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The Vosges by motorhome:itinerary, advice, and organization

The Vosges by motorhome:itinerary, advice, and organization

The Vosges extend over three departments including Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin. This former part of the Lorraine region is also between the Seine, the Rhône, the Meuse and the Rhine. Its environmental heritage is therefore extremely rich and it is a destination of choice for motorhome lovers of resplendent nature in all seasons. The historical side is not left out, as there are also superb vestiges of the Middle Ages and Renaissance buildings to visit. The Vosges are therefore an excellent destination for spending a holiday in a motorhome.

Motorhome driving in the Vosges

Are you going to the Vosges in a motorhome? Be aware that the Highway Code is applied in these departments like all the others in France, however, on highway , the speed limit is 110 km/h . the three major highways are:

  • The A4
  • The A31
  • The A36

There are tolls on these areas which are quite expensive.

As the region is made up of mountain ranges and valleys, the roads can be snow-covered . It is therefore advisable to have winter tires if you travel at this season.

Where to park in the Vosges by motorhome?

The configuration of the landscape does not allow parking everywhere. Also, it is advisable to favor stops in the dedicated areas to motorhomes. Thus, you can spend several quiet nights without moving the vehicle, especially if you want to hike in this fabulous landscape.

In which season should you visit the Vosges in a motorhome?

There is no better season than another to visit the Vosges. As it is a mountainous landscape, it is as pleasant to go there in summer as in winter and other seasons. During the summer, the Vosges are appreciated by tourists for the hiking trails and the many lakes and in winter, they are frequented by lovers of skiing, calm and the mountains. You can therefore organize your trip according to the activities that best suit your daily life.

The ridge road

Between Cernay and Sainte-Marie aux Mines , you will discover an emblematic panorama that will take your breath away as you follow the ridge road built during the First World War by the French armies. On one side, you will admire the Vosges landscape and on the other the German Moire Forest. The Route des Crêtes passes by the Grand Ballon culminating at 1,423 m. If you want to take a short walk and get to the top, you can park and finish the route on foot. In this case, do not plan to do the Route des Crêtes in winter, because there is snow. On 88 km, you will discover splendid and still virgin landscapes offering you unique panoramas to take your breath away. Don't forget your camera.

If you want to take a circuit on the Route des Crêtes, we advise you to see:

  • Than
  • Saint Thiebaut Collegiate Church
  • Engelburg Castle
  • The town of Cernay
  • The Grand Ballon and the Hohneck Summit
  • Freundstein Castle
  • Markstein

The Vosges lakes

Traveling in a motorhome in the Vosges in the summer season means picnicking at the edge of superb waterfalls, swimming in the lakes when it is sunny, cycling or going on a hike. You can indulge in all these activities by going to Lac de Gérardmer , and even ride a pedalo. Also go to the town of Xonrupt-Longemer to discover Lac de Retournemer and its superb waterfall located on the Vologne going up the D67. You can also do the Tendon waterfalls if you go between Gérardmer and Épinal. In the middle of summer, this walk is very pleasant, because you benefit from the freshness of the forest and it can be done with the family. To park your motorhome, there is a car park on the D11, between Docelles and Le Tholy.

In the footsteps of Joan of Arc

If you want to learn a little more about Joan of Arc , go to the village of Domrémy-La-Pucelle which is the birthplace of the heroine of the 100 years war. You can visit her birthplace as well as the basilica of Bois-Chenu where Joan of Arc would have heard for the first time, the voices that spoke to her for the first time. You can also go to the village of Le Grand to discover its archaeological site concerning a Gallo-Roman city where one of the largest amphitheaters of the Roman Empire was built.

Epinal

During your circuit in the Vosges, visit the town of Épinal crossed by the Moselle. You will find a remarkable historic center on the right bank and magnificent Renaissance houses on its left bank. Must see:

  • Saint-Maurice Basilica
  • The Roman House
  • The Château d’Épinal and its park
  • The Chinese Tower
  • The Image Museum
  • The Planetarium, etc.

Finally, on a walk in the Vosges in a motorhome, stop at the farm inns to taste typical cuisine there as well as in the Vallée de Munster to taste the famous cheese of the same name. You can end this beautiful discovery with the highlight of the show by going to the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg to have an unforgettable memory or to visit Alsace which is not to be outdone to make you discover other landscapes, towns and authentic villages of our beautiful country. Good road and good holidays.