Attractions and Places To See around Xonrupt-Longemer - Top 20

The region offers a variety of hiking experiences. For a challenging adventure, consider the Sentier des Roches, known for its adventurous terrain requiring sure-footedness. For panoramic views and family-friendly options, Hohneck is a popular starting point. You can find more hiking routes, including easy and moderate options, on the Hiking around Xonrupt-Longemer guide.

Yes, the Sentier des Roches is an alpine-style trail that is considered challenging, requiring sure-footedness and a head for heights. It's a highly recommended route for experienced hikers seeking an adventurous experience in the Vosges mountains.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Hohneck, the third-highest peak in the Vosges. The Route des Crêtes also offers spectacular vistas of the mountains and valleys. Additionally, Lac Blanc is beautifully surrounded by mountains, providing picturesque views.

Xonrupt-Longemer is characterized by its stunning glacial lakes, including the popular Lac de Longemer, which offers swimming and boating, and the wilder Lac de Retournemer. The area is also home to the Tendon Waterfalls, the highest in the Vosges, and is nestled within the Vosges mountains, offering diverse landscapes from forests to high peaks like Hohneck.

You can visit the 18th-century Chapel Saint Florent, known for its bell dating back to 1650, and the Church Sainte-Bernadette, which showcases traditional Vosges architecture. Other notable landmarks include the Pont des Fées (Fairies' Bridge) and the Tunnel of the Roche du Diable, constructed in 1858 under Napoleon III. For a unique botanical experience, the Jardin du Haut-Chitelet, one of Europe's richest botanical gardens, is also nearby.

Yes, Xonrupt-Longemer offers several family-friendly options. Lac de Longemer is ideal for swimming, pedal-boating, and sailing in summer. In winter, the Poli Ski Resort provides downhill skiing on green and blue slopes, as well as toboggan runs. Many of the hiking trails, especially around the lakes, also offer easier routes suitable for families.

The best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to September) is ideal for water sports on Lac de Longemer, hiking, and visiting the Jardin du Haut-Chitelet. Winter transforms the area into a snowy landscape, perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, and enjoying the frozen lakes.

In winter, the Poli Ski Resort offers downhill skiing and tobogganing. It connects to the Fontaine Ferry nordic domain, providing 15 kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails through the Vosgian forest, linking to the Gérardmer and La Bresse ski areas. The frozen lakes also offer a magical landscape for winter walks.

Beyond hiking, Xonrupt-Longemer is excellent for cycling and mountain biking. You can find various routes for these sports, including scenic loops and challenging trails. Check out the Cycling around Xonrupt-Longemer guide and the MTB Trails around Xonrupt-Longemer guide for detailed routes. Lac de Longemer also offers water sports like pedal-boating and sailing.

Many trails in the Vosges are dog-friendly, but it's crucial to be aware of specific restrictions. For instance, dogs are strictly prohibited on the Sentier des Roches. Always keep dogs on a leash and check local regulations for specific areas. Generally, trails around the lakes and in less sensitive natural reserves are more accommodating.

Just a short distance away, Gérardmer, known as the 'Pearl of the Vosges,' offers a magnificent lake and a ski resort. A bit further, the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar is renowned for its canals, half-timbered houses, and Alsatian gastronomy, with 'Little Venice' and the Unterlinden Museum as key highlights. The impressive Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is also a significant historical site in the wider region.

Beyond the main attractions, consider visiting Lac de Retournemer, a wilder lake ideal for hiking, or Lac de Lispach, considered the most beautiful peat bog in the Vosges. The Tendon Waterfalls, with both Grande and Petite Cascades, offer an impressive natural spectacle and are perfect for picturesque hikes away from the busiest spots.