Things to do in La Bresse and the Vosges
Hiking, skiing, mountain biking, lakes, waterfalls: our guides to build your stay season by season.
In La Bresse you can hike up the Hohneck (1,363 m), ski the largest resort in the Vosges (40 km of runs, snowpark), ride the summer MTB bike park, walk around Lac des Corbeaux without entering the water and pick bilberries on the high moors. For supervised swimming, use Lac de la Moselotte.
La Bresse is one of the most active mountain resorts in the Vosges, with year-round activities for all profiles. Whether you ski, hike, mountain bike, or simply want to explore an unspoiled natural landscape, the valley offers a full programme from December to November.
In winter, the La Bresse-Hohneck ski area covers 40 alpine runs from green to black, a snowpark, and lifts reaching 1,363 m. Cross-country skiers have 50 km of groomed trails through fir forests and open highland meadows. Snowshoeing on the ridges, dog sledding initiation, sledding, and ice skating complete the winter offering. The snow season typically runs from December to late March.
From spring onwards, the Vosges massif opens up for outdoor sports. Mountain bikers can explore 50 km of signposted singletrack and a bike park with 10 downhill runs. Hikers have access to more than 200 km of GR trails and local paths, including the summit of Hohneck (1,363 m) reachable in 2.5 hours from La Bresse with clear-day views of the Alps. Autumn is ideal for wild blueberry and mushroom picking, trail races, and visiting the traditional farm-inns (fermes-auberges) serving local specialities.
La Bresse sits 1.5 hours from Strasbourg, 2 hours from Nancy, and around 5 hours from London via Eurostar and car. Our activity guides cover every season so you can plan a tailored stay whatever the time of year.
Skiing & snow
Snow in the Vosges: Comparing Ski Resorts Before Booking
Snow in the Vosges: altitude, exposure and opening status for La Bresse, Gérardmer and Markstein, plus the vote to end alpine skiing at Lac Blanc.
Lac Blanc Resort: The End of Alpine Skiing, and What Stays Open
Lac Blanc is dropping alpine skiing from 2026-2027. What stays open at Orbey: cross-country trails, the bike park, the rail luge and the barefoot trail.
Snow conditions in La Bresse: what to expect by season
Average snow depths, opening dates, snowmaking: understand snow conditions in La Bresse to pick the best dates for your stay.
Ski rental in La Bresse: shops, prices and insider tips
Where to rent skis in La Bresse: shops, weekly rates, kids and adult packs, rental at the base of the slopes or in the village.
Hiking & nature
The Défilé de Straiture, a Secret Gorge Near La Bresse
Défilé de Straiture, Ban-sur-Meurthe-Clefcy: the Petite Meurthe gorge, Straiture sheep farm, Lançoir sawmill and Sagard trail, access and official contacts.
Tour de Mérelle in Gérardmer: Access, Views and Hike
Access, parking, the official 5.4 km loop and the history of the Mérelle observatory in Gérardmer, for a proper hike up to this lake view.
Faymont and Cuisinier Waterfalls: Access and Walking Times
Cuisinier waterfall in Ventron and Faymont waterfall in Val-d'Ajol: access, parking and walking time confirmed on official tourism sheets.
Petit Ballon Alsace: Hike and Panorama from La Bresse
The Petit Ballon, a quieter alternative to the Grand Ballon: how to reach the Col du Petit Ballon, the official circuit, farm-inns and views over the Munster valley.
MTB & cycling
The Planche des Belles Filles from La Bresse: Tour de France and Hiking
The Planche des Belles Filles, a Tour de France summit at 1,148 m in the Ballons des Vosges park: cycling climb, hiking and summer activities near La Bresse.
Lac Blanc Bike Park: Downhill MTB for All Levels
Lac Blanc Bike Park in Orbey: access, 2026 prices, trail levels from green to black, and mountain bike rental to plan a downhill session.
The most beautiful Vosges mountain passes by road bike from La Bresse
Col de la Schlucht, Grand Ballon, Markstein, Ballon d'Alsace, Col du Bramont: guide to road cycling climbs from La Bresse. Difficulty, stats, season tips.
Cycling in La Bresse: MTB, gravel, road and greenway
Bike Park, marked MTB routes, e-MTB, gravel, mountain passes and greenway: choose the right kind of cycling for a stay in La Bresse.
Lakes & nature
Autumn colours around La Bresse: spots, timing and routes
Where to see autumn foliage in the Vosges, when the peak occurs by altitude, and 3 practical routes to make the most of it. Practical guide 2026.
Deer rut in the Vosges: where and when to hear it
Deer rut in the Vosges: mid-September to mid-October, Gérardmer forest, ONF rules, guided dusk outings near La Bresse. Everything for a respectful experience.
The Malsaucy Leisure Park: A Full-Day Excursion
Water sports base, supervised beach, and trails around Malsaucy lake, over an hour from La Bresse. Opening hours, access, and activities for 2026.
Lac des Perches (Sternsee): the hidden lake near Ballon d'Alsace
Lac des Perches (Sternsee), a glacial lake at 984 m near Ballon d'Alsace: access on foot, history, fishing rules and swimming rules to know before you go.
Local food & visits
The Marcaire Meal in the Vosges: Menu, Tradition and Where to Eat
The marcaire meal in the Vosges: tourte, roïgabrageldi and tofailles. Its link to the end of summer grazing, what's on the menu, and farm-inns near La Bresse serving it.
Road Trip to Haute-Saône from La Bresse: Fougerolles and Luxeuil
A day trip from La Bresse to Fougerolles, capital of AOC kirsch, and the thermal baths of Luxeuil-les-Bains, with addresses, prices and verified opening hours.
Gérardmer Market: Days, Hours and Local Producers
The Gérardmer market runs Thursday and Saturday mornings at Place du 8 Mai 1945, joined in summer by craft markets. Days, hours and produce on offer.
What Is a Ferme-Auberge in the Vosges? The Complete Guide
Ferme-auberge, restaurant, or mountain inn: what sets them apart? The marcaire menu, booking, prices, and farm produce: the whole concept explained.
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Frequently asked questions
What to do in La Bresse in summer?
Hike the Hohneck, walk around the lakes without entering the water, ride the MTB bike park, use the supervised swimming area at Lac de la Moselotte, pick bilberries (July-August), try tree climbing or enduro biking. Swimming is prohibited at Corbeaux and Blanchemer.
What to do in La Bresse in winter?
Alpine skiing and snowpark on the largest resort in the Vosges (40 km), cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Beginner zones at Hohneck and Lispach.
What to do in La Bresse when it rains?
Tasting at a farm-inn, visiting a craft brewery, local producers' shops, or a spa and wellness session.
What to do in La Bresse with kids?
Tree climbing from age 3, supervised swimming at Lac de la Moselotte, dog sledding, bilberry picking and easy waymarked walks; the bike park has beginner trails.