Gérardmer Lake, Glacial lake in Vosges, France
Gérardmer Lake sits in the Vosges mountains at an elevation of 660 meters (2,165 feet) and covers about 115 hectares (284 acres). At its deepest point it reaches about 38 meters (125 feet) and offers calm water surrounded by forested shores.
The lake formed during the last ice age through glacial erosion, which carved out a natural basin in the mountainous landscape. This geological formation has shaped the region for thousands of years.
The lake is a gathering place for the community, especially during warmer months when water sports events and local festivals take place. People use it for swimming, sailing, and picnicking in the surrounding parks and green spaces.
A marked walking path circles the entire lake and offers various entry and rest points. Swimming zones are available during summer months, and many areas are easily accessible with parking and rest spots along the route.
In the deepest areas of the lake, water temperature remains very cold year-round, supporting particular fish species. These cold zones are one reason the water feels so refreshing and why certain ecosystems are preserved.
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