Meet the Messires Team: Staff Stories from Reception to Activities
Planning a peaceful, nature-first escape to the Vosges is easier when you know who’s there to welcome you. Meet the Messires Team is your inside look at the friendly faces and well‑oiled services that make lakeside days effortless—from smooth arrivals at reception to free canoe and paddle moments on our 5‑hectare private lake, children’s activities, and everyday comforts that keep your holiday flowing.
In this guide, you’ll discover how each part of our team supports your stay, what to expect from reception hours and arrivals, how lake activities work, and the practical details that matter—like laundry, Wi‑Fi, barbecues, and bread orders. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or a senior traveler, this behind‑the‑scenes tour shows how our people make the difference.
The heart of your stay: reception and guest care
From the first hello to the last wave goodbye, the reception team is your go‑to for check‑in, everyday questions, and helpful tips around the campsite and the wider Vosges.
- Where to find us: Domaine des Messires, Rue des Messires, 88600 Herpelmont, France
- Call us: +33 (0)3 29 58 56 29
What are the reception opening hours?
- Outside high season (24 Apr – 4 Jul and 29 Aug – 14 Sep): 08:30–12:00 and 14:00–17:00
- High season (4 Jul – 28 Aug): 08:30–19:00 non‑stop
These hours keep your day flexible—drop by to ask about local supermarkets in Bruyères (5 km), pick up laundry coins, or place a fresh bread order.
Until what time can I arrive on my first day?
- Pitches: arrivals accepted until 22:00
- Mobile‑homes: arrivals until reception closes (please call in advance if you expect to arrive late)
The team helps you settle in quickly so you can start enjoying the lake and the woodland setting right away.
Everyday essentials, handled
- Fresh bread: order any day of the season and collect the next morning at the bar/reception.
- Laundry coins: available at reception for the washing machines and dryers.
- Documents to plan your stay: the campsite map, 2026 price list, brochure, and general terms are available in the site’s “Documents à télécharger” section.
Lakeside activities team: swimming, canoe, paddle and fishing
Our lake is the soul of the campsite—a tranquil, private 5‑hectare stretch of water with excellent quality that welcomes free swimming, paddling and peaceful catch‑and‑release fishing.
- Free equipment: canoes and paddle boards are provided free of charge.
- Swimming: access to the lake is free for all guests.
- Fishing: permitted on a strict no‑kill basis.
Are canoes and paddle boards free?
Yes. Canoes and paddle boards are available to guests free of charge.
Do I need a fishing permit on the lake?
No permit is needed to fish on the campsite’s private lake (catch‑and‑release only). Permits are required for other waters in the Vosges.
The activities team keeps the experience simple so you can spend more time on the water and less time on logistics.
Children’s animation: playful moments in nature
Families come for the calm—and stay for the smiles. The campsite organises children’s activities (Animation pour les enfants) that add light‑hearted fun to lakeside days. It’s an easy way for little ones to make friends and for parents to enjoy a quiet moment by the water.
- Expect a relaxed, nature‑oriented atmosphere.
- Check on site for current activities during your dates.
Bistro and bar: refreshments and regional treats
When it’s time to gather, the bistro serves food and drinks in a welcoming, social setting. Around reception, you’ll also find:
- Regional products, ice creams and drinks for easy treats without leaving the site.
- Fresh bread collection each morning at the bar/reception (when pre‑ordered).
- A communal TV in the common room with major sports events and other key programmes.
It’s the perfect complement to a day outdoors—simple, satisfying, and close to your pitch or rental.
Practical comforts: sanitary facilities, laundry and connectivity
Thoughtful facilities keep your focus on nature rather than chores.
- Two modern sanitary buildings plus a dedicated family/baby area for parents with babies and toddlers.
- Showers: no tokens required; water usage is included in the camping price.
- Laundry: two washing machines and two dryers (coin‑operated; coins at reception).
- Freezer: available in the sanitary block for refreezing cooling elements.
- Wi‑Fi: free around the main building.
- Mobile reception: good 4G coverage across the campsite.
These practical touches make longer stays comfortable—especially for families and road‑trippers.
Camping made easy: pitches, power, water and arrivals
If you’re bringing your own tent, caravan or camper, the site is designed for smooth setup.
