Family nature weekend around the Pierre-Perçée lake

Day 1 - 1.00 pm

Introduction to wild edible plants

We began our journey in Grandfontaine, a village in the Vosges, at Aude à la Nature. Here we learnt how to recognise wild plants and edible flowers, how to pick them, taste them and cook them. Nettles, cornflowers, chive flowers, ground ivy, nasturtium leaves... a lovely introduction to the plant world, both for the children and for us. The workshop ended with a delicious meal we'd all made together: nettle pesto, nettle crisps and split pea spread with ground ivy. All enjoyed in a pretty, fairytale-like house on the edge of the forest. A great way to slow down and reconnect with what's essential.

16h00

Discover the Lac de Pierre-Percée and spend the night in a self-sufficient lakeside cabin

For the night, we headed for Les Cabanes du Lac de Pierre Percée, the only cabins in France to be entirely self-sufficient in energy. The children were ecstatic: a tree house on the edge of a lake, with only the birds singing, the leaves rustling and time slowing down. In the evening, we lit the candles and enjoyed a vegetarian raclette.

DAY 2 - 09h00

When we woke up, a hanging basket was waiting for us at the end of a rope. The children loved hoisting it up and discovering a delicious breakfast inside. Before leaving this incredible Canadian-style place, I took the opportunity to take a dip in the lake, a moment out of time. A beautiful moment of calm and disconnection. I really liked the Cabanes du Lac de Pierre Percée.

12h00

Lunch in a typical restaurant

On the way, after a short diversions to La Roche des Corbeaux, we had a lovely view of the Lac de Pierre Percé, where we could see its distinctive maple leaf shape. We then had lunch at Brasserie Tom's, at the top of the Col du Donon. It's a simple, friendly place where we enjoyed flambé tarts and excellent blueberry tarts, all homemade. As well as being delicious, the place was very kid-friendly, and we love that!

14h00

Donkey rides

Head for Luvigny in the Vosges for the next adventure. The purity of its air and its spring water fountains make it one of the least polluted villages in France. In the heart of the village nestles a little corner of gentleness and reconnection with nature: La Forêt An'imée. It's an unusual activity where you go for a walk with donkeys, to the rhythm of their footsteps. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that these animals love contact with humans, and especially to be cuddled, much to our delight. After pampering them, brushing them and harnessing them, we went for a walk with one of them. It was an experience that taught us to slow down a little more. It was a gentle, almost meditative walk. We took the time to observe, listen and breathe. A rejuvenating moment, just what we needed.

17h00

Overnight at a committed farm

After cuddling the donkeys, we spent the night at the farm "Les Prairies du Hang", a family-run and committed address where mares are bred for their milk, which is used for food and to make soaps. A peaceful place, surrounded by horses, greenery and lovely wooden games for the children, everything you need for a family holiday. We even had the chance to dine at the farm's table d'hôtes, where an absolutely delicious vegetarian menu was prepared especially for us. Our evening was filled with walks, swings and chickens, all in the cool shade of the surrounding trees and meadows.

Day 3 - 10.00 am

Family walk in the Bruche Valley

After enjoying an excellent breakfast, complete with fresh kougelhof and local honey, we went for a long, leisurely walk to explore the farm's surroundings and the magnificent, unspoilt landscapes of the Bruche Valley. The tourist office has created a number of walks for families. Some are even accessible to pushchairs.

12h00

Lunch at the Hôtel Julien restaurant

For lunch, we discovered the restaurant at the Hôtel Julien. A superb establishment, renowned in the Valley, with an elegant terrace overlooking nature and the swimming pool. A great opportunity to discover local specialities through refined cuisine. We had a wonderful time and, above all, the place was absolutely magnificent!

15h00

A gentle finish in the narrow streets of Strasbourg

When we arrived in Strasbourg, we showed the children around Petite France, an emblematic area of the city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its canals and half-timbered houses. A final moment to reflect on this lovely stay in the heart of nature, rich in encounters and discoveries, before jumping on a train to head home. A beautiful interlude in the heart of the Grand Est region, between lakes, forests and unspoilt countryside. A little corner of France that deserves to be discovered! As for us, we're already looking forward to going back!