The Vosges Mountains are a stunning range of low mountains in the
Grand-Est region of northern France, near its border with Germany. The mountains cover approximately 8,000 square kilometres and, together with the Palatine Forest, a low mountain range on the German side of the border, form a single geomorphological unit. The range runs in a north-northeast direction from the Burgundian Gate, which is the Belfort-Ronchamp-Lure line, to the Börrstadt Basin, which is the Winnweiler–Börrstadt–Göllheim line. The Vosges Mountains mark the western boundary of the Upper Rhine Plain. The highest peak in the Vosges Mountains is the Grand Ballon, at an impressive 1,424 metres, followed by the Storkenkopf at 1,366 metres and the Hohneck at 1,364 metres. The region is entirely located in
France, extending far above the Col de Saverne, which separates it from the Palatinate Forest in Germany. However, the Palatinate Forest area continues the same geologic structure as the Vosges Mountains, but with a different name for historical and political reasons.
Explore the Vosges & Properties in the Area
The Vosges Mountains are a stunning range of low mountains in the
Grand-Est region of northern France, near its border with Germany. The mountains cover approximately 8,000 square kilometres and, together with the Palatine Forest, a low mountain range on the German side of the border, form a single geomorphological unit. The range runs in a north-northeast direction from the Burgundian Gate, which is the Belfort-Ronchamp-Lure line, to the Börrstadt Basin, which is the Winnweiler–Börrstadt–Göllheim line. The Vosges Mountains mark the western boundary of the Upper Rhine Plain. The highest peak in the Vosges Mountains is the Grand Ballon, at an impressive 1,424 metres, followed by the Storkenkopf at 1,366 metres and the Hohneck at 1,364 metres. The region is entirely located in
France, extending far above the Col de Saverne, which separates it from the Palatinate Forest in Germany. However, the Palatinate Forest area continues the same geologic structure as the Vosges Mountains, but with a different name for historical and political reasons.
Historical Significance
The Vosges Mountains have played a critical role in the
history of France and Germany. From 1871 to 1918, the Vosges Mountains marked the border between Germany and France, mainly due to the Franco-Prussian War.
Natural Parks and Conservation Efforts
Nature enthusiasts will be delighted to know that two nature parks are in the Vosges Mountains. The
Ballons des Vosges Nature Park and the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park offer a chance to explore the region's natural beauty. Additionally, the Northern Vosges Nature Park and the Palatinate Forest Nature Park on the German border form a cross-border UNESCO-designated Palatinate Forest-North Vosges Biosphere Reserve, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Protected Areas for Future Generations
In the late 20th century, a vast area of the Vosges Mountains was included in two protected areas, the Parc naturel régional des Vosges du Nord, established in 1976, and the
Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges, established in 1989. These protected areas are a testament to the region's natural beauty and the efforts to preserve it for future generations.
Key Information about the Vosges (88)
- Main City/Prefecture: Épinal
- Nearest Airport: EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
- Population: Around 370,000 (as of the latest census)
- Area: 5,874 sq. kilometres and 2,268 sq. miles
- Landmark: Gérardmer Lake, a picturesque alpine lake perfect for outdoor activities.
- Number of Tourists per Year: Approx. 2 million, drawn by its ski resorts, forests and spa towns.
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