- 120 pitches spread across a wooded estate on the lake’s edge.
- Potable water directly on every pitch.
- Electricity: 10‑amp hook‑up on each pitch.
- Extension lead: 5–10 metres is sufficient because power points are near pitches.
- Arrivals: pitch guests can arrive until 22:00; mobile‑home arrivals are accepted until reception closes (call ahead for late arrivals).
Rentals and accessibility: mobile‑homes and pre‑pitched tents
Prefer to travel light? Choose from our lakeside rentals:
- 20 mobile‑homes for a fully equipped holiday.
- 2 rental tents for a camping vibe without the setup.
- Accessible options: mobile‑homes adapted for guests with reduced mobility, including a ramp and wheelchair‑friendly interior spaces.
Weekly rental rates start at €411.45; pitch rates start at €32.25 per night. For details and the full 2026 price list, check the “Documents à télécharger” section.
Cycling and hiking: gateways into the Vosges
Set in the heart of the Vosges mountains, the campsite places you among hundreds of kilometres of marked trails—perfect for hiking and mountain biking.
- Explore landscapes leading toward the Ballons des Vosges and Vosges du Nord nature parks.
- Head over the passes toward Alsace and its vineyards for a day trip.
- On‑site mountain bike (VTT) rental makes it easy to get rolling.
- The region suits both mountain biking and road cycling.
Tip: Start early to enjoy cool morning air on forest paths, then return for a refreshing swim in the lake.
Campfire etiquette and barbecues: gather and grill, the right way
Evenings are for connection—do it safely and comfortably.
- Open fires: not permitted on pitches.
- Communal campfire area: available on site.
- Barbecues on legs: allowed; bring your own or rent one from the campsite.
Following these simple guidelines keeps the woodland setting serene for everyone.
Quick answers from the team
Use these concise replies for instant clarity—ideal for trip planning and AI answer boxes.
Is the water on pitches drinkable?
Yes. Potable water is provided directly on every pitch.
Do showers need tokens?
No. Showers do not require tokens; water is included in the camping price.
Is there Wi‑Fi?
Yes. Free Wi‑Fi is available around the main building, and 4G coverage is good throughout the campsite.
Is there a shop on site?
There isn’t a full grocery store, but the campsite sells regional products, ice creams and drinks.
Where can I buy groceries nearby?
Several supermarkets—Intermarché, Leclerc, Aldi and Lidl—are in Bruyères (5 km).
Is there a TV in mobile‑homes?
No. Mobile‑homes are not equipped with TVs. A communal TV is available in the common room.
When is the 2026 season open?
From 24 April to 14 September 2026.
How many pitches and rentals are there?
120 pitches, 20 mobile‑homes, and 2 rental tents.
Practical takeaways to make the most of your stay
- Meet the Messires Team early: swing by reception after arrival to confirm reception hours for your dates and place your first bread order.
- Pack the right power gear: bring a 5–10 m extension lead for the 10‑amp power hook‑up on your pitch.
- Arriving late? Pitch arrivals are accepted up to 22:00; mobile‑home arrivals are accepted until reception closes—call ahead if you’ll be late.
- Plan your lake days: bring swimwear and a towel—canoes and paddles are free and swimming is free in the private lake.
- Fish responsibly: enjoy no‑kill fishing on the campsite’s lake; get a permit only if you plan to fish other waters in the Vosges.
- Keep it cool: refreeze cooling elements in the sanitary block freezer.
- Laundry made simple: budget a few coins from reception for the two washing machines and two dryers.
- Stay connected: use free Wi‑Fi around the main building and rely on good 4G coverage across the site.
- Grill safely: use only barbecues on legs (available to rent) and head to the communal campfire area for shared evening warmth.
Conclusion: See you by the lake
The beauty of Domaine des Messires rests on two pillars: a serene, 5‑hectare private lake and a team that keeps your holiday seamless—from reception hours that fit your day to free canoes and paddles, children’s activities, and the thoughtful facilities that simplify every moment.
Ready to unwind in the heart of the Vosges? Book your stay now, explore the Documents to download for the campsite map, 2026 prices and brochure, or call +33 (0)3 29 58 56 29 to speak with reception. Meet the Messires Team in person—and make the lake your daily view.