Top 9 Lakes around La Croix-Aux-Mines

Visitors frequently enjoy Lac Blanc for its stunning mountain views and as a starting point for hikes. Lac du Forlet is also highly regarded for its tranquil atmosphere, picnicking, and fishing opportunities amidst steep mountains. The Black Lake, with its nearby restaurant and cafe, is another favorite.

Yes, Lac de la Plaine at Pierre-Percée is an excellent choice for families. It offers an aquatic leisure base with activities like kayaking, towed buoy rides, pedal boats, mini-golf, pedal karts, and children's play areas. There's also a refreshment bar on the beach for convenience.

For hikers, Lac de la Maix is a serene option, only accessible on foot, offering tranquil trails through the forest. Lac Blanc is a great starting point for various mountain hikes, and you can find specific walking trails on its shores. The small circuit around the Black Lake also provides a pleasant walk, though it requires sure-footedness.

Swimming is generally prohibited in many of the mountain lakes in the region, including Lac Blanc and Lac de la Maix, to preserve their natural state. At Lac de la Plaine, swimming has been temporarily suspended due to silting in a shallow area, though other water activities continue.

Yes, Lac de la Maix is a mystical site recognized as one of the last natural lakes of glacial formation in the Vosges massif. It features emerald green waters, dwarf water lilies, and a chapel built on a crypt next to the ruins of the Hermitage de la Mer, steeped in history and legend.

The Taubenklangfelsen Viewpoint offers a spectacular panorama of Lac du Forlet, the Rhine plain, the Vosges, and even the Black Forest beyond the Rhine. Lac Blanc also provides beautiful views from its shores and surrounding trails.

Beyond hiking, you can find various outdoor activities. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are numerous MTB trails around La Croix-Aux-Mines, some passing near lakes like the Bikepark Lac Blanc. Running is also popular, with several running trails in the vicinity. At Lac de la Plaine, you can enjoy kayaking, pedal boats, mini-golf, and all-terrain scooters.

Yes, fishing is permitted in some lakes, such as Lac Blanc, provided you have a valid fishing license. Lac du Forlet is also a popular spot for picnicking and fishing.

Yes, Lac Blanc has an adjoining restaurant, and the Black Lake also has a restaurant and cafe nearby. Near Lac du Forlet, a "Ferme Auberge" (farm inn) is recommended. Lac de la Plaine offers various accommodations, including gîtes, chalets, cabins, lodges, and camping spots, along with a refreshment bar.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but autumn is particularly stunning when the rock faces are speckled with colorful leaves, as noted for Lac du Forlet. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for hiking and water activities. If you prefer fewer crowds, visiting during the week is advisable, especially in popular areas.

While many trails in the Vosges can be challenging, the walking trails on the shores of Lac Blanc are described as very nice and suitable for the whole family. Lac de la Maix also offers trails ranging from easy to more challenging, with guided hikes sometimes available.

Lac Blanc has a parking lot conveniently located near the lake and its restaurant. However, Lac de la Maix is only accessible on foot, which contributes to its tranquil atmosphere. For other lakes, it's advisable to check specific access points and parking availability beforehand, especially during peak seasons.