Commune of the Grand-Est, Gérardmer takes place in the department of Vosges, in Lorraine. Nicknamed the Pearl of the Vosges by the brother of Victor Hugo, Abel, it is not far from Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, in the Regional Natural Park of the Ballons of the Vosges. Also a winter sports resort, the town is known for its landscapes and for its cultural activity.
Gérardmer, according to historians, was created in 1285, and has had a long history common with the duchy of Lorraine and the abbey of the canons of Remiremont. Built in the middle of the 16th century, the town grew strongly in the 18th century with the arrival of the railway, then with the arrival of Alsatian textile manufacturers, following the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine by Germany.
Although the city suffered greatly from the destruction of the Second World War, it continues to be appreciated by tourists for its charm and sports facilities. One can still admire an interesting architectural heritage, as well as exceptional landscapes.
The main tourist attraction of Gérardmer, the ski resort of La Mauselaine is the second ski area of the Vosges and has no less than forty kilometers of alpine skiing. Enjoyed by skiers, it also offers the practice of night skiing.
In summer, other activities are offered such as rowing, kayaking, canoeing or sailing on the lake. In the cold season, the lake also offers under-ice dives. The municipality also has the Nordic ski resort of Les Bas Rupts, connected to the Xonrupt-Longemer and La Bresse estates. It has a hundred kilometers of slopes, as well as a 65-meter ski jump.
Several religious buildings take place on the commune of Gérardmer, like the chapel Notre-Dame-du-Calvaire, located in the heart of the city, in the cemetery. Built in the first half of the 19th century, it was restored in the 1920s and now houses a Virgin and Child of the 16th century. The Saint-Etienne chapel is a granite reproduction of a Finnish wooden chapel. Built by a family of textile manufacturers in 1901, it is located in the hamlet of Kichompré, just like the 17th century Saint-Jacques chapel. Used as a place of worship until the German invasion in 1940, the synagogue of Géradmer dates from the mid-nineteenth century.
The tour-observatory of Mérelle is accessible via the hiking trail starting from the lake, near the stadium. On its height, it offers an impressive panorama of the lake, as well as the city and the ski area. Other hiking trails can be traveled to enjoy the flora and fauna like the blooming of April daffodils. The Paths of the Vologne trail or the path of discovery of the peat bogs of the Great Pond.
The town also has a casino with different games tables, slot machines and shows of all kinds.
The market is held on Thursday and Saturday morning. A Christmas market is also proposed during the month of December.
The Gérardmer International Fantastic Film Festival takes place every year on the last weekend of January. It features screenings of feature and short films, meetings with artists, and awards.
Every two years in April, the feast of daffodils offers a parade of floats and various animations, the next taking place in 2019.
On July 14 and August 14, the pyrosymphonies of the lake reveal fireworks of exception.
International competition, the Gérardmer triathlon is held every year on the first weekend of September. It takes place around Lake Gérardmer and offers tours for the youngest.
The garden Berchigranges: an extraordinary garden in the middle of the fir trees, awarded "garden elected of the year" in 2005 to 10 km of Gérardmer.
Summer toboggan practice at the Schlucht Pass.
Visit of the Confiserie des Hautes Vosges (CDHV) in Plainfaing, about 25 minutes.
Karting practice in Gerbépal, 11 km from Gérardmer.
The leather workshop Klair with a K, arts and crafts, in Basse-sur-le-Rupt. Receives by appointment. At about 20 min.