Why choose the Vosges for a family holiday?

An accessible and exotic nature destination

What if you put everything on pause for a weekend? No need to go far to disconnect.

In the Secret Vosges, families enjoy unspoiled nature far from the major tourist resorts. Children can run in the woods, observe the animals, breathe the fresh mountain air and discover the simple pleasures of a stay in the countryside.

The destination is also easily accessible from Alsace, northern Lorraine, or Burgundy-Franche-Comté, making it a perfect destination for a short break or impromptu holiday.

 

Activities for the whole tribe

In the Secret Vosges, everyone finds their own pace. The youngest explore, collect leaves, and observe insects. The teenagers grumble a bit at first…but often end up following the walk without looking at their phones. The parents, meanwhile, can finally breathe a sigh of relief!

In terms of activities, families can alternate between:

• walks in the forest
• sports
• Cultural Tours
• outdoor games and adventures
• moment of relaxation at the spa
• gourmet discoveries

 

The best family activities in the Secret Vosges

Go for a walk in the Vosges forests

The Secret Vosges are full of trails accessible to families. Between waterfalls, viewpoints and walks in the forests, children enjoy a total immersion in nature.

 

The Faymont waterfall hike

Located in Val d'Ajol, this family-friendly walk offers varied scenery. Its relatively shaded path is very pleasant in summer. The hike starts at the Faymont waterfall, passes through a few small hamlets, and offers a lovely viewpoint from Roche Joséphine.

Why families love this hike:

• the route is relatively easy
• The landscapes are varied.
• It's an ideal hike for photos
• a picnic break is possible there

 

The first few kilometers have a fairly steep incline. Therefore, we recommend this hike for families with children aged 12 and over.

Find the route of this hike on our map available free of charge in our reception offices, for download , as well as on our free mobile application “remiremont plombières tourisme”.

 

The walk around the Demoiselle pond

Located in the commune of Saint-Nabord, the Demoiselle pond is a NATURA 2000 site due to the numerous species of plants and insects that have made their home there.

This family outing is very popular for several reasons:

• • It's a walk with very little elevation gain.
  • The distance of the route is short (1 km).
  • Educational panels are placed along the trail to help people better understand this fragile ecosystem.

Other walks around Remiremont

Unlike the High Vosges (La Bresse, Gérardmer), the Secret Vosges have the advantage of offering hikes with low elevation gain, making them an ideal destination for family holidays.

Among the easy hikes you will find, in particular:

• the walk around the Villerain pond in Girmont Val d'Ajol
• the hike from the priory of Hérival to Val d'Ajol
• the musical trail of Plombières
• the Puddingstones and the Tocquaine Rock
• The Poterlacat and the trail for all in Saint-Amé

 

Discover the ponds of the Secret Vosges

There are no lakes here, but many ponds perfect for a family outing by the water.

 

The Xennois pond

Located in a very peaceful setting, it is little known to the general public. Accessible via the Miraumont waterfall hiking trail from La Piotte, the Xennois pond offers a tranquil environment, perfect for a nature break.

 

The Remiremont lake

Popular during the warmer months, the Remiremont lake is a favorite spot for families. In addition to a walking path that circles the lake, it also features a small beach and a supervised swimming area in July and August. There's also a playground suitable for children and teenagers. Just a short walk from the town center, the lake is an ideal place to enjoy the sun with the kids.
A refreshment stand and a mini-golf course are also open during the summer season.

The ponds of Girmont Val d'Ajol

The Girmont Val d'Ajol area boasts several small ponds nestled in nature. The Girmont ponds hike allows you to discover the main ones. Families come here to enjoy the tranquility of the Vosges countryside. The atmosphere is wilder, more natural. It's the perfect place to slow down.

 

Exploring Plombières-les-Bains with children

Plombières-les-Bains is a must-see during a weekend in the Vosges. This town, also known as "the town of a thousand balconies," boasts a unique heritage and atmosphere, ideal for a family outing.

 

The Miniature Park

The Miniature Park offers visitors of all ages the chance to admire miniature reproductions of buildings from the Grand Est region, installed on the heights of the Imperial Park. This fun activity appeals to both children and parents.

