Lac de Longemer

Lac de Longemer is a natural glacial lake sitting at the foot of the main Vosges ridge, within the commune of Xonrupt-Longemer in eastern France. Its surface sits at an altitude of 736 metres and covers 0.76 square kilometres, making it one of the two sizeable lakes in this part of the massif. Its modest scale and mountain backdrop make it a favourite half-day trip from Gérardmer and the surrounding valleys.

Where exactly is the lake located?

The lake lies in the Vosges department, within the Grand Est region, a short drive from the town centre of Gérardmer, with which it shares the Vologne river valley. Wooded slopes and open meadows typical of the mid-altitude Vosges landscape surround the water on most sides. Local roads run along parts of the shoreline, and Gérardmer remains the nearest sizeable tourist town for accommodation and services.

Can you swim, and is there a beach?

Sections of the shoreline have sandy beach areas suitable for summer swimming. Bathing is allowed but unsupervised, so visitors — particularly families with children — should exercise their own judgement about water conditions. A few designated zones keep swimmers away from boat traffic, giving the lake a calmer feel than some of the busier waters in the region.

What else can you do at the lake?

Beyond swimming, a pedal-boat rental point operates on the shore, letting visitors get out on the water without their own equipment. Anglers can fish from 1 May to 1 November, with a separate closing date of the third Sunday of September for salmonid species, provided they hold a local fishing permit. Species present include trout, pike-perch, perch, pike, tench, roach and chub. Walkers can follow a marked path that circles the entire lake in roughly an hour, an easy option for those short on time.

Is this the same lake as Lac de Gérardmer?

No. Lac de Longemer and the neighbouring Lac de Gérardmer are two separate bodies of water, a few kilometres apart and linked through the same Vologne valley. Longemer is noticeably smaller in surface area than the lake at Gérardmer and keeps a quieter, less built-up shoreline — there is no sizeable town directly on its banks, and development along the water stays scattered. Visitors planning a trip to this part of the Vosges should keep the distinction in mind, since the two lakes are often confused given their proximity and shared glacial origin.

What is the surrounding area like?

The landscape around the lake reflects the wider Vosges: rounded mid-altitude hills, coniferous forest and river valleys. Summers bring a mild mountain climate well suited to both lakeside relaxation and hiking on nearby trails. In winter, the Gérardmer and Xonrupt-Longemer area also serves as a base for reaching Vosges ski resorts, though the lake itself is primarily associated with the summer season.

FAQ

Is it safe to swim in Lac de Longemer? Swimming is permitted but not supervised — there is no lifeguard, so entering the water is at each visitor's own risk.

Do you need a permit to fish? Yes, a local fishing permit is required, and the season runs from 1 May to 1 November, with an earlier closing date for salmonid species.

How long does it take to walk around the lake? The path circling the full lake takes about an hour, depending on pace.

Is Lac de Longemer the same as Lac de Gérardmer? No, they are two distinct neighbouring lakes; Longemer is smaller and has a quieter, less developed shoreline.

Can you rent boats or watercraft? Yes, a pedal-boat rental point is available on the shore.