Gérardmer and the Vosges in autumn: 5 unforgettable van escapes

Discover the Vosges under the fiery hues of autumn, with mirror-like lakes, golden forests and characterful villages. A nature road trip to savour in a van or motorhome.

By the Le Campeur editorial team · 10 September 2026

Autumn turns the Vosges into a living painting, where beech and maple trees vie in shades of red and gold. Between contemplative walks, breathtaking panoramas and local heritage, this region is an invitation to slow down and marvel. Here are 5 must-see spots to explore by van, with landscapes that will make you want to extend the adventure.

Lac de Gérardmer

This Vosges gem, ringed by mountains, takes on golden reflections in autumn. A walk around the lake offers unrivalled views of the fiery forests and surrounding peaks.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping des sapins Campsite ★ 4.4 Family-friendly campsite by the lake, 200 m on foot. Shaded pitches, clean facilities, absolute peace. › Lakeside road parking Gérardmer Parking ★ 4 Free parking by the lake, 7 min walk. Clear views, recycling bins, ideal for night walks. › Quiet forest parking Xonrupt-Longemer Parking ★ 4.7 Secluded forest car park, 5 min drive. Water source, wild setting, perfect for hikers. › La Ferme Grandemange Campsite ★ 4.6 Authentic dairy farm, 5 min drive. Grass pitches, homemade Munster cheese, warm welcome. › Chemin du Rond Faing, Gérardmer Motorhome area ★ 3.7 Paid area (€8/night) at the foot of the slopes, 37 min walk. Tarmac, flat, coin-operated meter, handy for skiers. ›

Ballon d'Alsace

Accessible by car or on foot, this iconic summit stands at 1,247 metres. On clear days, the view stretches as far as the Alps and the Black Forest, with stunning autumn landscapes.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Les Deux Ballons Campsite ★ 4.5 Family campsite in the Vosges valley, giant pool and flat pitches. 5 km from Ballon, rated 4.5/5. › Ballon d'Alsace parking Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle Parking ★ 4.5 Free parking at the foot of Ballon, toilets and water 24/7. 10 min walk, very quiet. › Flat parking near Planche des Belles Filles in Plancher-les-Mines Parking ★ 4.7 Forest car park by the river, tarmac and flat. 8 min drive, access to Col de Servance. › Camping à la ferme — Sewen Campsite ★ 4.7 Farm campsite, local food and warm welcome. 13 min walk, peaceful valley. › Camping-car parking Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle Parking ★ 4.5 Large station car park, quiet and isolated at altitude. 7 min drive, all vehicle sizes. ›

Cascades du Nideck

These spectacular waterfalls, hidden in the forest, are even more magical in autumn. The path to reach them winds through warm, misty underbrush.

Where to sleep nearby

Aire de service camping-car Oberhaslach Motorhome area ★ 4.5 Free area with hot showers and toilets, natural setting by a stream. 5 min drive (4 km). › Luttenbach camping Campsite ★ 4.4 Quiet associative campsite in the forest, by a river, shaded pitches. 23 min walk. › Free tourist office parking Wangenbourg-Engenthal Parking ★ 4.4 Central car park with valley views, clean toilets and nearby bakery. 6 min drive (5 km). › Forest parking with Nideck castle view Oberhaslach Parking ★ 4.3 Very quiet forest car park, direct view of Nideck Castle 100 m away. 5 min walk. › Camping des Huttes Campsite ★ 4.4 Family campsite in Alsatian forest, heated facilities, welcoming atmosphere. 5 min drive (4 km). ›

Col de la Schlucht

This legendary pass connects Gérardmer to Munster and offers grand panoramas over the Vosges valleys. In autumn, the slopes are dressed in fiery hues, perfect for a photo stop.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping du Lac Campsite ★ 4.7 4.7★ campsite by Lake Longemer, direct beach access. 5 min drive (5 km). › View parking Soultzeren Parking ★ 4.7 Free parking with stunning views over the Munster valley. 5 min drive (5 km). › Auberge de la Chaume du Firstmiss Campsite ★ 4.7 Private car park at altitude, clear views, mandatory meal at the inn. 6 min drive (6 km). › Flat parking by ski jump cabin La Bresse Parking ★ 4.4 Isolated spot at the foot of a ski jump, access via narrow track. 6 min drive (6 km). › Camping des Jonquilles Campsite ★ 4.4 4.4★ campsite with direct access to Lake Longemer and swimming. 6 min drive (5 km). ›

Village of Munster

This charming Alsatian village, nestled at the foot of the Vosges, wins hearts with its heritage and half-timbered houses. In autumn, its cobbled streets and local markets exude warmth and conviviality.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping le Beau Rivage Campsite ★ 4.6 Campsite by the River La Fecht, shaded pitches. 4.6/5, ideal for hikes, 44 min walk. › Rue du Docteur Heid, Munster Motorhome area ★ 3.9 Municipal area with electricity and WiFi, €16/night. Close to town centre and station, 6 min walk. › Forest quarry parking Labaroche Parking ★ 4.7 Secluded meadow in a former quarry, natural setting. Free, 4.7/5, 7 min drive. › View parking Soultzeren Parking ★ 4.7 Perched spot with views over the Munster valley. Free, quiet at night, 5 min drive. › Camping La Route Verte Campsite ★ 4.3 Shaded campsite in the heart of the village, near shops. 4.3/5, 5 min drive. ›

Hohneck

This iconic summit, reachable by hike or chairlift, overlooks the Thur valley. In autumn, the alpine pastures and ridges put on a breathtaking natural show.

Where to sleep nearby

Quiet parking with ski lifts La Bresse Parking ★ 4.4 Direct access to Hohneck, ultra-quiet night. Stunning ridge views. › Camping du Lac Campsite ★ 4.7 By Lake Longemer, spacious pitches. Rated 4.7, family-friendly atmosphere. › Parking picnic tables Sondernach Parking ★ 4.7 Shaded parking by a stream. 7 min from Hohneck, picnic tables. › Auberge de la Chaume du Firstmiss Campsite ★ 4.7 Private car park at altitude, clear views. Mandatory meal at the inn, 39 min walk. › Forest alcove parking La Bresse Parking ★ 5 Discreet forest clearing, dotted with fir trees. Free and quiet, 5 min drive. ›

See all spots on the map