The journal

Nature in La Bresse and the Vosges

View of Lac de Gérardmer and the fir forests that surround it
Nature

Lakes around La Bresse and Gérardmer: which one to choose?

Lakes around La Bresse and Gérardmer: where swimming is possible, where it is banned, altitudes, walking loops and fishing, with a guide to each lake.

26 October 2026
High Vosges ridges with lightly snow-dusted summits under a clear sky
Nature

Sea of clouds in La Bresse: Hohneck, Chèvre-Roche and Haut du Roc in autumn

How a sea of clouds forms and where to see it around La Bresse: the Hohneck viewpoint table, Chèvre-Roche in Vagney and Haut du Roc, before the Crêtes road closes.

14 October 2026
Dense, dark spruce forest in the Hautes Vosges, a fitting backdrop for local legends
Nature

Trou de l'Enfer and the Black Wolf Legend in the Vosges

The Trou de l'Enfer at Le Tholy and the legend of the black wolf: two lesser-known curiosities in the Hautes Vosges, ideal for a family hike near La Bresse.

28 September 2026
Blue wild bilberries on their shrub, close-up in the grass
Nature

The Jardins de Bernadette, a Fragrant Walk Near La Bresse

In Sapois, near La Bresse, the Jardins de Bernadette grow organic aromatic and culinary herbs: free self-guided visit, drying room by reservation.

24 September 2026
Forest trail along the Moselotte in the Hautes Vosges
Nature

Gorges de Crosery in Thiéfosse: A Nature Walk Near La Bresse

Gorges de Crosery in Thiéfosse, on the Voie Verte des Hautes Vosges: footbridge over the Moselotte, on foot or by bike, safety restriction to check before you go.

14 September 2026
Small forest waterfall with a wooden footbridge in the Hautes Vosges
Nature

Pissoire Waterfall near La Bresse: Access and Forest Walk

The Pissoire Waterfall at Le Haut du Tôt, near Vagney: how to reach it from La Bresse, parking, the official Croix des Hêtres trail, and nearby sites to combine.

14 September 2026
Summit and south slope of the Grand Ballon above Guebwiller
Nature

Lac de la Lauch and Lac du Ballon: the lakes of Guebwiller

Lac de la Lauch (923 m) and Lac du Ballon (986 m), south of the Grand Ballon near Guebwiller: altitude, access, history and the link to the Seebach waterfalls.

8 September 2026
Vosges forest in autumn colours, beech and spruce trees
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.

20 August 2026
Vosges forest in autumn at dusk, beech and fir trees in golden light
Nature

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.

20 August 2026
Body of water surrounded by Vosges forest, illustrative image
Nature

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.

17 August 2026
Summit and pastures of Ballon d'Alsace in the Vosges mountains, near lac des Perches
Nature

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.

15 August 2026
Vosges mountain landscape on the Alsace side, at the Grand Ballon
Nature

Deer Park in Alsace: Where to See Them from La Bresse

The Soultzmatt deer park in Alsace: open access year-round, free parking, deer roaming freely. A good addition to a stork park day out from La Bresse.

12 August 2026
Small mountain lake surrounded by forest and scree in the High Vosges
Nature

Fischboedle and Schiessrothried Lakes: Munster Valley

Two glacial lakes below the Hohneck on the Munster side of the massif. Real walking times, access routes and difficulty levels to help plan the outing.

10 August 2026
Vosges forest, the scenery crossed on the road between La Bresse and the Alsace plain
Nature

Stork Park in Hunawihr: Hours, Prices, Access

NaturOparC in Hunawihr: storks, otters and the Alsatian hamster. 2026 hours, prices and access for a day out from La Bresse.

8 August 2026
Illustration of the ponds, forests and heathland landscape of the Plateau des Mille Étangs
Nature

The Plateau des Mille Étangs: A Day Trip from La Bresse

The Plateau des Mille Étangs makes a full day trip from La Bresse: access via the Col des Croix, waymarked trails, the Saut de l'Ognon waterfall and practical advice.

4 August 2026
Illustration of a Vosges leisure lake with a beach, pedal boat and kayak
Nature

Lac de la Moselotte: swimming and activities near La Bresse

Lac de la Moselotte in 2026: supervised swimming dates, opening hours, water activities, camping and access rules from La Bresse.

3 August 2026
Night panorama over the Vosges ridges with a starry sky
Nature

Stargazing in the Vosges: best spots and tips for summer

Milky Way, Perseids, mountain lakes: the best spots for stargazing in the Vosges this summer, with practical tips and a guide to dark sky areas.

31 July 2026
Notre-Dame du Ballon statue on the snow-covered Ballon d'Alsace summit
Nature

Ballon d'Alsace: visit, access and official walks

Plan a Ballon d'Alsace day trip from La Bresse: access, parking, summit trail, official walks and practical advice for families.

