A Vosges mountains map does not read like a map of flat land: distances as the crow flies say nothing about the real travel time, nor about the elevation to cover between two valleys. This guide gathers the key markers to locate the massif’s main passes and peaks from La Bresse, and to plan a day trip without a bad surprise on the road.
A ridge line between two slopes
The Vosges massif is organized around a ridge line that separates the Lorraine side, that of La Bresse and Gérardmer, from the Alsace side, that of Munster and Colmar. This dividing line historically corresponds to the border between the two regions, and today it carries the massif’s most defining tourist route: the Route des Crêtes.
77 km long, the Route des Crêtes links the massif’s main passes and peaks and, according to its official presentation, offers views of the range’s most characteristic landscapes: passes, ballons, lakes and high pastures. For a detailed look at its route and stops, our Route des Crêtes guide covers the possible stages from La Bresse.
The passes and peaks that shape the map
A few altitude markers help locate the massif’s main points relative to each other:
- Col de la Schlucht: a central crossing point between the two slopes, gateway to the Hohneck area and starting point of the Sentier des Roches.
- Hohneck: one of the most recognizable peaks on the ridge, on the Route des Crêtes.
- Grand Ballon: the massif’s highest point, further south on the same road.
- Ballon d’Alsace: at the southern end of the massif, where the areas of Lepuix, Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle and Sewen meet. The site’s operator distinguishes several access sectors a few kilometers apart, including the Démineurs sector (closest to the summit) and the Gentiane sector, lower down.
These peaks are not evenly spaced from one another: the massif narrows in some places and widens in others, and the road linking them follows the terrain rather than a straight line.
Real distances from La Bresse
When planning a stay, travel times matter more than kilometers. The La Bresse Hautes-Vosges tourist office publishes the following road times from La Bresse:
- Gérardmer: about 15 minutes;
- Colmar: about 1 hour;
- Mulhouse: about 1h10;
- Nancy and Belfort: about 1h30 each;
- Strasbourg: about 1h45;
- Metz and Besançon: about 2 hours.
These times cover access to towns around the massif, not internal trips to the passes and peaks, whose duration mainly depends on the road taken and traffic during the season. For a day out at Lake Gérardmer and its surroundings, our Gérardmer guide covers the activities available there.
Planning day trips
A useful map is above all a way to choose the right scale of outing for the time available.
For a half day near La Bresse, Montagne des Lamas can be visited without much travel and suits a short family outing, on the heights above the village.
For a day on the ridges, it is better to focus the route on two or three stops (Col de la Schlucht, the Hohneck area, Markstein) rather than try to cover the whole Route des Crêtes. The details of the stops and how to reach them are covered in the dedicated route guide.
For a day on the Alsace side, head for the Tanet massif: the Ferme aux Rennes du Schantzwasen, about 30 km from La Bresse according to the tourist office, makes a good destination that combines mountain forest with a family outing.
Reading the map like a local
A road map or a navigation app gives a distance, but rarely a reliable travel time in the mountains. A few points to check before setting out:
- the state of the roads that day, especially on ridge sections affected by seasonal closures;
- the weather at the summit, which differs from the valley floor;
- the walking time needed if the destination is not directly by the road;
- enough margin to return before nightfall.
A well read map remains a starting point, not a certainty about the route. It helps choose a realistic goal for the day, then check the actual conditions on site before setting off.
The 2026 La Bresse guide, ready to download
Access, activities, hikes and useful addresses in one free PDF.
Your details are used only to process this request. Privacy policy (in French).
Free PDF, no newsletter sign-up.
Frequently asked questions
What is the distance between La Bresse and Gérardmer?
About 15 minutes by road, based on travel times published by the La Bresse Hautes-Vosges tourist office. It is the shortest link in the area, via a mountain road.
What is the highest point of the Vosges massif?
The Grand Ballon, presented as the highest point of the massif by Vosges tourism organizations. It sits on the Route des Crêtes, further south than the Hohneck and Col de la Schlucht area.
Is a road map enough to plan a day trip in the Vosges?
No, a distance in kilometers says nothing about the real travel time in the mountains. Passes, hairpin bends and seasonal closures change things: it is better to check the route and road conditions on the day rather than rely on a map alone.