The waterfalls of the Vosges attract visitors in all seasons, but they are obviously most popular in summer. If you’re staying in Gérardmer or the surrounding area, there are 5 waterfalls to discover, each as beautiful as the next.
The tank jump
This is undoubtedly Gérardmer’s most accessible waterfall, located at the entrance to the town from Colmar or Saint-Dié-des-Vosges. Le Saut des Cuves has a free car park, so all you have to do is cross the road and you’re there in 2 minutes on foot.
This is a very uneven waterfall on several levels, and children are advised to take care as some parts are dangerous due to the lack of guard rails.
There’s also a small bridge where you can take a photo to capture your holiday memories in Gérardmer. Not far from the Saut des Cuves are the Iles Marie-Louise and the Gorges des Roitelets, and the Pont des Fées crossing the Vologne. You’ve got plenty to see, 100% nature!
Le saut de la Bourrique
This ten-metre waterfall is sheltered from the tourist crowds in a forest near Ramberchamp. To get to the Saut de la Bourrique, leave from Lake Gérardmer at the campsites, then follow the signs for the Col de Sapois. There’s no big sign to indicate where this Vosges waterfall is, so keep your eyes peeled! If you have time, head towards Le Phény to see the mérelle waterfall and its tower, which we’ll talk about in a later article.
The Pissoire waterfall
We’re heading for Haut du Tôt, a small village close to Gérardmer. It’s a funny name for this waterfall, but it’s well worth the diversions. You can start your walk from the village centre and follow the red ring indicated on the hiking signs. Wear good walking shoes and bring something to eat and drink. The cascade de la Pissoire is in a very quiet spot with little traffic, so you’ll appreciate it.
Tendon waterfalls (large and small)
Leaving the pearl of the Vosges, head for Épinal and you won’t want to miss these waterfalls, which are very well signposted. We recommend that you take the circular path, so that you can see the large Tendon waterfall and the smaller one while strolling through the cool woods.
Note that these waterfalls can be completely frozen in winter, and it is not uncommon to see mountaineers climbing the 32-metre-high icefall, the largest waterfall in the Vosges.
The small Tendon waterfall is very nice, with a second level that can be used as a bath, but be careful, accidents can happen so quickly.
Le saut du Bouchot
If you’re on holiday in Gérardmer, you’ll definitely want to visit this waterfall, because everyone’s talking about it! It’s a very impressive waterfall, with a very powerful flow in winter, but don’t get too close from the top, as there’s a risk of a landslide.
In summer, however, treat yourself: when the heat is on, you’ll get the back of your neck wet, and then gently plunge into the cool waters of this magnificent Vosges waterfall.
Good to know: At the bottom of the cascade, you can walk behind the waterfall, where there is a slight indentation to keep you almost dry.
Be careful, when you pass under the waterfall, it will whip your back, a high-powered massage guaranteed 🙂
As you can see from the photo on the front page of this article, the Saut du Bouchot has 3 levels. It’s at the top that you’ll find the heavenly spot where you can take a dip. The water is cold, but it’s pleasant in summer when it’s 30 degrees or more.
Where is the Saut du Bouchot? From Gérardmer, head towards La Bresse, passing through the village of Rochesson. The waterfall is in the forest before Vagney.
