Eating at a ferme auberge is touching the soul of the Vosges. Farming families open their dining room to serve the ancestral cooking of the chaumes (high pastures), with produce from their own farm.
1. Ferme auberge du Rothenbach
On the Route des Crêtes, between the Col du Calvaire and the Hohneck. Stunning view, full marcaire menu around 28 €. A must, book well ahead.
2. Ferme auberge du Kastelberg
Near Mittlach, reachable on foot from the Col de la Schlucht. Family atmosphere, outstanding homemade cheese and meats.
3. Ferme auberge du Hohneck
Right at the summit. Wild panorama, more touristy service but cooking still faithful to tradition.
4. Ferme auberge des Buttes
La Bresse side, car access. Less known, much loved by locals. Unbeatable homemade blueberries in July and August.
5. Ferme auberge du Firstmiss
Next to the Markstein. Generous and honest cooking, great terrace in summer.
Good to know
- Fixed menu usually, no à la carte
- Payment often cash or cheque
- Tasting and sale of farm produce on site
- Sleeping on site possible at some fermes
Pairings
The marcaire menu calls for a craft Vosges beer or a chilled pinot gris. Avoid heavy wines that would flatten the munster.
Around your stay
Planning a Vosges gastronomy trip? See chalets in La Bresse: ideal base for exploring the fermes auberges of the Hautes Vosges.
Frequently asked questions
What's a marcaire meal?
The marcaire meal is the cooking of the Vosges high-pasture herders (marcaires): savoury tart, smoked meat with tofailles (pan-fried potatoes), cumin munster and blueberry tart.
Do I need to book?
Yes, pretty much mandatory on weekends and in season. Some fermes only serve on phone reservation, often 48 hours ahead.
How much does a meal cost?
The full marcaire menu costs around 28 to 35 € per person. Single fixed menu in most places, no à la carte. Payment often cash or cheque.
Can I sleep at a ferme auberge?
Yes, some fermes offer rooms or dormitories. Simple comfort, fair price (50 to 80 € per person half-board). Book well ahead in summer.
Are they open all year?
Most high-pasture fermes only open from May to October (chaumes season). A few lowland ones stay open year round. Always check before setting off.