Weekend with Friends in the Vosges: Guide for a Group of 10

Why the Vosges for a Weekend with Friends?

Organising a weekend with friends for 8 to 10 people is a logistical challenge: finding accommodation large enough, activities that everyone enjoys, and a reasonable budget. The Hautes-Vosges tick every box: spectacular nature, varied activities summer and winter, generous gastronomy, and group lodges at prices far more accessible than the Alps.

Here is our complete guide to organising a memorable stay with friends in the Vosges.

Step 1: Choose the Right Accommodation

For a group of 8 to 10 people, forget hotels (too expensive, not convivial) and flats (too small). A group lodge is the ideal solution:

• Shared space: Large kitchen, dining room, living room — that's where the best memories are made
• Privacy preserved: Your own bedroom and bathroom, no drawing lots for the shower
• Group amenities: Game room, Finnish bath, barbecue — everything for fun without leaving the house
• Budget-friendly: Split between 10, a high-end lodge often costs less per person than a hotel night

What to check before booking: the number of bathrooms (ideally one per bedroom), kitchen size, outdoor space, and Wi-Fi (yes, even among friends, it matters).

Step 2: Plan the Activities — Our Top 10

In Winter

1. Ski Day at La Bresse-Hohneck
The largest ski area in the Vosges, 15 minutes away. 50 km of runs for all levels. Budget around €30/person for a day pass — much cheaper than the Alps. Beginners can take a lesson while the others hit the black runs.

2. Sunset Snowshoe Walk
The Col du Brabant, accessible directly from Cornimont, offers marked snowshoe trails. At the end of the day, the light on the snow is magical. Finish with hot chocolate at the lodge beside the steaming Finnish bath.

3. Raclette or Fondue Evening at the Lodge
The lodge kitchen is equipped for 10: raclette set, fondue pot, plancha. Stop at the La Bresse cheese shop for munster and raclette cheese. Add Vosges charcuterie and a good bottle, and you have the perfect evening.

4. Finnish Bath Under the Stars
Nothing bonds a group of friends like an outdoor Finnish bath at -5°C. The steam rising in the icy air, the stars above the firs — it's a moment you won't forget.

5. Pool and Foosball Tournament
Evenings at the lodge are as important as the days outside. With pool, foosball, darts and a cinema area, organise a tournament with stakes (loser does the dishes?).

In Summer

6. Hohneck Hike + Farm-Inn
The essential Vosges hike. The summit (1,363 m) offers a 360° panorama. Reward the group with a marcaire meal in a ridgetop farm-inn: Vosges pie, roïgabrageldi, farmhouse munster and blueberry tart.

7. Lake Day: Swimming, Paddle and Picnic
Lac de Gérardmer (25 min) or Lac des Corbeaux (20 min) for wild-nature fans. Paddle boards, canoes and pedalos available for hire at Gérardmer. Pack a picnic and enjoy the shores.

8. Mountain Biking at La Bresse Bikepark
For thrill-seekers, the Bikepark offers downhill runs with ski lifts. Bike hire on site. For the less sporty, the Voie Verte (flat cycle path along the river) passes through Cornimont.

9. Plancha Evening on the Terrace
In summer, the lodge terrace becomes a barbecue area. Plancha, sunset drinks, pétanque in the garden — the perfect combo for a summer evening among friends.

10. Canyoning or Tree-Top Adventure
For adventure-loving groups, local providers offer canyoning in the Vosges gorges and tree-top courses near La Bresse and Gérardmer. Perfect for creating memories (and laughs).

Step 3: Managing the Budget

A weekend with friends in the Vosges is remarkably affordable compared to the Alps or the coast:

• Accommodation: A lodge for 10 split by the group works out very reasonable per person per night
• Skiing: ~€30/day/person (vs €50-60 in the Alps)
• Meals: Shared grocery shopping + cooking at the lodge = massive savings vs eating out every evening
• Free activities: Hiking, snowshoeing, lakes, scenery — Vosges nature is free

Tip: Create a shared kitty for groceries and the lodge. Appoint a "shopping chief" to stock up at the Remiremont hypermarket on arrival. Don't forget: munster, Vosges charcuterie, Alsace wine and local beers.

Step 4: Practical Organisation

When to Go?

• Winter (December-March): For skiing, snowshoeing and fireside evenings. Book early for Christmas and February holidays.
• Summer (June-September): For hiking, lakes and terrace evenings. July-August is peak season.
• Autumn (October): Our favourite secret season. Few crowds, spectacular colours, mushrooms in the forests.
• Spring (April-May): Nature awakens, waterfalls are at maximum flow. Perfect for hikers.

How to Get There?

Cornimont is at the centre of the Hautes-Vosges:

• Paris: 4h30 by car (A4 then N66)
• Strasbourg: 1h45
• Nancy/Metz: 1h30
• Lyon: 4h
• Mulhouse: 1h

Car-sharing tip: With 10 people, 2-3 cars are enough. Organise car-sharing in advance to reduce costs and carbon footprint. On site, one car per 5 people is ideal for outings.

Our Recommendation: Le Repaire de Travexin

Le Repaire de Travexin was designed for group stays. Here is why our groups of friends love it:

• 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms: No queuing in the morning
• Kitchen equipped for 10: Raclette, fondue, plancha — it's all there
• Game room: Pool, foosball, darts, cinema area
• Finnish bath + sauna: The relaxation moment everyone agrees on
• Central location: La Bresse (10 min), Ventron (10 min), Gérardmer (25 min)
• Fibre Wi-Fi: For Instagram photos and Netflix evenings

→ Request a quote for your weekend with friends

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum capacity of the lodge?

10 guests in 5 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. The layout is ideal for 5 couples or a mix of friends.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed at Le Repaire de Travexin.

Is there a minimum stay?

Generally a minimum of 2 nights for weekends. During school holidays, the minimum may be longer. Contact us to check availability.

Can we arrive late on Friday evening?

Yes, a key box system allows autonomous arrival at any time. You will receive instructions before your stay.

Do we need to bring sheets and towels?

No, sheets and towels are provided and beds are made on arrival. End-of-stay cleaning is also included.