Xonrupt-Longemer: Lac de Longemer, hiking trails and winter sports

In Xonrupt-Longemer, Lac de Longemer and the trails through the landscape shape the experience of a stay. There are also seasonal activities on the water and in the snow, as well as routes for hikers and cyclists. Which ones suit your trip also depends on how much time you plan for each route and the time of year you visit.

Lac de Longemer: lake and lakeside trails

Lac de Longemer is a glacial lake at an altitude of 736 metres. The Vologne flows through it, and it covers an area of 76 hectares. The lake and its 900-hectare surroundings have been protected as a remarkable natural site since 2002. A signposted footpath circles the lake in about an hour. This is an estimate; trail conditions may vary slightly depending on maintenance.

Swimming in Lac de Longemer is permitted, but the area is not supervised. Check local notices and water quality before swimming. Boats and pedal boats can be rented on the shore; rentals are seasonal, so it is advisable to check before your trip. This lets you plan time by the water and a walk separately, rather than combining them into a single activity.

Hiking: circular trails and nature observation

The signposted hiking trail network in Xonrupt includes circular routes and connections to neighbouring municipalities. The trails take you to the lakes, the Vologne and the forested Hautes-Vosges massif. The routes vary in length and time required: the Balade de la Tourbière de Belbriette is listed as 5.7 kilometres long, with 75 metres of elevation gain and an estimated duration of one hour and 45 minutes. From the barrier on the Route forestière de Belbriette, the peat bog is another 1.3 kilometres on foot. Winter conditions and the weather may affect access.

The Sentier de découverte du delta du ruisseau Saint-Jacques is described as an easy, three-kilometre trail with an estimated duration of two hours. Along the way, nature observation combines with historic remains and a landscape shaped by the ice ages. Compared with the roughly one-hour loop around Lac de Longemer, it shows that distance alone gives little indication of how much time to allow; the stated duration and trail character can help you choose.

The Balade des cascades de Retournemer et de Charlemagne also links several landscape features: it follows the Vologne to the Retournemer waterfall, circles Lac de Retournemer and climbs to the Charlemagne waterfall. In some weather conditions, this route can be difficult to walk. At the outflow of Lac de Retournemer, Cascade de Retournemer drops gently over ten metres; Cascade Charlemagne consists of several small, successive waterfalls on the Vologne, about 500 to 600 metres above the lake.

Cycling and winter sports

A cycle path crosses Xonrupt-Longemer and runs along the shore of Lac de Longemer. For a longer mountain-bike ride, Circuit VTT No. 5 Balveurche is a 19-kilometre route with 400 metres of elevation gain. It runs clockwise; from Roche Boulard, there are panoramic views of Lac de Longemer. The route is suitable for electrically assisted bicycles and can be reached from the town hall via the blue No. 5 link. Expect vehicle traffic on paved sections.

Circuit VTT No. 22 Le Poli–Saint-Jacques is considerably more challenging: it starts at Lac de Longemer and is described as a difficult, technically demanding 16-kilometre route with 350 metres of elevation gain. Here too, some paved sections follow roads with vehicle traffic. Check the local signs and trail conditions before setting off.

In winter, the Le Poli family ski area offers alpine skiing and snowboarding on two blue and two green runs, served by two ski lifts. Check opening times and snow conditions before planning your visit. Signposted connections lead from the Xonrupt ski area to those of La Bresse and Gérardmer; you can check current markings and operating conditions locally. A striking summer contrast is the Xonrupt ski jump, where ski jumping is possible on a water-sprayed plastic inrun. Check local information on use and access.

Heritage and nature interpretation

Chapelle Saint-Florent stands beside Lac de Longemer. It was built around 1449 and rebuilt in 1727. It is open to the public during Heritage Days; check the date of the event for your visit.

The Ruisseau and Belbriette peat bog are designated as a Natura 2000 site for habitats, fauna and flora. Haut Chitelet peat bog can also be explored via the Jardin d’Altitude du Haut Chitelet: a boardwalk with a viewing platform, information panels and an interactive model help visitors understand the site. The garden showcases 2,500 alpine plant species and includes a high-altitude beech forest and a natural peat bog. Haut Chitelet peat bog offers self-guided visits, educational visits and signposted trails; visitor conditions may vary seasonally.

The Navette des Crêtes serves the “Trois Fours – Jardin d’Altitude” stop, about 200 metres from the Jardin d’Altitude du Haut Chitelet. As the service is seasonal, check operating days and the timetable in advance. Families can pick up activity booklets at the garden; the cultural programme includes a photography exhibition and summer nature events, whose content may vary seasonally.

Discover more destinations: Girmont Val D`ajol, Sanchey, Jeanménil, Hurbache, Sainte-Marguerite, Vittel, Rehaupal, Vrécourt

Return to the regional travel overview: Vosges.