The Vosges are one of those regions in France that feel perfect for a slow campervan trip. The landscapes are peaceful and green, with forested mountains, quiet lakes and scenic roads that invite you to take your time. It is not as dramatic as the Alps, but that is also part of its charm. Everything feels softer, calmer and easier to explore.
Travelling through the Vosges by campervan allows you to combine nature, small towns and outdoor activities without driving very long distances. The region is especially enjoyable if you like lakes, forest walks and mountain views, but also want a road trip that remains relaxed and manageable, even when travelling with children.
In this guide, we share some of the best places to visit in the Vosges by campervan, practical tips for overnight stays and why this region is a lovely addition to a campervan trip in France.
If you are still looking for your campervan rental, platforms like CamperDays allow a good comparison of availabilities and prices. Especially, when traveling during the summer months, you should book your camper in advance.
Why Visit the Vosges by Campervan?
The Vosges are very well suited for campervan travel because the distances between places are relatively short and the scenery changes gently along the way. You can spend the morning near a lake, drive through forests in the afternoon and end the day at a viewpoint overlooking the mountains.
The region also offers a good balance between nature and comfort. There are campsites, campervan service areas and small towns where you can easily stop for groceries or a short walk. This makes the Vosges a good destination for families or for anyone looking for a simple and scenic road trip in France.
Compared with some more famous mountain regions, the Vosges often feel quieter and more accessible. The roads are generally easier than high alpine passes, but they still offer beautiful views and a real sense of being surrounded by nature.
Best places to visit
Gérardmer
Gérardmer is one of the most well-known places in the Vosges and a good base for exploring the region. The town is located beside a large lake, surrounded by forested hills, which gives it a calm and pleasant atmosphere.
The lake is ideal for a relaxed stop during a campervan trip. You can walk along the shore, rent a small boat or simply enjoy the view from one of the grassy areas around the water. For families, it is an easy place to spend a few hours without needing a complicated plan.
Gérardmer also has useful facilities, shops and campsites nearby, which makes it a practical stop if you are travelling by campervan. It is a good place to slow down, recharge and enjoy the landscape before continuing deeper into the mountains.
We spent several nights at a campsite next to lake Gerardmer. From the campsite, you can walk to Gérardmer, walk along the lake and hike up to the viewpoint, which offers a breathtaking view on the lake. Although the beginning of the trail is quite steep, we managed to go up with our
Lac de Longemer
Not far from Gérardmer, Lac de Longemer feels a little wilder and quieter. Surrounded by trees and mountain slopes, it is one of the most beautiful natural spots in the Vosges.
This lake is a lovely place for a peaceful break, especially if you enjoy being close to nature. The setting is simple and scenic, with walking paths nearby and several places where you can stop and enjoy the surroundings. It is the kind of place where campervan travel feels especially rewarding, because you can take your time and enjoy the calm atmosphere.
During warmer months, the lake is also a nice place for swimming or picnicking. If you are travelling with children, it can be a good stop to let them play outside and enjoy a slower moment in the day.
La Bresse
La Bresse is another good stop in the Vosges, especially if you enjoy mountain activities. In winter, it is known as a ski destination, but the area is also enjoyable during the warmer months, with hiking trails, viewpoints and outdoor activities.
For a campervan road trip, La Bresse works well because it gives access to the higher parts of the Vosges without feeling too remote. The surrounding landscapes are green and open, with forests, mountain roads and small valleys that are enjoyable to explore at a relaxed pace.
It is also a good area if you are travelling as a family, as there are several activities adapted to children depending on the season. Whether you visit for a walk, a viewpoint or simply to enjoy the mountain atmosphere, La Bresse adds a different side to the trip.
Route des Crêtes
One of the most scenic drives in the Vosges is the Route des Crêtes. This road follows the higher ridges of the mountains and offers beautiful views over the surrounding valleys and peaks.
Driving along the Route des Crêtes by campervan is one of the highlights of a trip through the region. The road itself becomes part of the experience, with several places where you can stop for views or short walks. On clear days, the landscapes feel wide and open, and the changing light over the mountains makes the journey especially memorable.
As with any mountain road, it is best to take your time and check conditions before driving, especially outside the summer season. But in good weather, this route is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of the Vosges.
Memorial du Ligne
Towards the end of the Route des Crêtes, le Mémorial du Linge is one of the most moving historical stops in the Vosges. This First World War battlefield and memorial helps you understand the intense mountain fighting that took place here in 1915 between French and German soldiers. Next to the impressive memorial, there is a small museum which displays objects found on site and explains the harsh conditions soldiers faced in the Vosges mountains. We particularly liked the walk in the forest along preserved trenches and sites of the battle. It is a meaningful visit if you want to add historical context to your road trip.
You can find more information on their website.
Lac blanc and Lac noir
Lac Blanc is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Vosges and a great place to stop for fresh air, views and hiking. Surrounded by forest and rocky slopes, it feels more dramatic than many other lakes in the region, especially if you walk up to one of the viewpoints above the water. We liked this stop for a short walk and a picnic. In summer, the area is popular with hikers and families, while in winter it is also close to ski and snowshoeing activities.
