Held by a 100% nature adventure? Come and visit the Regional Natural Park of the Ballons des Vosges, its landscapes and its treasures!
You want green? Then visit the Regional Natural Park of the Ballons des Vosges is for you! The site contains treasures and wonders of nature. Its landscapes of mountains, rounded balloons and altitude pastures will not leave you indifferent.
These are the lakes and rivers, but also the oak, beech and fir forests, which make up the most of the landscape. It is therefore in the heart of nature that your path is drawn. The diversity of park landscapes allows the practice of many activities of full nature. Thus, Wanderlix invites you to discover the many activities that allow you to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Ballons des Vosges.
The Regional Natural Park of Ballons des Vosges in a few words
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Leonid Andronov
Created in 1989, the Regional Natural Park of the Balloons of the Vosges extends over three former regions: Alsace, Franche-Comté and Lorraine. Thanks to its 3,000 km2, it is one of the largest Natural Parks in France. In total, 14 summits culminate, the largest of which is the Grand Ballon d’Alsace, at 1,424 metres above sea level.
This beautiful protected territory offers a natural heritage of all beauty. There is abundant fauna: lynx, pilgrim fals, deer, chamois, or gray wolves! Finally, there is an emblematic flora of the massif such as cranberry, the thoughts of the Vosges, as well as medicinal plants such as Arnica.
1. Hiking
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Visiting the Regional Natural Park of the Ballons des Vosges is a lot on foot. Indeed, the territory has over 7,000 km of marked trails! There is therefore for all tastes and levels. Only, in duo or in family, everyone will find their account.
Each landscape is breathtaking. At the pace of your steps, you will discover the picturesque forests, castles and villages of the park. From the tops, green valleys or vineyards, advance with the whole Vosges massif.
2. Bike paths
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With almost a hundred marked circuits, the bike is perhaps the best way to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Ballons des Vosges. Hiking in mountain biking, with friends or family, the park offers all levels of difficulty.
Downhill mountain bike enthusiasts? Come and visit the Regional Natural Park of the Balloons of the Vosges! He won’t have any secrets for you. Many courses are also available in an electric-assisted mountain bike.
3. Ski or snowshoe hikes
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What if you go to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Balloons of the Vosges in winter? Recovered with a white veil, the landscapes of the Vosges mountain are just as charming. Opt for hiking skis or snowshoes, and explore the territory.
Ideal for spending but also for resourcing, there are many snowshoe paths. Beginners or confirmed, come and experience extraordinary experiences in the heart of the Vosges massif!
Terms and rates
For a day out, plan a day out 20 euros per person for the rental of equipment.
4. Winter sports
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Dennis Wegewijs
The Ballons des Vosges park has about 20 winter sports stations and 500 ski runs marked for cross-country skiing. The environment is splendid and the panoramas that extend to a loss of view. Ride on the Vosges massifs, the landscape is gradually discovered.
The skiing will allow you to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Ballons des Vosges. Alpine skiing as cross-country skiing, whether you are sporty or not, these white mountains are the ideal setting for a dream stay!
Terms and rates
While playgrounds and sledge descents are free, it will be necessary to pay a package of a 40 euros to access the alpine ski slopes. Finally, it will be necessary to count between 20 and 35€ if you wish to rent equipment, knowing that prices vary greatly depending on your level.
5. Chien de traineau
Photo credit: Flickr – Lac Blanc Station
Sit comfortably and let yourself be worn by the huskies that slide in front of you. The landscape defies under your eyes. This frame, worthy of a postcard Lapland or Canada is extraordinary.
The sled dog is an outdoor activity to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Balloons of the Vosges. Both traditional and sporty, it is the perfect combo between natures and sensations.
Terms and rates
For an hour session with a walk 45 minutes but also a cultural point and interactions with dogs, the rate is around 60€ per adult and 40€ per child under 10 years.
6. Canoë-kayak
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The numerous water bodies in the park allow you to carry out numerous water activities, starting with canoeing-kayak. With the exception of the lakes of Gérardmer, Longemer and Returnnemer, the majority of the water points on the site are artificial. But it does not prevent them from marrying the landscape perfectly.
Lovers of nature, this is the ideal opportunity to make the full of sensations. This activity will delight both small and large. So take your paddle and it’s gone for a forest bath!
Terms and rates
The whole family can participate in this activity. Group rates are generally offered, otherwise it will be necessary to count in 15€ per person . Life jackets, paddles and boats are provided to you.
7. Aviron
Photo credit: Flickr – Gérardmer Tourisme
Try the aron in an exceptional natural setting. Nestled between mountains and forests, visiting the Regional Natural Park of Ballons des Vosges becomes a part of pleasure.
