Lac de Longemer is a glacial lake through which the Vologne flows, located at an altitude of 736 metres and covering 76 hectares. The lake and its 900-hectare surroundings have been protected as a remarkable natural site since 2002. Swimming is permitted in Lac de Longemer, but there is no lifeguard service; boats and pedal boats can be rented on the shore. A signposted footpath also allows visitors to walk around the lake in approximately one hour.
Those wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Xonrupt-Longemer can use Lac de Longemer, the peat bogs and the paths as specific reference points when planning their own trip.
Water and nature
The Ruisseau and the Belbriette peat bog are designated as a Natura 2000 site for habitats, fauna and flora. The Balade de la Tourbière de Belbriette is a 5.7-kilometre circular hike with 75 metres of elevation gain and an expected duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes. The peat bog is reached after a 1.3-kilometre walk from the barrier on the Route forestière de Belbriette.
The Haut Chitelet peat bog can be accessed via the Jardin d’Altitude du Haut-Chitelet. A footbridge with an observation platform, information panels and an interactive model provide access to the site. The peat bog offers self-guided visits, educational visits and signposted paths. The Jardin d'Altitude du Haut Chitelet presents 2,500 alpine plant species and includes a high-altitude beech forest as well as a natural peat bog. The Navette des Crêtes serves the “Trois Fours – Jardin d’Altitude” stop, approximately 200 metres from the Jardin d’Altitude du Haut Chitelet. Families can use playful accompanying booklets; the cultural programme includes a photo exhibition and summer nature events.
The Balade des cascades de Retournemer et de Charlemagne follows the Vologne to the Retournemer waterfall, circles Lac de Retournemer and climbs to the Charlemagne waterfall. Cascade de Retournemer is located on the Vologne at the outlet of Lac de Retournemer, where it gently drops over 10 metres. Cascade Charlemagne consists of several small successive waterfalls on the Vologne, approximately 500 to 600 metres above Lac de Retournemer.
The Sentier de découverte du delta du ruisseau Saint-Jacques is an easy, 3-kilometre path with an expected duration of 2 hours. It combines nature observation with the discovery of historical remains and a landscape shaped by the ice ages.
Culture
The Chapelle Saint-Florent is located on Lac de Longemer, was built around 1449 and rebuilt in 1727. It is open to the public during the Heritage Days.
Paths and cycling
A cycle path crosses Xonrupt-Longemer and runs along the shore of Lac de Longemer. The signposted hiking trails in Xonrupt include circular routes and connections to neighbouring municipalities. They provide access to the lakes, the Vologne and the Hautes-Vosges forest massif.
The VTT Circuit No. 5 Balveurche is 19 kilometres long, has 400 metres of elevation gain and runs clockwise. From Roche Boulard, it offers a panoramic view of Lac de Longemer. The route is suitable for electrically assisted bicycles and can be reached from Xonrupt via the blue connection No. 5 starting at the town hall. 22 Le Poli–Saint-Jacques begins at Lac de Longemer and is a difficult, technically demanding 16-kilometre route with 350 metres of elevation gain. The Le Grand Tour des Lacs Vosgiens cyclosport circuit passes Lac de Retournemer and returns to Xonrupt-Longemer.
Winter sports
The Le Poli family ski area offers alpine skiing and snowboarding on two blue and two green runs with two ski lifts. From the Xonrupt ski area, there are signposted connections to the ski areas of La Bresse and Gérardmer. The cross-country ski trails in Xonrupt pass through forests, run above valleys and offer views of the massif and Lac de Longemer. The Xonrupt ski jump enables ski jumping in summer with a watered plastic inrun.
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