28 July 2026
Mountain lake in the Vosges surrounded by spruce forest, calm water reflection
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.

8 July 2026
A Vosges mountain lake fringed with fir forest
Nature

Lac de Pierre-Percée: swimming ban, 2026 season over

Swimming has been banned at Pierre-Percée and Lac de la Plaine since 2024; 2026 season over, 2027 status to be confirmed. Fishing, trails and access.

3 July 2026
Lac de Retournemer surrounded by fir trees in the Vosges, calm water and forest reflections
Nature

Lac de Retournemer: the wild glacial lake between Gérardmer and the Schlucht

Lac de Retournemer, Vosges: a 5.25-hectare glacial lake at Xonrupt-Longemer, exceptional reflections, untouched nature. Access, parking, swimming, hiking.

29 June 2026
Alpine plants in bloom at the Haut-Chitelet Alpine Garden, Col de la Schlucht
Nature

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.

25 June 2026
The Vologne river rushing over granite boulders at the Saut des Cuves near Gérardmer in the Vosges
Nature

Saut des Cuves: the waterfall between Gérardmer and Xonrupt

Saut des Cuves on the river Vologne between Gérardmer and Xonrupt: free access, free parking, the Pont des Fées and tips for visiting with children.

23 June 2026
Forest-fringed Lac des Corbeaux in La Bresse, where swimming is prohibited
Nature

Swimming at Lac des Corbeaux: not allowed, alternatives, 2026 season over

Swimming is not permitted at Lac des Corbeaux. Alternatives near La Bresse, a recap of summer 2026 (shuttle, road) and no announcement yet for 2027.

20 May 2026
Vosges forest in daylight, illustrative image
Nature

Vosges forest wildlife: watch without disturbing near La Bresse

Red deer, roe deer, birds and salamanders: how to notice forest wildlife near La Bresse by day, from a distance and from marked paths.

20 May 2026
Kayakers paddling on a calm Vosges lake surrounded by green hills
Nature

Kayaking and canoeing in the Vosges : lakes and rivers around La Bresse

Discover the best kayaking and canoeing options around La Bresse : accessible water bodies, hire available, level required and tips for a successful outing.

20 May 2026
Vosges woodland illustrating the wild blueberry season
Nature

Wild blueberry picking in the Vosges : where and when to go

When to look for wild blueberries in the Vosges, how to recognise ripe fruit and which rules to check before a foraging walk near La Bresse.

20 May 2026
Ceps and chanterelles in the Vosges forest
Nature

Mushroom picking in the Vosges: practical guide

Picking mushrooms in the Vosges: species, seasons, areas around La Bresse, rules, safety and expert tips.

27 April 2026
High Vosges woodland illustrating wild bilberry picking
Nature

Picking bilberries in the Vosges: when, where and how

Complete guide to picking bilberries in the High Vosges: official limits, land ownership, comb rules and responsible foraging practices.

27 April 2026
Forest and lake landscape in the Vosges used as an illustration
Nature

Vosges wildlife: chamois, deer and the truth about marmots

Official Park sources on chamois, red deer and the absence of marmots near La Bresse, plus the rules for watching wildlife responsibly.

27 April 2026
Alpine pasqueflower in bloom on the Vosges high pastures
Nature

Alpine flowers of the High Vosges: identification guide

Identify the alpine flowers of the High Vosges around La Bresse: arnica, gentian, anemone, pasqueflower and other botanical treasures.

27 April 2026
Giant silver fir in the Vosges forest
Nature

Vosges forests: 10 remarkable trees to discover

Giant firs, century-old beeches, exceptional Douglas: 10 remarkable trees of the Vosges forests to see around La Bresse.

27 April 2026
Panorama over the Ballons des Vosges from the Route des Crêtes
Nature

Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges: the complete guide

Everything to know about the Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges: scope, summits, activities, wildlife, accommodation and tips.

27 April 2026
Tanet Gazon du Faing ridges
Nature

Tanet-Gazon-du-Faing nature reserve: visit and rules

Visiting the Tanet Gazon du Faing nature reserve in the High Vosges: trails, fauna, flora, rules and practical tips.

27 April 2026
Lispach peat bog and its wooden boardwalk
Nature

Vosges peat bogs: 5 unusual walks

Discover the peat bogs of the High Vosges around La Bresse: 5 easy walks on boardwalks, with unique fauna and flora.

27 April 2026
Snowshoeing on a forest trail in the Vosges
Nature

Snowshoeing: 5 loops to walk around La Bresse

Five snowshoe routes for every level around La Bresse: peat bog, lakes, ridges and forests. Durations, elevation, parking.

5 April 2026