In this wild and quiet environment on a river full of rapids, bordered by 4 picnic areas, you will evolve according to your desires and safely. In all seasons, a team of experienced professionals accompanies you even in your wildest dreams!
Terms and rates
In order to learn the best of a rowing, many clubs in the region offer internships. For example, for an internship 5 days , you'll have to count around € 130 per person . If an initiation of a half day is enough, the individual rate will be about 30€ . This activity is possible from 9 years and condition of knowing how to swim .
8. Windsurfing
Photo credit: Facebook – Gérardmer Tourisme
Sailing in the vast lakes of the region is also a way to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Ballons des Vosges. Very cold in winter, lakes are especially practicable from spring. Whether it is an initiation or a perfection, the many providers of the site will welcome you and guide you with open arms. So why don't you go through it?
Terms and rates
The windsurfing is reserved for more than 6 years of age knowing how to swim. As well as for the rowing machine, service providers offer courses ranging from 3 to 15 days, ideal for taking hands. For an internship one week , count around 135€ per person .
Otherwise, initiations are also possible for 20€ per half day . These rates include navigation equipment, lifejacket and the lending of an iso-thermal combination.
9. Dive
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Like a fish in the water, explore the Vosges lakes. From June to September you can discover the Fonds du Lac de Gérardmer. Experience a unique experience in a splendid and secure setting.
In winter, the bravest are testing ice diving. Although it is not necessary to be too frile, this experience allows you to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Balloons of the Vosges of another eye.
Terms and rates
For a diving initiation, it will take about 80€ per person . It is necessary to bring a medical certificate of non-dive contraindication less than one year.
10. Fishing
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alla Khananashvili
With more than 670 streams and rivers and about thirty lakes and water bodies, the Vosges Mountain offers an incredible playground. Fishing is also an original way to discover the place.
Stay close to Gérardmer and Longemer lakes for a peaceful afternoon. A unique landscape stands in front of you. Trick, carp, perch or pint, there’s only this bit to the hook.
Terms and rates
Fishing is permitted daily during the legal period of opening, and according to places practice is free .
11. Thermalism
Photo credit: Flickr – Graffyc Foto
Visiting the Regional Natural Park of the Ballons des Vosges is also taking care of yourself. To do this, two well-known spas await the curists. These are the spas of Plombières-les-Bains in the Vosges, and those of Luxeuil-les-Bains in Haute-Saône. The latter obtained the label of "categorized tourism station" and thus became a must-see destination in the Franche-Comté region.
In addition to offering relaxation and comfort, these thermal resorts offer medicalised courses and have a rich and architectural heritage of rare elegance.
Terms and rates
The stations are open to all 12 years Over. To access the balneotherapy space, you have to pay about 30€ . I mean, 40€ extras will be necessary if you want to offer you body care.
12. Horse ride
Photo credit: Flickr – Kaysersberg Valley Tourism
Want to be free? The large Vosges spaces are waiting for you and your frame. Do not lose a minute and go to the Regional Natural Park of the Balloons of the Vosges on horseback. Beginners as experienced practitioners will find a wide range of equestrian rides on the different slopes of the Park.
In fact, several hundred kilometres of marked itineraries are flowing through the Vosges Mountain, which is what to satisfy the greatest number. The horse thus allows to discover in an idyllic setting a mountain with multiple landscapes. Choose between a simple walk and a full stay, and choose for the horse, the pony or a donkey ride!
Terms and rates
For a half-day hike, you have to pay off 30€ . And for a full day, about 50€ are necessary. Pony rides are possible for smaller ones.
13. Escalade
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Many cliffs, rocks and blocks offer themselves to the practice of climbing. Indeed, the Regional Natural Park of the Balloons of the Vosges houses more than 250 rocky walls. In fact, most of the sites are specially equipped to welcome the fascinated beginner to the experienced climber.
Taking height is also a way to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Balloons of the Vosges. In order to enjoy a beautiful day with a family, there is nothing better than climbing, via ferrata or the hip. Put the baudrier on, and go for adventure!
Terms and rates
It is possible to climb from 6 years . A half day costs about 30€ . If you choose via ferrata, count one 20 euros per person .
14. Paragliding flights
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Fly for a moment and visit the Regional Natural Park of the Balloons of the Vosges from the air. From here, beautiful views await you. Here is the place for a baptism of air.
Beyond the splendid panoramas, you will have the opportunity to fill adrenaline, living a magical and timeless experience. This moment leaves your head full of unforgettable memories.
Terms and rates
For a biplace paragliding flight of approximately 30min , plan around 90€ .
The Regional Natural Park of the Balloons of the Vosges gives you the means to realize your wildest dreams, it only takes you to accomplish them!
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