Attractions and Places To See around La Forge - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around La Forge, a commune in the Vosges department, serve as a base for exploring the Hautes Vosges region. The area is characterized by its tranquility, lush green surroundings, and rich natural beauty. It offers numerous opportunities to experience natural landscapes and cultural heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around La Forge
- The most popular attractions is Little Waterfall of Tendon, a waterfall that drops the Scouet stream 10 meters in two stages. It is easily accessible by a footpath and offers a beautiful setting with seating and parking.
- Another must-see spot is Mérelle Waterfall, a waterfall located in a picturesque forest area near Gérardmer. It is known for its impressive appearance as water cascades over rocks, creating an idyllic atmosphere.
- Visitors also love Great Tendon Waterfall, a waterfall where visitors can climb up. It is a great destination, offering a beautiful forest walk and a rewarding view.
- La Forge is known for its waterfalls, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage sites. The region offers a diverse range of attractions, from natural wonders to historical towns and museums.
- The attractions around La Forge are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 800 upvotes and over 280 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Mérelle Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
Merelle Observatory
Highlight • Summit
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Great Tendon Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Little Waterfall of Tendon
Highlight • Waterfall
About 1 km away is the Grande Cascade de Tenon. This is easily accessible by a footpath.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Donkey's Leap
Highlight • Waterfall
Strolling on the surrounding paths is a delight. However, beware of the slippery ground in the event of rain.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around La Forge.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Petite Cascade de Tendon – Small Waterfall in the Countryside Tucked away in the sparse forest near Tendon lies the "Petite Cascade," the smaller of the two waterfalls in the area. An idyllic spot where the water cascades over rocks into a moss-covered streambed – tranquil, natural, and refreshing. 💧 Ideal for a short rest, a few atmospheric photos, or simply to pause for a moment. 💬 Tip: Worth seeing even when the water level is low – best visited after rain or in spring.
4
0
The "Petite Cascade de Tendon" is also very impressive. The water cascades 10 meters into a thunderous drop in two stages.
5
0
A beautiful wooden tower with a narrow spiral staircase, it can accommodate a maximum of four people at a time. During the week and in bad weather, you won't have to wait long.
5
0
As already mentioned several times, there can be long waiting times for the climb, as a maximum of 4 people are allowed on the tower. To be honest, I'm used to higher observation towers. This one, with 85 steps, is rather small in my opinion. More information at https://visitgrandest.com/tour-de-merelle
3
0
We were there in bad weather. It was July and drizzling. That meant we didn't have to wait or queue
4
0
Pretty waterfall in the middle of nature. The path that runs alongside the waterfall requires a little agility to pass over the rocks... which makes the walk even more fun!
4
0
The Mérelle waterfall is a waterfall located in the Vosges, on the Mérelle stream, near Gérardmer. The height of the fall is certainly less than 5 meters, but the idyllic setting offers a magnificent experience of nature. The flow of the stream is not very high, especially during the summer months, so it is recommended to visit the waterfall in spring or autumn in order to fully enjoy the hike.
5
0
The Saut de la Bourrique is a waterfall in the Vosges located in the municipality of Gérardmer. The legend associated with the name of this waterfall is said to come from a donkey that belonged to a ruler. On his way back from the Crusades, he was attacked by bandits. To protect him, the beast pounced on them at the foot of the waterfall, where it perished with the infidels.
5
1
Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features, besides waterfalls, can I explore near La Forge?
Beyond the numerous waterfalls, the region around La Forge offers diverse natural landscapes. You can explore significant peaks like Hohneck, Ballon d'Alsace, and Champ du Feu, which provide panoramic views and hiking opportunities. The Vosges forest itself is a natural wonder with rich flora and fauna. Additionally, there are unique aquatic sites such as Lake Gérardmer, Lac de Bouzey, Étang de la Comtesse, and the Machais Nature Reserve, known for its floating peat bog.
Are there any family-friendly attractions or activities around La Forge?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Little Waterfall of Tendon is easily accessible by a footpath and offers a beautiful setting with seating, making it a great spot for a family outing. Many of the forest walks to waterfalls, like the one leading to Mérelle Waterfall, are also enjoyable for children, provided they are not too young for a short hike.
What historical towns or cultural sites can I visit near La Forge?
The wider area around La Forge is rich in history and culture. You can visit Épinal, the capital of the Vosges department, which features a picturesque old town and the ruins of a 13th-century fortress, Épinal Castle and Park. Other notable towns include Munster, known for its careful renovation after WWI, and Kaysersberg, with its attractive historic center and half-timbered houses. For architectural interest, the Ronchamp Chapel by Le Corbusier is also within reach.
Where can I find museums or learn about the local heritage near La Forge?
For those interested in local heritage, the Terrae Genesis - Centre de géologie et minéralogie near Vagney is an excellent choice, located on a historic granite site. The Musée du Bois (Wood Museum) showcases ancient tools and machines related to the wood and forest trades, including a functional 'Haut-Fer' vertical saw. The Kaïtel Forge quarry also represents a significant natural and industrial heritage site.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the waterfalls near La Forge?
Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and accessibility of the waterfalls. For instance, the Little Waterfall of Tendon is appreciated for its easy access and pleasant setting. The Mérelle Waterfall is noted for its impressive appearance within a picturesque forest. Many also enjoy the opportunity to climb up at the Great Tendon Waterfall, combining a beautiful forest walk with a rewarding view.
Are there opportunities for hiking or mountain activities around La Forge?
Absolutely. The region is ideal for hiking. You can find various mountain hikes, including routes like 'Iron spring – Mérelle Waterfall loop from Gérardmer' or 'Phény stream – Donkey's Leap loop from Lac de Gérardmer'. These trails offer a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Vosges. For more details on these and other routes, you can explore the Mountain Hikes around La Forge guide.
Can I go cycling near La Forge, and what types of routes are available?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The area offers a range of cycling experiences, from road cycling to gravel biking. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Col de la Schlucht – Schlucht pass loop from Le Tholy' or 'Lispach Lake – Longemer Lake loop from Le Tholy'. For gravel biking, options include 'Lake Gérardmer – Col de Sapois loop from Gérardmer'. You can find more information on these routes in the Road Cycling Routes around La Forge and Gravel biking around La Forge guides.
What is the Merelle Observatory, and what views does it offer?
The Merelle Observatory is a beautiful wooden tower with a narrow spiral staircase, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including Lake Gérardmer. It's a popular viewpoint, though it can get busy, especially on weekends. Visitors often mention the impressive design of the tower itself and the panoramic vistas it provides.
Are there any unique legends associated with the attractions in the area?
Yes, one notable legend is associated with the Donkey's Leap (Saut de la Bourrique). According to local lore, the waterfall gets its name from a brave donkey that saved its lord from bandits by jumping into the choppy waters with them. This adds a touch of folklore to the already picturesque natural site.
What are some other picturesque waterfalls to visit apart from the main Tendon and Mérelle ones?
Beyond the well-known Tendon and Mérelle waterfalls, you can also discover the picturesque Cascade de la Pissoire, located just 2km from La Forge. Other notable waterfalls in nearby villages include the Cuisinier waterfall and the Bouchot waterfall, each offering their own charm within the lush Vosges landscape.
Are there any botanical gardens or unique plant life to see near La Forge?
For those interested in botany, the region features remarkable gardens. The Jardin d'altitude du Haut-Chitelet, located about 21km away, offers a unique high-altitude botanical experience. Another option is the Jardin botanique de Gondremer, approximately 25km from La Forge, showcasing diverse plant collections.
Most popular routes around La Forge
Most popular attractions around La Forge
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
