Things to do in the Vosges, whatever the season

Skiing at Gérardmer and La Bresse, then the spa when you get back

The resorts of Gérardmer and La Bresse-Hohneck are under 30 kilometres from the chalet, which leaves plenty of time to ski a full day and still be home to warm up before dinner. La Bresse-Hohneck is the largest ski area in the Vosges massif: alpine skiing on slopes for every level, a large network of cross-country trails through the forest, and a sledging area that delights children on days when the group prefers to slow down between runs. Gérardmer, the best-known Vosges resort, adds the charm of its lake, frozen over on the coldest winters, a lively town at the foot of the slopes, and links to the La Mauselaine sector for skiers who want to string together red and black runs.

Between the two resorts, families with young children generally find more calm on the La Bresse-Hohneck side, where beginner areas are plentiful and well separated from the more technical slopes. Confident skiers, on the other hand, often appreciate the sheer size of the Gérardmer area and the chance to vary which side of the mountain they ski depending on snow conditions. Either way, count on about half an hour's drive from the chalet, enough to set off without sacrificing a lie-in and still be back before dark.

It's precisely after a day on the slopes that the chalet's wellness area really comes into its own: the heated outdoor spa, set under a pergola with patio heaters, stays comfortable even in the depths of winter, tired legs and wind-reddened cheeks and all. From there you can move on to the sauna or the whirlpool bath upstairs — an après-ski ritual that few Vosges holiday rentals can offer without sharing the hot water with other guests.

Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and Christmas markets

Alpine skiing isn't the only way to enjoy winter in the Vosges. The La Bresse-Hohneck nordic area traces miles of cross-country trails through the fir trees, an activity that needs no prior experience and offers a completely different pace to alpine skiing: quieter, closer to the forest. Snowshoeing can be done almost anywhere on the ridges and in the woods around Gérardmer as soon as the snow settles, and needs no specialist equipment.

December is also the season for the Vosges Christmas markets: wooden chalets, mulled wine and local crafts fill the region's towns, starting with Gérardmer's own. It's an easy evening outing to combine with a day's skiing, and a good way to fill a late afternoon if the group wants to take it easy after a morning on the slopes. The chalet lends itself particularly well to a family Christmas break or a New Year's weekend with friends, with enough beds and two fully equipped kitchens to host a full celebration without going out.

Cycling on the voie verte and pony rides at the farm

As soon as the good weather arrives, the voie verte trail passing 30 metres from the chalet becomes a playground for cycling and walking alike, without ever needing the car. It's a safe, flat route laid out on former railway lines, which makes it an ideal family outing even with young children or a cargo bike: no hills to climb, no traffic to watch for. Allow a morning to reach Remiremont and its shops by bike, or push further down the valley depending on the group's stamina.

Under 3 kilometres away, the Franould riding farm offers horse and pony rides, a particularly popular outing for families with children and a good way to alternate with cycling over a multi-day stay. Spring, as the snow retreats on the heights and the first fine days arrive in the valley, is also when the hiking trails become walkable again without specialist gear, ahead of the summer crowds.

Swimming at Lake Gérardmer and mid-mountain hiking

In summer, head to the Remiremont lake, 2 kilometres away, for a quick dip at the end of the day, or to Lake Gérardmer, about 25 kilometres away, for a full outing: supervised swimming, a beach, pedalo hire and a walk or cycle around the lake. It's the largest natural lake in the Vosges and the beating heart of the resort in summer, with its lakeside restaurant terraces.

Beyond the lake, the Vosges unfold some of the finest mid-mountain scenery in eastern France: trails climbing towards the ridges, more secluded high-altitude lakes than Gérardmer, waterfalls hidden in the forest. From a two-hour family stroll to more energetic walks on the heights, everyone can plan their own route depending on the group's fitness — then head back in the evening to enjoy the outdoor spa as the sun sets over the peaks.

The Vosges forests in colour

This season is ideal for walking and local food: the fir and beech forests around the chalet turn to colour, with the low morning light bringing out the valleys seen from the ridges. It's also a quieter time to visit the region, with fewer walkers on the trails than in high summer. The fine-dining tables and local restaurants around Remiremont come into their own at this time of year, with game, mushrooms and slow-cooked dishes — see our selection on the the area page. Evenings lend themselves to gathering around the barbecue under the terrace pergola, before one last dip in the spa before winter.

Which season suits your group?

There's no bad season to visit Chalet de la Poirie, but some periods suit certain kinds of stay better than others.