The Vosges; somewhere to add to your holiday bucket list?

1 April, 2018

When returning from my holiday last year I drove back home from Burgundy via Strasbourg. During the drive my attention was drawn to the impressive and constantly changing landscape around me; the Vosges! Something for my bucket list?

One of the first things you read about the Vosges is that the countryside is breathtaking. I can certainly agree with that. The region is well-known for its rugged mountain landscapes, extensive woodland and crystal-clear lakes. It’s an ideal destination for active campers. Just supposing my next holiday is in the Vosges, what should I not miss?

Joan of Arc

I always like to delve into the history of my holiday destination. The Vosges is known for its varied countryside but its history is also interesting. France’s national heroine Joan of Arc was born in the village of Domrémy-la-Pucelle. Joan of Arc played an important role in the Hundred Years’ War against the English, where she was a woman in the front line of battle. The basilica at Bois-Chênu, one and a half kilometres from her birthplace is dedicated to this French heroine. Joan of Arc’s birthplace can be visited in Domrémy. If you want to stay overnight you can do so at Camping L’Arc en Ciel or Camping Intercommunal.

Spa town

Vittel is probably one of the most famous spa towns in France. This spa town comprises 700 hectares of woods and parks. You may know it from the mineral water of the same name that is sold in many parts of France. There are ample leisure opportunities including an 18 hole golf course, a racecourse, a casino and thermal baths. Active people can use the walking routes that they will find in and around the spa town. Campsites in the area include Camping de Vittel and Camping Porte des Vosges.

Stretch your legs

The Vosges is a real hiking region. The Club Vosgien (a hiking organisation in the Vosges) has marked out no fewer than 18,000 kilometres of signposted hiking routes. 1700 of these routes pass through the Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord. The deciduous woodlands make this a lovely park for walkers and it is very peaceful, even in summer. Be prepared for some uphill and downhill climbing on the way. And keep your eyes open; numerous animals live in the woods of the Vosges. This includes deer, roe, wild boar and wild cats, so you never know what you might meet up with! Campsites in the vicinity include Camping Ramstein Plage and Camping Muhlenbach.

In addition to hiking, the region lends itself ideally to cycling, mountain biking and different watersports. In the winter, the mountainous areas are transformed into a perfect wintersports area.

Campsites in the Vosges

What particularly impressed me about the Vosges is that many campsites are privately run. The chance of getting a personal welcome is great, and a personal atmosphere usually prevails. Take Camping Au Clos de la Chaume in Corcieux for example. This campsite is run by Pascaline and Michael, a French-English couple and is located close to Gérardmer. You can explore the Vosges from the campsite, but the Swiss and German borders are also close by. Wine tasting, fresh bread every morning, building dams in the stream or simply lazing in your tent or caravan; anything is possible at this campsite.

The Vosges will certainly go on my list of holiday destinations. If your interest has been awakened, check out the selection of campsites on Eurocampings.eu.