Two IGN maps at 1:25,000 scale cover the La Bresse area: 3618OT (Gérardmer, Le Hohneck, La Bresse) and 3619OT (Bussang, Ballon d’Alsace, Grand Ballon). These are the map references that general travel sites rarely mention by their exact number, even though they determine whether a route stays reliable once you lose signal. This guide covers the area each reference maps, what the official IGN app adds on top, and checked places to buy the maps before you go.
Which IGN map to choose depending on the area
| Map | Area covered | Main towns | Scale | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3618OT | Gérardmer, Le Hohneck, La Bresse | 21 towns including Gérardmer, La Bresse, Cornimont, Le Tholy, Vagney | 1:25,000 | €14.30 |
| 3619OT | Bussang, Ballon d’Alsace, Grand Ballon | 18 towns including Bussang, La Bresse, Ventron | 1:25,000 | €14.30 |
These prices and coverage areas are the ones published by the IGN shop and were checked on 30 July 2026; check them again when buying. A rugged version (OTR), laminated and resistant to tearing, exists for both references at a higher price: useful for frequent rain or repeated use across several seasons.
The choice depends on the ground you plan to cover. For a walk around Lac de Gérardmer, the Hohneck, or the Col de la Schlucht, the 3618OT is enough: it covers the whole area detailed in our article on Gérardmer, the pearl of the Vosges. For a hike toward the Grand Ballon, the Markstein, or the Ballon d’Alsace, the 3619OT is the right reference, as shown in our guide on Markstein and Grand Ballon. A stay that combines both areas, for example La Bresse and Le Thillot, is a good reason to bring both maps rather than one.
The Cartes IGN app: a free companion, not a replacement
IGN publishes a free mobile app, Cartes IGN, which lets you view the official maps, plot and record a route, and download sections of the Plan IGN for offline use. The official IGN site states that the app includes more than 6,000 suggested routes for walking, cycling, mountain biking, or horse riding.
This tool works well alongside a paper map, without fully replacing it. On the Vosges ridgelines, wind, cold, and humidity drain a phone’s battery fast, and a drop or knock can leave the screen unusable. Keeping a paper map in your pocket remains the most reliable backup, particularly on exposed routes such as the Route des Crêtes.
Where to buy your map before you go
The La Bresse Hautes-Vosges tourist office states that it sells IGN maps, guidebooks, and topo guides in its shop at 2A rue des Proyes, 88250 La Bresse (03 29 25 41 29). This is the simplest option once you’re on site, particularly for adjusting your choice based on the day’s weather.
To prepare the route ahead of time, ordering directly from boutique.ign.fr lets you get the map delivered at home and study the trails before arriving. Local sports and outdoor shops sometimes carry them too, but their stock varies from one season to the next: it’s worth securing the map in advance if the route is already decided.
Rounding out your trip planning
An IGN map shows the terrain, not the opening hours, prices, or access conditions of a specific site. For that kind of practical information, each destination deserves its own check: that’s the case, for example, for a stop at the Ferme aux Rennes du Schantzwasen, which needs checking alongside a map rather than instead of one.
For an overview of the stay beyond hiking (accommodation, seasons, activities), the free PDF guide to La Bresse and the Hautes Vosges brings together the key information for planning a trip alongside these IGN maps.
Before you go
- Choose the map based on the area you’ll actually cover, not just your starting point.
- Download the matching zone in the Cartes IGN app before you lose signal.
- Bring a paper map as backup on ridge routes.
- Check stock in store or order online if the route is already set.
- Complement the map with each site’s specific details (hours, prices, access) rather than relying on the route alone.
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Frequently asked questions
Which IGN map should you choose for hiking at La Bresse?
The 3618OT (Gérardmer, Le Hohneck, La Bresse) covers the lakes and Hohneck area. The 3619OT (Bussang, Ballon d'Alsace, Grand Ballon) covers the southern part of the range toward Le Thillot and the Ballon d'Alsace. The two complement each other for a stay that extends beyond a single area.
Do you need a paper map if the Cartes IGN app is enough?
IGN's Cartes IGN app is free and lets you download zones for offline use, but it depends on your phone's battery. On ridgelines exposed to wind and cold, a paper map remains the recommended backup.
Where can you buy an IGN map before arriving at La Bresse?
The La Bresse Hautes-Vosges tourist office sells IGN maps, topo guides, and guidebooks in its shop at 2A rue des Proyes in La Bresse. Ordering online at boutique.ign.fr also lets you receive the map before you go.