Les Amis du Lac

Dust off your walking boots and head out on one of the lakeside trails to start with, then give them a bit more of a workout on the forested walking routes of the surrounding Northern Vosges Regional Natural Park. The Rocher de la Liese (35 minutes' drive) and the ruins of the Château du Falkenstein (25 minutes) are good places to take a wander; the views from the latter make a fine reward for the hike up the hill. Fancy a bit more local history? Take off to the ruins of Nouveau-Windstein or Schoeneck (both half an hour) or aim for the rather more imposing Vauban citadel in Bitche (10 minutes). While you're in town, check out the former military hospital, Sainte-Catherine church and lovely Garden for Peace. Keep your eyes on the pretty things with a visit to the crystal museum and glass museum in Saint-Louis-lès-Bitche (20 minutes) or the gorgeous Lalique Museum in Wingen-sur-Moder (half an hour). If that's all a bit delicate for your tastes, head off to meet the sturdier attractions at Ranch Bisons Safari (25 minutes).