Cabanes de Belfahy

There’s heaps to do around here: take the waymarked GR59 path, which starts just outside the site, or blaze your own trail with a wander around the forest that surrounds the park for views out over the surrounding valley and the Thousand Ponds plateau. Lac de Malsaucy 15 kilometres from base has a lake beach, watersports, a discovery trail and a miniature golf course. For a pamper, visit the thermal spas of Luxeuil-les-Bains, at the gateway to the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park. Apart from the health-giving properties of its thermal waters, this ancient Roman spa town is famed as a splendid spot to stroll around: you’ll see statues and gargoyles on architectural treasures such as the former residence of Cardinal Jouffroy, the Aldermens' Tower and Francis I's House, once saved from ruin by Napoleon 3. In winter, head over to Planche des Belles Filles ski resort for several ski slopes, snowshoeing trails and toboggan runs.