Looking for the perfect spot for a picnic in Ménil-de-Senones? Good news: when you stay at La Maison des Vosges, you’re right in the heart of a preserved area where valleys, forests, and rivers create the ideal setting for a gourmet break in the great outdoors. Here are 5 tried-and-true locations for a successful picnic, just minutes from the gîte.
1. Ortomont Hill – nature picnic on foot from the gîte
Perfect for a picnic with a view, this marked trail starts just behind the house. Plan for an easy 2-hour walk. Lay out your blanket on one of the grassy overlooks: total peace, endless nature… and sometimes even a deer in the distance.
2. Temple of Donon – 25 min by car
Straddling the border between Alsace and the Vosges, this mysterious site perched at 1,000 meters is ideal for a wild picnic with a panoramic view. Reachable on foot (20–30 minutes’ walk) from the Donon pass. Rustic tables await at the summit.
3. Lac de la Maix – 20 min by car
A small glacial lake nestled among fir trees, with postcard-perfect scenery. Ideal for a romantic or family picnic by the water. Several benches and flat rocks make the perfect picnic spots.
4. The Senones Abbey site – 5 min by car or 20 min by bike
For a cultural picnic, mix historical discovery with a gourmet break in the abbey gardens. On Monday mornings, check out the Senones market to stock your basket with local treats.
5. Roche Mère Henry viewpoint – 30 min by car
A breathtaking view over the Vosges valleys, reachable via a forest walk from Raon-l’Étape. A great hike and picnic tables at the top make this a perfect active outing with a rewarding panorama.
FAQ – Picnicking in the Vosges
Can you picnic in Vosges forests?
Yes, as long as you respect nature: no fires, no litter. Some spots have designated picnic tables.
Where can I buy local products for a picnic?
In Senones or Moyenmoutiers: farm cheeses, tarts, sausages, honey… available at markets or directly from producers.
Any ideas for kids?
Create a nature treasure hunt or bring binoculars for birdwatching!
Gîte tip: book your nature stay now
A picnic in Ménil-de-Senones is more than a meal break, it’s an immersion in the landscapes, traditions, and simplicity of the Vosges.
