Gérardmer Lake

Lake Gérardmer is the largest natural lake in the Vosges mountains, often nicknamed the "Pearl of the Vosges." It sits within the municipality of Gérardmer, in the Grand Est region of France, at an altitude of roughly 660 meters. The lake formed through glacial action, giving it the elongated, spindle-like shape typical of glacial lakes carved into mountain valleys. It covers about 115 hectares, stretches up to 2,200 meters in length and 750 meters in width, and reaches a maximum depth of nearly 38.5 meters. That scale is what sets it apart from the much smaller Lake Longemer nearby, in the neighboring municipality of Xonrupt-Longemer.

What does the lake look like up close?

A waymarked path circles the entire shoreline, running several kilometers and taking around one and a half to two hours to walk or cycle. The route hugs the water's edge, offering views across to forested hills and to the town of Gérardmer itself, which spreads along the lake's eastern shore.

What can visitors do on the water?

In summer, the lake becomes the heart of local outdoor life. A supervised beach run by the local sailing club, Union Nautique, operates from June through September, and several unsupervised natural swimming spots are scattered around the shore. On the water itself, visitors can sail, row, paddle a canoe or kayak, or rent a pedal boat. Motorized traffic is tightly restricted — only engineless craft or electric-motor boats are permitted, which keeps the water quiet and clean. Anglers also find good conditions here.

Is there anything to do in winter?

Above the lake rise the slopes of La Mauselaine ski resort, home to the longest ski run in the entire Vosges range and well-equipped lift infrastructure, including a high-capacity chairlift. That combination makes Gérardmer a year-round destination: a summer lake resort and a winter ski base within a few minutes of each other.

Does the lake host any events?

Yes — it stages one of the best-known firework displays in the Grand Est region. Large pyrotechnic shows light up the water on 14 July and 15 August each year, drawing crowds from across the area. In winter, additional light and firework shows take place at La Mauselaine during the Christmas and February school holidays.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Lake Gérardmer? It covers about 115 hectares, with a maximum length of 2,200 meters, a width of up to 750 meters, and a maximum depth of nearly 38.5 meters — making it the largest natural lake in the Vosges.

Can you swim in the lake? Yes. The supervised Union Nautique beach operates from June to September, and there are also unsupervised natural swimming areas around the shore.

Are motorboats allowed? Only non-motorized craft (sailboats, kayaks, rowing boats) or electric-motor boats are permitted; combustion-engine motorboats are banned.

How does it differ from Lake Longemer? Lake Longemer, in the neighboring municipality of Xonrupt-Longemer, is much smaller — about 0.76 square kilometers — and while geographically close, it is a separate body of water. Gérardmer is the larger of the two and the largest natural lake in the whole region.

What else is nearby? The La Mauselaine ski resort, with the longest run in the Vosges, and the waymarked shoreline walking path are the main year-round draws for visitors.