Tête de Grouvelin

Tête de Grouvelin is a 1,137-metre summit in the Vosges massif, straddling the boundary between the towns of Gérardmer and La Bresse in eastern France. It's the highest point of Gérardmer and of the La Mauselaine ski area, and a favorite half-day hiking target for visitors staying around the Vosges lakes.

How do you get there?

The most convenient starting point is Gérardmer itself, from which the GR 533 long-distance trail climbs to the summit — part of a route that runs the length of the Vosges from north to south. A shorter alternative is the yellow-triangle marked path, which also reaches the top and is often used as a quicker loop. No climbing experience is needed: this is a classic Vosges walk through forest and pasture tracks, manageable for anyone with average fitness. Along the way, on the link between Gérardmer and Grouvelin, hikers can stop at the Auberge de Grouvelin, a mountain inn that has long served as a rest and meal stop on this route.

What will you see?

The summit is capped by a small chaume — a high mountain pasture typical of the upper Vosges, where forest gives way to open grassland. An orientation table stands at the top, helping visitors identify the peaks around them. From here the view stretches across the whole High Vosges ridge: on a clear day you can pick out Donon to the north and Ballon d'Alsace to the south, with the distinctive silhouette of the Hohneck rising between them — one of the region's highest points. It's one of those viewpoints that frames almost the entire Vosges crest in a single sweep.

The area around Tête de Grouvelin is also a good place to take in the landscape the Vosges are known for: a mosaic of spruce forest, mountain pastures, and glacial valleys holding the lakes of Gérardmer and Longemer.

When should you visit?

Summer and early autumn keep the path dry and easiest to walk, and visibility from the orientation table tends to be at its best. In winter, the Grouvelin area sits next to the La Mauselaine ski runs, making it an appealing stop for anyone combining snowshoe outings with a ski stay in Gérardmer. In spring and autumn, check the forecast before setting out — the upper Vosges can turn windy and change weather quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Tête de Grouvelin? The summit reaches 1,137 metres and is the highest point in the municipality of Gérardmer.

How long does the climb from Gérardmer take? Depending on the route chosen (the GR 533 or the yellow-triangle path) and your pace, the one-way walk usually takes about one and a half to two hours.

Is there anywhere to eat at the top? There's no restaurant right at the summit, but the Auberge de Grouvelin, a traditional mountain inn, sits along the approach and makes a good stop.

What can you see from the orientation table? On a clear day the panorama takes in Donon to the north, the Hohneck ridge in the middle distance, and Ballon d'Alsace to the south — essentially the full High Vosges skyline.