Domaine des Messires

Some campgrounds have all the amenities you’re looking for, but Domaine des Messires has something extra that’s much harder to describe: from the moment you arrive, it just feels right.

The campground is spacious, beautifully green and wooded, and laid out very naturally around its own lake. The distinctive main building adds a lot of … character to the whole place, and the spacious campsites offer plenty of privacy and shade. There’s plenty to do and everything is well-maintained, but nowhere does it feel crowded, overrun, or overly organized.

What really makes the difference for us is the atmosphere. The owners and staff are exceptionally friendly, helpful, and always willing to do something for you. The other guests contribute to this as well: they’re mostly friendly and laid-back people. Connections form easily and naturally, without any pressure. If you’re looking for a social atmosphere, it’s there; if you just want to enjoy the peace and quiet with your own family in your own space, that’s just as possible. It’s precisely that combination that makes the campground feel like a warm embrace to us.

For our children, it was one big paradise. There are lots of kids—mostly Dutch—and they made friends in no time. In the morning, a quick stop at the arts-and-crafts club, followed by swimming, boating, and hanging out with friends. You don’t really see them again until they’re hungry or want an ice cream. Exactly how a vacation with kids should be, as far as we’re concerned.

With beautiful summer weather, the lake is worth its weight in gold. The water stays wonderfully refreshing, even when it’s really hot. Swimming, grabbing a free SUP or canoe, or just sitting by the water’s edge or on the little beach: there have been plenty of days when we didn’t feel the slightest need to leave the campground. Plus, there are plenty of swim vests and life jackets available to borrow, so the kids can have a great time on the water too.

It’s not only practical but also just really pleasant. In the morning, enjoy fresh bread from the bread service; there’s a regular farmers’ market, and at the restaurant you can have delicious and affordable meals, grab takeout, or enjoy a beer on tap at the end of the day. And perhaps even more important for the kids: being able to get an ice cream all day long.

If you want to get out and about, there’s plenty to do in the area. There are beautiful mountain bike trails, lively evening markets in the surrounding towns, and plenty of options for a day trip.

For us, Domaine des Messires is the perfect spot for a May or summer vacation—and especially for staying a few weeks. Space and privacy when you want it, a lively atmosphere when you’re in the mood, plenty of freedom for the kids, and all the comforts you need to truly enjoy your own vacation. We’ll definitely be back!

And then, of course, there were M. and A(braham). They, too, contributed in their own special way to a vacation we won’t soon forget. We’re still eating ice cream to keep the memory alive. 😉 Read more Show less

Amazing, amazing, amazing!!!!
What a gorgeous campground with really beautiful sites,
We definitely recommend coming back here!
I won’t recommend this campground—otherwise there won’t be any spots left for us 😂

A well-deserved five stars!

At first, we felt a bit out of place. The town of Bruyères and its immediate surroundings—aside from the beautiful natural scenery—do give off a somewhat run-down impression. But in hindsight, that turned out to be an advantage: it puts you just a bit further away from the very touristy heart of the Vosges and … the accompanying crowds, while Bruyères still has all the amenities you need.

The campground itself is beautifully laid out. Hats off to the owners for maintaining the balance between the campsites, the lake (le lac), and the forest on the property, which is all part of the campground. Hopefully it stays that way, because it’s truly a gem. We had a spot along the lake (at the end of the campground), which was perfect for us, since we prefer peace and nature. It’s a bit busier in the central area, but all the spots are spacious enough. You can even find the exact dimensions for each spot on the map. Water and electricity are available right next to each campsite.

The restrooms are well-maintained; we ran into cleaning staff several times a day. Of course, a lot also depends on the other campers... The showers are fine in the summer, but might be a bit trickier in the shoulder season. That’s because the water temperature isn’t very consistent. When it’s less crowded, this might be less of an issue.

There’s also a nice little beach, ideal for families with young children. But you can also just go into the water right from your own campsite! The tall grass in the water helps keep the pond clean (unlike the blue-green algae that often runs rampant elsewhere), though they could keep a slightly wider strip along the campground “grass-free.” SUPs and kayaks are available for free (albeit in 45-minute increments, but what a perfect service!). You can also borrow petanque sets and other games at no cost.

The restaurant is also excellent. In the morning, you can get delicious pastries there, and in the evening, you can enjoy a lovely and very affordable dinner. The selection is relatively limited, but the value for money is incredible. In short: this campground is a textbook example of how things should be. Not everything is perfect, but the guest really is the focus. You can feel it.

This specific area isn’t described in detail in the Michelin Green Guide, so planning a two-week itinerary takes a bit of searching. But—as we discovered on a bike ride toward the Hohneck—that’s actually not a disadvantage at all. It’s a 15-minute drive to Gérardmer and “the cols,” which has the major advantage of making the area around the campground much quieter. Our second bike ride right around the campground was actually much more enjoyable than exploring the famous mountain passes; after all, during peak season, the “Route des Crêtes” is practically a half-highway of RVs, motorcyclists, and other motorized traffic.

Recommended spots nearby:

Hiking: Cascades du Tendon, Tour des 3 Lacs (challenging!), Sentier des Roches (very challenging!).

Museums & Culture: Abbaye Notre-Dame d’Autrey, Écomusée du Pays de la Cerise, Fort d’Uxegney (a bit tedious), Camp Celtique de la Bure.

Towns: Saint-Dié-des-Vosges and Épinal are highly recommended; Remiremont is very charming; Plombières-les-Bains is an eye-opener. You’re better off skipping Bruyères itself and Gérardmer. We also visited Colmar and Eguisheim; it’s a little over an hour’s drive, but definitely worth it.

Atmosphere: The artisanal evening market on Wednesday nights (in the summer) in Granges-Aumontzey is really charming! Read more Show less

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We rented a tent ⛺ through Interhom, and despite the incorrect information on their website, we were warmly welcomed by our Dutch hosts. The campground is very quiet, and we appreciated how cool it was at night compared to the heat wave outside...