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 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.
Learning to ski in La Bresse: the beginner's guide
First time on skis in La Bresse? Ski schools, green runs, gear and budget: everything to start skiing in the best conditions.
Vosges ski passes: 2026 resort comparison
Comparing ski pass prices in the Vosges: La Bresse Hohneck, Gérardmer, Ventron, Le Markstein, Bussang. Prices, slopes, levels.
Hiking & nature
La Roche du Diable: a rocky viewpoint above the Vologne valley
La Roche du Diable near Xonrupt-Longemer: how to get there, panorama over Retournemer and Longemer lakes, local legend and practical tips from La Bresse.
Sentier des Roches: 3 official routes and safety
Sentier des Roches from Col de la Schlucht: 3 official routes, distances, ascent, difficulty, winter closure and verified safety rules.
Col de la Schlucht 2026: parking, hikes and access
Parking, summit shuttle, official Hohneck hikes, Tétras 1139 and Sentier des Roches: plan a safe 2026 visit to Col de la Schlucht.
Car-free hikes from La Bresse: summer shuttles 2026
Five official walks reached by Esti'Van or Esti'Lac from La Bresse: stops, distances, walking times and waymarks for summer 2026.
MTB & cycling
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.
Gravel cycling in the Vosges: 5 routes from La Bresse
Forest roads, iconic passes, gravel tracks: 5 unmissable gravel routes starting from La Bresse in the Hautes-Vosges, rideable from May to September.
Mountain biking in La Bresse: circuits by level, from beginner to expert
Distances, elevation, terrain, refreshment points: the complete mountain biking guide for La Bresse in the Hautes-Vosges, for all levels.
La Bresse gravel: 3 signature loops
La Bresse on gravel: 3 signature loops from 40 to 90 km, mixed road and trail profile. Routes, elevation and practical tips for gravel riders.
Lakes & nature
Lac de Lispach: floating bog walk near La Bresse, Vosges
A free, easy 4.5 km trail around a glacial lake at 912 m with a rare floating peat bog. Nature at its best near La Bresse village.
Lac de Pierre-Percée 2026: swimming ban and activities
Swimming is banned at Pierre-Percée and Lac de la Plaine in 2026. Current guide to kayaking, pedal boats, hiking and fishing from La Bresse.
Lac de Retournemer: the wild glacial lake between Gérardmer and the Schlucht
Lac de Retournemer, Vosges: a 16-hectare glacial lake at Xonrupt-Longemer, exceptional reflections, untouched nature. Access, parking, hiking, fishing.
Haut-Chitelet Alpine Garden: the Vosges mountain botanical garden
Haut-Chitelet Alpine Garden at Col de la Schlucht: 2,500 alpine plant species from around the world at 1,228 m altitude. Practical guide from La Bresse.
Local food & visits
Ferme du Saichy in La Bresse: farm visit and Munster
Ferme du Saichy in La Bresse: a working Vosges-breed dairy farm with free visits, farmhouse Munster AOP and tommes sold straight from the farm.
Chèvrerie du Brabant goat farm: 2026 hours & prices
Visit the Chèvrerie du Brabant goat farm in La Bresse: summer 2026 hours, prices from €2.50, milking at 5:30 pm, address and official booking.
Confiserie Bressaude: Free Sweet Workshop Tour in La Bresse
Free guided tour of the Confiserie Bressaude in La Bresse: watch sweets made in copper cauldrons, enjoy a tasting, and shop. Open Monday to Saturday, great for families.
Local producers and markets at La Bresse : where to buy direct
Cheesemakers, market gardeners, beekeepers, brewers : discover how to buy direct from local producers at La Bresse and in the Hautes-Vosges.
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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.