Looking for a hike in the hills above Gérardmer? We highly recommend a visit to the Mérelle tower, an observatory created in 1964 overlooking the pearl of the Vosges.
Path to the Mérelle tower
A few years ago, you could get there by car, but given how busy the site is, the town council decided to ban motor vehicles during the school holidays. As a result, you’ll have to get there on foot, via a path that climbs steeply, but it’s well worth the diversions!
The start of your hike to the Mérelle tower observatory is in Ramberchamp (where the campsites on Lac de Gérardmer and the football stadium are located). You’ll head into the forest, as if you were driving up towards Le Phény. The path marked with blue circles is just on your right. On the way up, you’ll come across the small Mérelle waterfall, nothing like some of the waterfalls in the Vosges, but very nice all the same.
The panoramic view from the observatory
At an altitude of 897 metres, the Mérelle tower stands before you. You’ve finally arrived! It’s still a good 200 metres uphill. But it’s well worth the diversions, because this is the kind of hike in the Vosges that promises spectacular, breathtaking views. If you’re afraid of heights, stay at the lake!
Climb 85 steps, a spiral staircase where taller children will have to bend their heads. Once at the top (maximum 4 people), enjoy the view over Lake Gérardmer, the town, the ski resort and the surrounding area. It’s a breathtaking panorama that will leave you breathless at any time of year. We recommend that you go outside the school holidays, but if you want to go in summer, then go up very early in the morning!
Is this a trail for everyone?
This is not a hike for everyone, especially if you’re not used to mountain trails. There’s a steep gradient, and the path is often wet and slippery. So you’ll need good hiking boots, poles and some stamina. You can go with children, but a briefing and special attention are highly recommended. The return journey from Ramberchamp is around 5 kilometres, which takes 2:30 hours. The time will vary depending on your pace and how much time you have left to admire the pearl of the Vosges from the unmissable Tour de Mérelle! Don’t hesitate to walk around the lake if you prefer a leisurely stroll with no change in altitude 😉
