Rechercher un lieu, une activité...
Randonnée au Lac de Perches

Lakes of the Grand Est

Looking for nature, pure water and breathtaking scenery? Discover the lakes of the Grand Est, a region of natural gems nestled between the mountains of the Vosges massif, the forests of Lorraine, the valleys of Moselle... and the immense expanses of water that border the plains of Champagne. Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen swimmer or simply looking for a peaceful break by the water, follow us as we explore France's most beautiful stretches of water.

Water-based breaks and accommodation

    Water activities in Eastern France

      Vue sur le lac de Gérardmer - lacs des Vosges
      Lac de Gérardmer

      Must-see lakes in the Vosges

      Lake Gérardmer

      The jewel in the crown of the Vosges mountains, Lac de Gérardmer is perched at an altitude of 660 metres and covers 115 hectares. In summer, you can swim, pedal-boat or paddle on its supervised beaches, or try your hand at sailing or rowing. The 6km walk or cycle around the lake is an accessible route offering a variety of views: wild creeks, wooden pontoons and clearings ideal for picnics.

      This lake, which originated in the ice age, is known as a "living" lake, as it hosts numerous water sports and festive events, such as the traditional Daffodil Festival and sailing competitions.

      Want to extend the pleasure? There are plenty of campsites and rental accommodation nearby, ideal for a nature holiday with family or friends.

      Lac de Longemer

      Lake Longemer

      Just a stone's throw from Gérardmer, in the commune of Xonrupt-Longemer, Lac de Longemer invites you to relax. Bordered by forests, this lake with its crystal-clear waters is the perfect place to set up your fishing rod. An ideal spot for a picnic with your feet up in the grass, it also offers a wide range of gentle activities: swimming in summer, paddle-boarding or simply contemplating the reflections of the Vosges mountains.

      Travellers' opinions are unanimous: the atmosphere here is family-friendly, soothing and conducive to a real return to nature, in the heart of the valley of lakes.

      Activités nautiques sur le lac de Longemer
      Balade entre amis au Lispach

      Lake Lispach

      At an altitude of 900 metres, near La Bresse, Lac de Lispach is a glacial jewel in the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park. Its floating peat bog, which covers part of the surface, transforms the landscape with the seasons, offering unique views in autumn and spring. Classified as an outstanding natural site, it attracts travellers with its rare flora and fauna. You can't swim here, but the unspoilt natural setting is ideal for contemplation and an easy hike around the lake is accessible to all the family.

      Lac de Blanchemer

      Blanchemer Lake

      At an altitude of 984 metres, in the heart of the Vosges mountains, Lac de Blanchemer is a glacial lake of wild beauty. Less well known than Gérardmer or Longemer, it charms travellers with the purity of its limpid waters, often reflected against a white sky and the fir trees of the surrounding forest. There's no swimming here, just an intimate atmosphere conducive to contemplative hiking, photography and nature breaks away from the hustle and bustle.

      Balade au lac des Corbeaux

      Lac des Corbeaux

      Located in the commune of La Bresse, Lac des Corbeaux nestles at an altitude of over 680 metres, in the heart of a dense fir forest. This mysterious glacial lake is enchanting because of the dark colour of its waters and the lush greenery that surrounds it.
      Swimming is not permitted, but the calm shores are perfect for contemplation and picnics by the water's edge. There is an easy path around the lake, offering a variety of views from the wooded heights.

      Lac de la Maix

      Lake Maix

      Lac de la Maix in the Vosges is a small glacial lake at an altitude of around 678 metres. Bordered by forests and lush vegetation, it has an almost mystical atmosphere. On its shores stands a chapel dedicated to Saint Maurice, a reminder of the local history and legends that fuel the imagination of travellers.

      It is said that its depths hide ancient secrets... Today, it is an ideal place for a peaceful stroll, with the sound of the trees and the lapping of the water...

      Deux randonneuses devant le lac Blanc

      Lac Blanc

      At an altitude of 1,055 metres in the Haut-Rhin region, Lac Blanc is a glacial lake nestling at the foot of the resort of the same name. Surrounded by forests and dominated by the Hans rock, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Vosges ridges.

      In winter, the Lac Blanc ski resort is a playground for skiing and snow sports. Travellers appreciate the diversity of activities on offer in summer, such as accrobranche (tree climbing), mountain biking, via ferrata...

      Water getaways in the Vosges

      Hike around Lake Gérardmer, paddle on Longemer or sleep by the water. Nature offers and wellness breaks among forests, mountains and soothing panoramas.

        Alsace, between mountains and panoramas

        Lac du Neuweiher

        The Neuweiher lakes

        Nestling between Rimbach and Oberbruck, in the Haut-Rhin region, the Grands and Petits Neuweiher can be discovered after a pleasant climb through the forest. Perched at an altitude of around 830 metres, these two dammed lakes, built in the past to power local mills and industries, are now popular with travellers in search of peace and authenticity.

        Their tranquil waters, ringed by fir trees, reflect the changing hues of the sky to perfection. People come here for a peaceful hike, a picnic by the water, or simply to savour the almost intimate atmosphere of these unspoilt spots.

        Randonnée au lac de Perches

        Lac des Perches

        Also known as the Sternsee lake, the Lac des Perches nestles at an altitude of 984 metres in a granite cirque in the commune of Rimbach-près-Masevaux. The lake is notable for its deep waters bordered by a spectacular rocky amphitheatre, a remnant of the Vosges glaciers.

        Accessible only on foot, it rewards hikers with impressive views of the massif and the valley below. There are no beaches or facilities here: the charm lies in the feeling of being at the end of the world, where the wind, rocks and water paint a raw and striking picture.

