easy reach of the town centre by bike or on foot.

• Finally, treat yourself to dinner at the Bistrot de la Perle, a lovely address in the heart of the aptly-named ‘Pearl of the Vosges’.

For the last day of your family getaway in the Hautes-Vosges, explore Gérardmer's charming town centre on foot or by bike.  

• Hot chocolate tasting, merry-go-rounds, meetings with local producers and craftspeople, entertainment: start by melting into the atmosphere of the skier's village right next to the church.

• Then stroll through the streets to the emblematic Place du Tilleul, opposite the historic Grand Hôtel. Then push open the doors of one of the many textile shops, a heritage of this historic Vosges know-how.

• Lunch on the go at Mémé: an atypical café-boutique with a vintage decor offering a real trip back in time over a few snacks.

• ‘Spend the afternoon on the shores of Lake Gérardmer, strolling and watching the ducks until the sun sets.