Vosges Round Trip: Castles, Lakes and Forests for the Whole Family

This is where your journey begins. You'll set off in the morning so you arrive relaxed in Alsace, with breaks along the way.

The mightily rebuilt castle towers high above the Rhine plain and is easy to explore with children: the drawbridge, armoury and sweeping views bring the visit to life. The circular route is compact enough that even the little one can manage it well.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Ribeauvillé is a picturesque wine town at the foot of three castle ruins and a peaceful starting point for the first few days. Look for a holiday flat with a garden or courtyard, so the children have room to run around after the journey.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A shaded forest path leads up from the little town to the three castles of Ribeauvillé, of which Saint-Ulrich is the most impressive ruin. The walk is a pleasantly long one for the older child, but can easily be shortened at the first castle if the little one gets tired.

After the hike, the well-kept outdoor pool on the edge of town does everyone good, especially the little water enthusiast. There's a shallow children's pool and a sunbathing lawn, ideal for a relaxed afternoon.

On the way, a short stop in Kaysersberg is worthwhile, with its castle ruin overlooking the rooftops and its old bridge. An ice cream by the river and the climb up to the tower make a nice stopover for both children.

Lac Blanc lies nestled among rocks and forest at over 1000 metres and offers an easy circular path around the shore. The water is cool but, in late summer, well suited for paddling at the shallow edge.

Orbey is a green mountain village in the Weiss Valley and a good base for the coming days in the High Vosges. Look for a flat with a lawn or play area so the children can be outdoors.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Le Hohneck is one of the highest peaks in the Vosges and conveniently reached by car, so the final climb stays short. From the top, the view stretches across the ridges and into Alsace, a rewarding achievement for the eleven-year-old hiker.

The small mountain lake below Le Hohneck lies in a quiet corrie and is reached via an easy path. A peaceful spot for a rest and for dipping your feet in the water.

The largest natural lake in the Vosges offers shallow swimming spots, pedal boats and sunbathing lawns, ideal for a whole family day. The little one gets their fill of splashing about, while the older child can head off on the circular path or out on a boat.

Gérardmer is a lively holiday resort right on the lake with plenty of child-friendly flats. Look for accommodation with a garden or nearby playground, so the evening winds down peacefully.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The lively waterfall of the Vologne is reached via a short path and delights especially the little one with its roaring water over smooth rocks. A good, manageable nature stop in the morning.

The quiet Lac de Longemer lies in a valley surrounded by mountains and invites you to swim, stroll and picnic. Calmer than the big lake in Gérardmer and well suited to a mixed afternoon of walking and splashing about.

On the way north, it's worth stopping at the castle park in Épinal, with ruins, sweeping lawns and a small animal park. Ideal for stretching your legs and giving the children some room to run.

The sprawling fortress in the Northern Vosges combines old walls with modern additions and is easy to explore on foot with children. From the ramparts, the view stretches far across the wooded hills.

The small spa town in the Northern Vosges is a peaceful base for the final days among castles and forest. Choose a flat with a garden so the children can burn off energy.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The spectacular rock castle grows straight out of the sandstone cliff and, with its stairs, caves and the P'tit Fleck adventure trail, is a highlight for children. The older child can climb through the castle, while the little one plays on the discovery trail.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Right below the castle lies a small pond with seating and a shallow shore, perfect for cooling off after visiting the castle. A peaceful finish before heading back to your accommodation.

The pretty border town with its canals and half-timbered houses is well suited for a final stroll and lunch before the longer drive begins. A peaceful, child-friendly conclusion to your Vosges trip.

Return to Frankfurt and the end of your round trip. You'll arrive relaxed in the afternoon.