        Alsace to the rhythm of the water

        Explore the Neuweiher, Blanc and Perches lakes. Hiking, water sports and unusual accommodation for a natural immersion in Alsace.

          Lorraine, waterways of a thousand reflections

          Lake Pierre-Percée

          Nestling in Lorraine, Lac de Pierre-Percée and its neighbour, Lac de la Plaine, form an astonishing duo. The first, a vast 300-hectare artificial lake, impresses with its maple-leaf shape and wild banks. The second, smaller lake is dedicated to family leisure activities.

          Although swimming is no longer permitted, this in no way detracts from its appeal. You can enjoy a wide range of activities: forest walks, tree climbing, paddle boarding, canoeing... all in an unspoilt setting.

          That's what the Découvrir Ensemble influencers said during their visit: "Surrounded by dense forests, this lake offers a very pleasant setting for nature lovers and all kinds of activities".

          Lake Madine

          Combining wide open spaces and a variety of leisure activities, Lac de Madine is a destination of choice for families, sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. With over 1,100 hectares of water, it is one of the largest lakes in the Grand Est region.

          Its tree-lined sandy beach and supervised swimming areas offer a real seaside atmosphere in the heart of Lorraine. Deckchairs, playgrounds, restaurants and a small marina complete the experience, inviting you to alternate between relaxation and water-based activities.

          Hiking and mountain bike trails, water sports centres, protected bird-watching areas...

          Etang du Stock ponton

          The ponds of the Moselle, between nature and heritage

          Around Sarrebourg and along the Moselle valley, the ponds and large bodies of water are ideal for fishing, canoeing and peaceful walks.

          These corners of nature offer a wonderful escape, away from the hustle and bustle, to reconnect with what's essential. The reviews underline the tranquillity of these places, perfect for a nature break.

          Waterways in Lorraine and Moselle

          Head to Lac de Madine or Pierre-Percée for a getaway between forests, water sports and green holidays. Relaxation, adventure and soothing scenery guaranteed.

            Champagne, between beaches and forests

            Sortie paddle au lac du Der

            Lake Der

            Straddling the Marne and Haute-Marne, Lac du Der is a veritable inland sea in the heart of the Grand Est region. With its 4,800 hectares of water, it is one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe and a mecca for nature tourism in France.

            Created to regulate the flow of the Marne, it is now a paradise for travellers looking for a wide range of activities: swimming on its sandy beaches, sailing, paddle-boarding, catamaran sailing, cycling or walking along the water's edge. Its marina, playgrounds, restaurants and numerous rental properties in the immediate vicinity offer the ideal comfort for a holiday by the water.

            Lac du Der is also famous for a unique natural event: the arrival each autumn of tens of thousands of migrating grey cranes. Watching this aerial ballet from the viewpoints or on a birdwatching trip is an unforgettable experience.

            Lac d'Orient

            Lake Orient

            Located in the Forêt d'Orient Regional Nature Park, Lac d'Orient covers more than 2,500 hectares. It is part of a group of three linked reservoirs (Orient, Temple and Amance) and boasts sandy beaches, marinas and protected natural areas.

            There are supervised bathing beaches, sailing, catamaran sailing, fishing and water skiing. Its shores are also ideal for cycling and hiking. The site is also a great place for birdwatching (herons, ospreys, storks).

            Waterside stopovers in Champagne

            Enjoy swimming, paddling and cycling around Lac du Der and Lac d'Orient. Activities and nature breaks for an invigorating summer in the heart of the Champagne region.

              Activities and walks around the lakes of the Grand Est

              Lac de Madine

              Activities on the water to suit all tastes

              On large lakes such as those in the Vosges, Lorraine or the Champagne plains, sailing, paddle-boarding, canoeing or kayaking offer a different way of exploring the shores. The more sporty can try their hand at water-skiing or windsurfing, while those who prefer to relax can opt for a pedalo ride, lulled to sleep by the lapping waves.

              And for a different experience, why not try a trip in a rowing boat or electric boat, ideal for admiring the flora and fauna up close?

              Whether for fun, exercise or simply to savour the moment, water-based activities promise unforgettable memories to share with family and friends.

              Balade en bateau sur le lac de Madine
              Randonnée au lac Blanc
              Randonnée

              Hiking along the water

              From easy family trails to more challenging circuits, the lakes and ponds of the Grand Est region offer an ideal playground for hiking enthusiasts. Around Lac de Gérardmer and Lac de Longemer, there are a number of attractive routes that take you all round the water, alternating between undergrowth and open vistas.

              In the Vosges mountains, high-altitude lakes such as Lispach, Blanchemer and Lac des Perches offer wild landscapes and cool trails. A little further south, Lac Blanc rewards walkers with a spectacular view of the mountains after an easy climb.

              In Lorraine, Lac de Pierre-Percée and Lac de Madine are also surrounded by waymarked paths that invite you to alternate walks with contemplative breaks by the water. And for those seeking tranquillity, the ponds of Moselle and the confidential lakes of Haut-Rhin offer more secret routes, perfect for walking to the rhythm of birdsong.

              Journey to the heart of the lakes and their varied landscapes

              Explore the forests and nature parks around the lakes and immerse yourself in an unspoilt ecosystem. The glacial lakes of the Vosges massif tell the story of the geological history of the Grand Est region, while the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the mountains, surrounded by fir trees and ridges.
              During your stay, savour the diversity of the scenery, from wooded valleys bathed in light to mountain lakes with clear, soothing waters.

              Looking for inspiration?