The Miniature Park also offers its visitors a restaurant and a mini-golf course. A chance to join in a lively round! Kids versus adults, the bets are on!

 

The Terraced Gardens

Les Jardins en Terrasses is a garden park, a true community space adapted for families. Run by volunteers, this association works to revive forgotten gardening techniques and promote a more environmentally friendly way of life.

In addition to visiting its unusual gardens, a treetop adventure course is also open during the summer season and concerts are scheduled throughout the summer.

The Machinery Escape Game

In the heart of the city centre is a historical escape game: La Machinerie.

The concept of this escape game is closely linked to the history of the city. The objective: to find the treaty of alliance that is to be signed between Napoleon III and the Count of Cavour.

An activity suitable for ages 15 and up.

Your children are not old enough? No problem, as La Machinerie also offers an urban treasure hunt for ages 10 and up to discover the city in a different way!

 

Get your fill of adventure and fun outdoor activities

The Vosges Secrètes also offer many outdoor activities for families who like to be active.

The Green Way of the High Vosges

This converted former railway line allows for safe cycling. The route crosses several landscapes typical of the area: forests, rivers, Vosges villages, valleys.

It's an excellent family activity, accessible even to young children.

Can't bring your own bikes? No problem! The tourist office offers a rental service for both traditional and electric hybrid bikes. Contact us before your stay to reserve your bike! We also have child seats and children's bikes available.

Fancy a cargo bike ride? Head to our partner All in Van, located a stone's throw from Remiremont town centre.

Mountain biking trails around Remiremont

Remiremont is an ideal destination for family mountain biking in the Vosges Mountains. Thanks to its marked trails and accessible terrain, the area offers several routes suitable for beginners. Families particularly appreciate the FFC-certified Mountain Bike Trail No. 4, starting from the parking area at Étang de la Demoiselle. It is also possible to start from the Vosges Secrètes Mountain Bike Stadium in Remiremont (Grange Puton estate) by following the marked "connecting" route.

The trails are easy enough for a family mountain biking introduction, with some fun sections that children will love. Consider packing a picnic to fully enjoy the natural surroundings!

Children's workshops at the tourist office

During school holidays, the tourist office regularly offers workshops for children that combine heritage discovery and hands-on activities. Among them, you can find recurring workshops such as stained glass and apprenticeship.

To find out the dates of these workshops, go to the page dedicated to guided tours.

Discover Vosges specialties with your family

It's impossible to stay in the Vosges without tasting the local gastronomy! Andouille from Val-d'Ajol, trout pâté from Abbesses, fir honey, Plombières ice cream, blueberries, nonnettes and lorikeets, local cheeses and drinks, the Secret Vosges are definitely one of the most gourmet destinations in the region!

Feel free to buy directly from our producers. Some farms also offer educational visits that are very popular with families.

Find their addresses in our producers' guide.

 

Where to stay for a family weekend in the Vosges?

To fully enjoy a weekend in the Vosges with your family, choosing the right accommodation is essential. Our destination offers numerous options suitable for both parents and children.

Campsites, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts are particularly suitable. These accommodations often offer large spaces, child-friendly facilities, and a warm welcome with valuable advice for discovering the best activities in the area.

For an even more memorable experience, you can also opt for unusual accommodation: a cabin in the woods, a tiny house, or lodging in the heart of nature. It's an excellent way to transform a simple weekend into a real adventure for children.

Need help choosing your accommodation? Don't hesitate to contact us for recommendations tailored to your stay or visit our " accommodation " page to discover all the best places to stay in the Secret Vosges.

 

Here, we take the time to reconnect, breathe, and simply enjoy nature. A stroll around a pond, a hike in the forest, a picnic in the open air… it's often the simplest moments that become the best memories.

All that's left for you to do is plan your next family getaway to the Secret Vosges. To discover all the current activities, accommodations, and outings, explore our website or contact our travel advisors!

 

©Photo credits: LesGlobeBlogueurs and Les4Vandrouilleurs