The Vosges in France. Rolling mountains that aren’t too crazy high, but just enough to make you feel on top of the world. The highest point is called Grand Ballon, and on a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the Alps. The forests are super dense, like something straight out of a fairytale. Lots of spruce and fir trees everywhere, and the wildlife is pretty cool too—think deer, lynx, and all kinds of birds. And then there are these serene lakes, like Lac de Gérardmer and Lac Blanc, just sitting there surrounded by trees and rocky cliffs. They’re perfect for kayaking, picnicking, or just zoning out for a bit.
Oh, and there are waterfalls too, like Cascade de Tendon, which is always a nice bonus.
The villages are cute little towns with cobblestone streets and those classic half-timbered houses. Some of them are surrounded by vineyards, and if you’re into wine, the Alsace region right next door is where they make some of the best white wines ever. Riesling, Gewürztraminer—so good. There’s even this castle, Haut-Kœnigsbourg, that looks like something out of a medieval RPG.
If you’re into hiking, the Vosges is like paradise.
There are trails everywhere, and you can just wander through forests, over meadows, and up to these insane viewpoints. The Route des Crêtes is this scenic drive along the ridges. In winter, the whole place turns into a snowy wonderland, and you can ski or snowboard at places like La Bresse. Not as intense as the Alps, but perfect if you’re more into low-key shredding.
Spring brings wildflowers, summer’s all about hiking and lakes, fall has these insane colours when the leaves change, and winter is just pure snow-globe vibes. If you ever get the chance, seriously, check it out. It’s like the perfect mix of chill nature retreats and adventure spots.
