Nature knows best, with its astonishing biodiversity and captivating relationships among species.
Preserving this life that populates our planet and raising awareness among young and old alike is essential. We need to get to know our environment, so we can better understand it. Here’s a quick overview of the animal species that you might cross paths with in the Vosges Mountains.
Observe wild animals
The goal of our stay is simple: immerse ourselves in the atmosphere that reigns over the Vosges Mountains by taking the time to observe and discover nature. Along our hikes, we hope to see wild animals in their natural habitats. We’ve even prepared a roadmap with the known geographical locations of the animals in the Vosges Mountains. Off we go for wildlife encounters.
info : An original outing: with the association Vosges en Marche, see the landscapes of the Vosges in a new light using watercolours or pastels. Each season has its own charm and inspiration. More info at www.vosgesenmarche.com
A night with the great stag
Immersed in the darkness of night, we wait patiently to hear the call of the great stag. After 30 minutes, we begin to hear grunting sounds: the rut has begun. Just a few metres away, the stag comes out of the forest to give us a spectacular show. Silence returns, and the deer stands still, as if taking a moment to catch his breath. Delighted from our outing, we return to the gîte to reflect together on this exceptional moment.
When worlds collide
In the forests and plains of the Vosges Mountains, the worlds of plants and animals coexist in perfect harmony. Along every hike, we keep our eyes wide open to discover the vegetation and wildlife characteristic of the area.
Discover the plants of the Vosges Mountains in one of the many gardens open to the public.
Where the animals roamn
Alongside Francis, our mountain guide, we head out in search of chamois at the end of the day.
A few minutes into our hike, we come across 2 chamois having a snack on the slopes. We stop in our tracks and silently let the animals savour a branch of yellow gentian as we take a few photos through the mist.
The gold of the ridges of the Vosges
Natural treasures hide in the Higher Vosges: daffodils and arnica. Wild daffodils bloom in the spring and are celebrated every two years at the Daffodil Festival in Gérardmer. Arnica grows high in the mountains and is very sought-after by pharmaceutical companies for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Night owls and early birds
Perched proudly on a sandstone rock, the northern raven almost seems to be mocking us. This bird of prey made its comeback in the Vosges Mountains in the 2000s. Further along, in the heart of the Vosges forest, the Eurasian pygmy owl graces us with its presence. It’s not easy to spot, standing just 17 centimetres tall, but with a bit of luck and some expert guidance, we’re able to make its acquaintance.