Just a short drive from Lac Blanc, Lac Noir has a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere. The lake is smaller and darker, surrounded by steep forested slopes, which gives it a wilder and more secluded feeling. It is a nice place for a calm break, a short walk or simply to enjoy the mountain scenery away from the busier viewpoints.
Visiting Lac Blanc and Lac Noir together works very well, as the two lakes are close to each other but have quite different moods.
Hohneck
The Hohneck is one of the highest summits in the Vosges and a beautiful place to visit if you enjoy mountain views. The landscape here feels more open and exposed than around the lakes, with wide views across the ridges and valleys.
There are walking trails in the area, and even a short walk can give you a good sense of the scenery. It is a rewarding stop during a campervan trip, especially if you want to include a little hiking without committing to a very long route.
For families, the area can also be enjoyable, but it is worth checking the weather before going. Conditions can change quickly in the mountains, and it can be cooler and windier than in the towns below.
Vittel
Vittel is a pleasant stop to add to a campervan journey through the Vosges. The town is best known for its thermal heritage and mineral water, but it also has a relaxed atmosphere that works well for a slower travel day. The parks and green spaces make it enjoyable for families, especially if you want a break from driving or hiking. After spending time around the lakes and mountains, Vittel offers a softer and more peaceful side of the region, with space to walk, rest and enjoy a quieter moment during the trip.
Baccarat
The town of Baccarat can also be an interesting stop during a campervan trip through the Vosges, especially if you enjoy discovering places with a strong local identity. Known for its crystal-making tradition, Baccarat offers a different experience compared with the lakes and mountain landscapes of the region. Visiting the town gives you the opportunity to learn more about its craftsmanship and heritage, while also adding a cultural stop to your itinerary. It is a calm place to explore, which makes it perfect for a slow-travel family road trip through the Vosges.
Where to Stay with a Campervan in the Vosges
The Vosges offer several options for overnight stays. Campsites are useful if you want more comfort, especially when travelling with children or if you need showers, electricity or laundry facilities. Around popular places such as Gérardmer and La Bresse, you will usually find campsites that are well placed for exploring the area.
There are also campervan service areas in different towns, which can be convenient for shorter overnight stops or for refilling water and emptying waste. These are often simple but practical, and they make campervan travel in the Vosges easier to organise.
The Vosges also offer a number of great wild camping spots. One of our favorite spots in France is on the Route des Crêtes.
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Best Time to Visit the Vosges by Campervan
The Vosges can be visited in different seasons, but the experience changes throughout the year. Spring and summer are especially pleasant for hiking, lake activities and scenic drives. The forests are green, the days are longer and the lakes become more inviting.
Early autumn is also a beautiful time to travel through the Vosges. The forests begin to change colour, and the atmosphere becomes quieter after the summer season. This can be a particularly nice period for a relaxed campervan trip.
Winter offers a completely different experience, especially around La Bresse and the higher areas. However, if travelling by campervan in winter, it is important to be prepared for colder weather, snow and possible road restrictions. If you are lucky, you can use the winter time for sking holidays in the Vosges.
FAQ – Campervan Travel in the Vosges
Is the Vosges a good destination for campervan travel?
Yes, the Vosges are very well suited for campervan travel. The region offers lakes, forests, mountain roads and small towns within relatively short distances, making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace.
How many days do you need for a campervan trip in the Vosges?
A long weekend is enough to see a few highlights, but spending five to seven days allows you to explore the lakes, mountain roads and villages more slowly. If you also want to include Colmar or Alsace, it is worth adding extra time.
Can you drive the Route des Crêtes with a campervan?
Yes, the Route des Crêtes can be driven with a campervan in good conditions, but it is best to take your time and check weather or seasonal restrictions before going. The road is scenic but can be winding in places.
Is the Vosges suitable for families?
Yes, the Vosges are a great region for families. Lakes, easy walks, outdoor activities and short driving distances make it manageable and enjoyable when travelling with children.
What is the best time to visit the Vosges by campervan?
Late spring, summer and early autumn are usually the best times for a campervan trip. These seasons offer pleasant weather, green landscapes and good conditions for walking and spending time outdoors.
Conclusion
Campervan travel in the Vosges is a wonderful way to discover a quieter and very scenic part of France. The combination of lakes, forests, mountain roads and small towns makes the region varied without feeling overwhelming.
From the calm shores of Lac de Longemer to the views along the Route des Crêtes and the mountain atmosphere around La Bresse, the Vosges offer many beautiful places to explore at your own pace.
For anyone looking for a relaxed road trip in France, surrounded by nature but with enough comfort and facilities along the way, the Vosges are a very rewarding destination.
Map
To help you plan your route through the Vosges, I’ve added a map with all the places mentioned in this article, including Gerardmer, the Lac de Longemer, la Bresse and Hohneck. The region is quite spread out, so seeing everything on a map makes it much easier to group nearby places together and avoid too much backtracking. Whether you are planning a weekend escape, a family road trip, or a few days in the mountains with your campervan, this map should help you choose the stops that fit best into your itinerary.