Gérardmer ( or archaic Geroldsee, and Giraumoué in local Vosgian) is a commune in the Vosges Department, Grand Est (before 2016: Lorraine), France. Gérardmer is said to owe its name to Gerard, Duke of Lorraine, who in the 11th century built a tower on the bank of the lake or mer, near which, in 1285, a new town was founded.

Geography

Gérardmer is situated at a height of 2200 ft at the eastern end of the small lake, the Lac de Gérardmer among forest-clad mountains. Historically it has been the chief summer resort of the French Vosges and was a centre for excursions, including to the summit of the Hohneck and the Schlucht, which is a mountain pass from France to Germany. Nearer the town is the picturesque defile of Granges, watered by the Vologne, which at one point forms the cascade known as the Saut des Cuves.

Population

Culture

The Festival international du film fantastique de Gérardmer (literally Gérardmer International Festival of fantastic film, formerly named 'Fantastic'Arts' from 1994 to 2008) is an international festival of horror and fantastic films which has been held each year since 1994 in Gérardmer.

Notable people

Twin towns

Climate