The wild bilberry, called brimbelle in Vosges dialect, is one of the finest treasures of the High Vosges. Small, intense and full of sun, it is picked from mid-July to late August. Here is how to make a success of your harvest around La Bresse, with respect for the plants and the rules.
When to pick
The season runs over six to eight weeks depending on altitude.
- Mid-July: first bilberries at 800 to 1,000 m
- Late July to mid-August: peak on the high pastures (1,200 to 1,400 m)
- Late August: last fruits, often on the shaded north-facing slopes
The best mornings are crisp ones after a clear night. The fruit is then firm and fragrant.
Where to pick around La Bresse
The good spots are passed down within families, but some areas are historically renowned.
- Lispach valley and Col du Bramont
- Heights of Ventron and Col d’Oderen
- Rainkopf high pastures
- Lispach hillside above the lake
- Cornimont forest in the undergrowth
Avoid the Tanet Gazon du Faing reserve where picking is strictly forbidden. To plan your walk, also check our guide to Lac de Lispach.
Rules to follow
- Manual comb only, mechanical rake forbidden
- Family use, no commercial sale without a permit
- Respect for private property, other pickers and nature
- No picking in protected areas (reserves, peat bogs)
- Do not trample the plants, do not tear off branches
Kit for a good harvest
- Rigid container (basket or box) rather than a bag
- Wide-toothed comb in wood or plastic
- Long trousers and closed shoes (ticks)
- Water, cap, sunscreen
- IGN map and GPS, some spots are far from trails
Good to know
- Check regularly for ticks after picking
- The wild brimbelle is smaller and more fragrant than the cultivated bilberry sold in shops
- A good picker brings back 2 to 4 litres in two hours
- Yields drop after several dry days
What to do with your bilberries
Once back at the chalet, several tasty options:
- Homemade bilberry tart (see our addresses in bilberry tart: where to taste)
- Quick jam, granulated sugar and a dash of lemon
- Freeze flat then bag
- Homemade liqueur, eau de vie and whole bilberries
To stretch the celebration, do not miss the Bilberry Festival in La Bresse and around.
Plan your picking stay
Stay close to the high pastures and set off early in the morning. Discover our chalets in La Bresse with fully equipped kitchens to turn your harvest into something delicious on the spot.
Frequently asked questions
When does bilberry season start?
Mid-July to late August depending on altitude and exposure. The peak is usually around 25 July on the High Vosges pastures.
Is the rake comb allowed?
No, the mechanical rake damages the plants and is forbidden. Only the wide-toothed manual comb, or hand picking, is tolerated.
How much can you pick?
Family use only: as a rule of thumb, 5 litres per person per day. Beyond that, you need a permit.
Can you pick in nature reserves?
No, picking is forbidden in the Tanet Gazon du Faing reserve and most reserves. Follow the signage.
How do you preserve bilberries?
Refrigerate immediately, freeze flat on a tray then bag, or quickly turn them into jam, tart or liqueur.