Lac de Longemer defines Xonrupt-Longemer as a glacial lake at an altitude of 736 metres: the Vologne flows through this 76-hectare body of water. If you’re looking for accommodation here, you can plan your stay around the lake, hiking trails, peat bogs or seasonal activities. Which aspects of the area you want to experience also makes a difference when choosing when to travel.
Lakeside, swimming and trails
Lac de Longemer and its 900-hectare surroundings have been protected as a remarkable natural heritage site since 2002. Swimming in the lake is permitted, but it is not supervised. Check local notices and water quality information before swimming. You can hire boats and pedal boats on the shore; rentals are seasonal, so check availability before your trip.
A signposted footpath circles the lake in about an hour. The route description may vary slightly depending on maintenance conditions. The local hiking network includes circular trails and connections to neighbouring communities. It provides access to the lakes, the Vologne and the Hautes-Vosges forest massif. When planning, you can choose between a loop by the water and longer trails through the countryside.
For a walk through the Belbriette peat bog, the route details are useful for planning: the Balade de la Tourbière de Belbriette is 5.7 kilometres long, gains 75 metres in elevation and is expected to take one hour and 45 minutes. The peat bog is a 1.3-kilometre walk beyond the barrier on the Route forestière de Belbriette. Winter conditions and the weather can affect access. Ruisseau and the Belbriette peat bog are designated as a Natura 2000 site for habitats, fauna and flora.
The Sentier de découverte du delta du ruisseau Saint-Jacques has a different estimated duration: this easy trail is three kilometres long and is expected to take two hours. It combines nature observation with historic remains and a landscape shaped by the ice ages. So, a shorter distance here does not mean a shorter stated duration. Both figures can help you compare the trails by time required and theme.
Discover peat bogs and waterfalls
The Haut Chitelet peat bog can be accessed via the Jardin d’Altitude du Haut-Chitelet. A boardwalk with an observation platform, information panels and an interactive model provides access to the site. Options include self-guided visits, educational visits and signposted trails; visiting opportunities may vary by season. The Jardin d’Altitude is home to 2,500 alpine plant species. It also includes a high-altitude beech forest and a natural peat bog.
You can also combine a hike with a visit to the waterfalls. Cascade de Retournemer is on the Vologne, where it flows out of Lac de Retournemer, and gently drops ten metres. The Balade des cascades de Retournemer et de Charlemagne follows the Vologne to the waterfall, circles Lac de Retournemer and climbs to Cascade Charlemagne. The latter consists of several small, successive waterfalls and lies about 500 to 600 metres above the lake. In some weather conditions, the route may be impassable.
Cycling and seasonal sports
Circuit VTT No. 5 Balveurche is a 19-kilometre loop with 400 metres of elevation gain. It runs clockwise; from Roche Boulard, there are panoramic views of Lac de Longemer. The route is suitable for electric-assist bicycles and can be reached from the town hall via the blue No. 5 link. Expect vehicle traffic on paved sections; check local signage before setting out. A challenging alternative is Circuit VTT No. 22 Le Poli–Saint-Jacques: it starts at Lac de Longemer, is technically difficult and covers 16 kilometres with 350 metres of elevation gain.
In winter, the Le Poli family ski area offers alpine skiing and snowboarding on two blue and two green runs, served by two ski lifts. As a seasonal facility, its operation and opening depend on conditions; check opening times and snow conditions in advance. Cross-country ski trails also run through forests and above valleys, with views of the massif and Lac de Longemer. In summer, the Xonrupt ski jump allows ski jumping on a watered plastic inrun. Check use and access locally.
Culture and when to visit
Chapelle Saint-Florent stands by Lac de Longemer. It was built around 1449 and rebuilt in 1727. It is open to the public during Heritage Days; confirm access for your planned visit date. At the Jardin d’Altitude du Haut Chitelet, families can pick up activity booklets, and the cultural programme includes a photography exhibition and summer events about nature. The programme may change with the seasons.
Choose your travel dates to suit your interests and check time-dependent visiting opportunities before booking. This lets you compare accommodation for your stay according to your own travel plans, without combining the different activities into a single excursion itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Bonvillet, Uzemain, Autrey, Pouxeux, Légéville-Et-Bonfays, Raon-L’étape, Hennezel, Rouvres-La-Chétive.
For the broader travel overview: Vosges.
