Guide to Vosges & Property for sale in Department 88

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 about 8,000 square kilometres and, together with the Palatine Forest— a low mountain range on Germany's side— form a single geomorphological unit. The range extends in a north-northeast direction from the Burgundian Gate, which follows the Belfort-Ronchamp-Lure line, to the Börrstadt Basin, aligned along the Winnweiler–Börrstadt–Göllheim line. The Vosges Mountains define the western edge of the Upper Rhine Plain. The highest summit in the Vosges is…

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 about 8,000 square kilometres and, together with the Palatine Forest— a low mountain range on Germany's side— form a single geomorphological unit. The range extends in a north-northeast direction from the Burgundian Gate, which follows the Belfort-Ronchamp-Lure line, to the Börrstadt Basin, aligned along the Winnweiler–Börrstadt–Göllheim line. The Vosges Mountains define the western edge of the Upper Rhine Plain. The highest summit in the Vosges is the Grand Ballon at 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 retains the same geologic structure as the Vosges Mountains, albeit with a different name due to historical and political reasons. The Vosges 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 learn that two nature parks are located in the Vosges Mountains. The Ballons des Vosges Nature Park and the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park provide opportunities to explore the region's natural beauty. Additionally, the Northern Vosges Nature Park and the Palatinate Forest Nature Park, situated 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.

Property Prices in the Vosges in 2026

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1,540 (April 2026)
• Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €1,365 (April 2026)
• Price trends: +5% over the last 12 months, +35% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro - April 2026)

House Prices in the Main Towns in the Vosges in 2026

• Average House Price in Épinal: €1,722 per sq. metre (April 2026)
• Average House Price in Saint‑Dié‑des‑Vosges: €1,362 per sq. metre (April 2026)

(source: Le Figaro Immobilier)

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