Gérardmer and its lakes
A quiet gîte half an hour from Gérardmer
Gérardmer draws the crowds, summer and winter alike. Le Fournil is in Docelles, a forest village in the Vologne valley: days by the lake or on the slopes, quiet evenings at home.
Why Docelles
Staying outside Gérardmer
At Le Fournil you have a whole house for six, two parking spaces by the door and the forest at the end of the lane. No hunting for a parking space, no street noise: in the evening, just the quiet of the village and the wood-burning stove.
Gérardmer is about half an hour’s drive away, and Épinal 20 minutes in the other direction, so the house makes a good base for exploring both.
Take the tour
In summer
Lake Gérardmer
It is the largest natural lake in the Vosges. A 6 km path runs all the way round, easy on foot or by bike. In summer you can swim, hire a pedalo and picnic by the water.
A few kilometres from Gérardmer, the lakes of Longemer and Retournemer feel wilder, with lovely lakeside walks beneath the fir trees.
More things to do
In winter
The slopes of La Mauselaine
In winter, the La Mauselaine ski area overlooks the town and the lake, with around twenty runs and night skiing on some evenings. For cross-country, the Les Bas-Rupts Nordic area is just above the town, and the Hohneck ridges are ideal for snowshoeing.
After a day outdoors, half an hour’s drive brings you back to the fireside.
Our winter guide
The house
Le Fournil at a glance
The village’s old bakehouse, restored: pink sandstone walls, beams, a wood-burning stove and picture windows over the valley.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Gérardmer?
Allow half an hour’s drive to the lake. Épinal is 20 minutes away and the Tendon waterfalls 10 minutes.
How many people does the house sleep?
Up to 6: a double bed and two single beds upstairs, in two interconnecting bedrooms, plus a sofa bed in the sitting room.
Are dogs welcome?
Yes, at no extra charge. The garden is only partly fenced, so keep an eye on your dog.
Book direct
Same house, same hosts, without the platform service fees. Instant confirmation, 30% to book, and free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival.