The High Vosges are home to a discreet but very real wild fauna. With a little patience and the right spots, you can come across chamois on the ridges, marmots on the scree and red deer on the forest edges. Here is the practical guide to successful sightings around La Bresse.
The chamois of the Hohneck
The chamois population of the High Vosges is one of the most accessible in Europe. They allow close approach on the high pastures of the Hohneck, Kastelberg and Rainkopf.
- Best time: early morning or late afternoon
- Ideal season: September to November (rut), then winter
- Altitude: 1,200 to 1,360 m
- Tip: climb via the Frankenthal trail and scan the scree below the ridge
The marmots of the Frankenthal
Reintroduced in the 1960s, marmots have colonised the scree of the Frankenthal glacial cirque and Anschelles. In spring and summer, their whistles can be heard hundreds of metres away.
- Observation period: April to September
- Location: Frankenthal cirque, below the Hohneck
- Approach: trail starting from the Col de la Schlucht or Stosswihr
Red and roe deer in the forest
The Vosges forest hosts a fine population of red deer. The rut in September is a unique sound spectacle. Roe deer are more discreet but very present on forest edges.
- Red deer rut: 10 September to 10 October
- Spots around La Bresse: Géhant state forest, Lispach area, Vologne plateau
- Key time: nightfall
- Rule: absolute silence, no white torch
Other species to know
- Western capercaillie: very rare, regulated quiet zones, do not stray off trails from December to June
- Eurasian lynx: presence confirmed, sightings exceptional
- Peregrine falcon: nests on cliffs, listen for its calls
- Fire salamander: damp undergrowth after rain
Good to know
- Stay on the trails, especially in the nature reserves
- Capercaillie quiet zones are closed in winter and spring
- No drones in the regional natural park
- Dogs must be kept on lead
- When in doubt, follow the signs of the Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges
Plan your nature stay
To combine wildlife watching and quiet nights, choose accommodation close to the trails. Discover our chalets in La Bresse with direct access to nature, or explore the Hohneck hike and the Route des Crêtes to reach the best lookout points.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best season to spot chamois?
Autumn (September to November) during the rut, then winter, are the most favourable seasons. Chamois come down to lower altitudes and are easier to see.
Are there marmots in the Vosges?
Yes, reintroduced on the Hohneck in the 1960s. The colony is visible on the scree slopes of Anschelles and around the Frankenthal cirque.
Can you see red deer around La Bresse?
Yes, mainly at dawn or dusk on forest edges. The rutting season in September offers the best sightings.
Do you need a guide to watch wildlife?
Not mandatory, but a mountain guide increases your chances and teaches you to read the signs (tracks, droppings, rubbing trees).
What kit should you bring?
8x42 binoculars minimum, neutral and quiet clothing, hiking boots. A tripod for the spotting scope is a plus.