Spring Opening Countdown: How Domaine des Messires Prepares for 24 April
Planning a peaceful, nature-first escape in the Vosges as the days get longer? Our Spring Opening Countdown shows what will be ready for you at Domaine des Messires on 24 April—from fully serviced pitches and modern sanitary blocks to a 5-hectare private lake for swimming, canoeing, paddle boarding and catch-and-release fishing. You’ll find clear answers about dates, hours, on-site services, and practical tips so you can arrive confident and start relaxing straight away.
The big picture: what opens on 24 April
Domaine des Messires welcomes guests for the 2026 season from 24 April to 14 September on Rue des Messires, 88600 Herpelmont, in the heart of the Vosges mountains. Set in a wooded estate around a tranquil, private 5-hectare lake, the campsite combines authenticity with calm and a deeply natural atmosphere.
- 120 camping pitches spread across a leafy domain
- Rental stays with 20 mobile-homes and 2 pre-pitched rental tents
- A lakeside setting with excellent water quality for free swimming, canoeing and paddle boarding (canoes and paddles provided free of charge)
- Catch-and-release fishing on the lake at no extra cost
Whether you travel as a family, a couple or as seniors seeking quiet nature, opening day is designed so you can settle in and make the most of the outdoors from the first afternoon.
Pitches and utilities: ready for a smooth setup
With 120 pitches, the essentials are in place so you can set up quickly and comfortably on 24 April.
- Potable water is available directly on every pitch.
- Each pitch has a 10-amp electricity hook-up. Tip: bring a 5–10 metre extension lead for easy reach.
- Barbecues on legs are allowed; you can bring your own or rent one on site. Open fires are not permitted on pitches, but there is a communal campfire area.
- Free Wi‑Fi is available around the main building, and 4G coverage is good across the site.
- Pitch arrivals are accepted until 22:00 on your first day.
These practical details reduce setup time so you can focus on what matters—getting outside to the lake or into the forest trails.
Modern sanitary comfort (with family-friendly space)
Two modern sanitary buildings serve the domain, designed for comfort and convenience from day one of the season.
- Showers require no tokens; water usage is included in your stay.
- A dedicated area supports parents with babies and toddlers.
- Laundry: two washing machines and two dryers are available in the sanitary building; both are coin-operated and coins can be obtained at reception.
- A freezer in the sanitary block is available for refreezing cool blocks.
These facilities help you stretch your time outdoors without sacrificing everyday convenience.
The 5-hectare lake: swim, paddle, canoe, fish
Opening week is lakeside living at its best.
- Free swimming in excellent-quality water.
- Canoes and paddle boards provided free of charge.
- Catch-and-release (no‑kill) fishing on the private lake at no extra cost. No permit is required on the campsite’s lake; permits apply only to other waters in the Vosges.
Why the no‑kill approach matters: catch-and-release supports fish populations and helps keep a small, private lake in ecological balance—good for wildlife and for anglers who return year after year.
Food, bistro and daily basics
A relaxed stay is all about easy access to simple pleasures and everyday essentials.
- On-site bistro serving food and drinks.
- A small selection of regional products, ice creams and drinks is available on site.
- Fresh bread can be ordered every day throughout the season and collected the next morning at the bar/reception.
- There is no full grocery store on the campsite. For bigger shops, head to Bruyères (5 km) with Intermarché, Leclerc, Aldi and Lidl.
Pro tip: make a brief supermarket stop on your way in so you can enjoy your first evening by the lake without errands.
Trails, bikes and children’s activities
Domaine des Messires sits in the Vosges mountains, with hundreds of kilometres of marked hiking routes in the surrounding area, including paths leading through the Ballons des Vosges and Vosges du Nord nature parks. Cycling is a natural fit here—both for mountain biking and road cycling.
- Mountain bike (VTT) rental is available at the campsite.
- Children’s activities (Animation pour les enfants) add relaxed structure to family days.
This blend of trails, bikes and kids’ animation means every member of your group can find their rhythm from opening week onward.
Reception hours, arrivals and what to expect on day one
Reception hours are tailored to the season so you can get what you need, when you need it.
| Period | Dates | Reception hours |
|---|---|---|
| Outside high season | 24 April – 4 July and 29 August – 14 September | 08:30–12:00 and 14:00–17:00 |
| High season | 4 July – 28 August | 08:30–19:00 (non-stop) |
Arrival windows
- Pitches: arrive up to 22:00 on your first day.
- Mobile-homes: arrivals are accepted until reception closes. If arriving late, please telephone in advance: +33 (0)3 29 58 56 29.
Planning resources
- Download the campsite map, 2026 price list, brochure and general terms in the “Documents à télécharger” section.
- Check the FAQ for quick answers on electricity, water, Wi‑Fi, barbecues, bike rental, fishing, laundry and more.
Sustainable and safe by design
A few simple policies help protect the lake and forest setting for everyone.
- Fishing is strictly catch-and-release (no‑kill) on the campsite lake.
- Barbecues are allowed only if they are on legs; open fires are not permitted on pitches.
- A communal campfire area is available for shared evenings by the flames.
These measures support safety and nature stewardship, so guests can enjoy pristine water, healthy wildlife and a calm atmosphere throughout the season.
Connectivity, TV and staying informed
- Free Wi‑Fi is available around the main building; 4G mobile reception is good across the campsite.
- Mobile-homes are not equipped with TVs. A television in the common room broadcasts major sports and other key programmes.
This approach keeps the focus on the outdoors while still offering touchpoints for connectivity and big-match moments.
Practical takeaways for your spring arrival
- Bring a 5–10 m extension cable; each pitch has a 10‑amp electricity hook‑up.
- Potable water is available on every pitch—no need for separate containers to fill elsewhere.
- Pack cool blocks; a freezer is available in the sanitary block.
- Barbecues on legs are fine; you can also rent one on site.
- Plan a quick shop in Bruyères (Intermarché, Leclerc, Aldi, Lidl) 5 km away.
- Swimwear and water shoes make the most of the 5‑hectare lake; canoes and paddles are free to use.
- Anglers: enjoy free, catch‑and‑release fishing on the lake; no permit needed on site.
- Families: look out for children’s activities; a baby/toddler sanitary area is available.
- Cyclists: VTT rental is on site; the Vosges are ideal for MTB and road cycling.
- Connectivity: free Wi‑Fi near the main building; 4G is well received across the campsite.
- Arrivals: pitches until 22:00; mobile‑homes until reception closes—call ahead if late.
- Daily bread: order one day and collect the next morning at the bar/reception.
Frequently asked opening questions (quick answers)
- When does Domaine des Messires open in 2026? 24 April. The season runs until 14 September.
- What are reception hours at opening? Outside high season: 08:30–12:00 and 14:00–17:00.
- Is the lake ready for activities on 24 April? Yes—swimming, canoeing and paddle boarding are available; canoes and paddles are free to use.
- Is fishing allowed from opening day? Yes. Catch‑and‑release fishing on the campsite lake is free; no permit required on site.
- Do pitches have water and power? Yes. Potable water on every pitch and 10‑amp hook‑ups; bring a 5–10 m extension.
- Are showers token-free? Yes. No tokens are required; water is included.
- Can I use a barbecue in spring? Yes, if it’s on legs. Open fires are not allowed on pitches; a communal campfire area is available.
- Is there Wi‑Fi? Yes, free around the main building. 4G coverage is good on site.
- Where can I shop on arrival day? Bruyères (5 km) has Intermarché, Leclerc, Aldi and Lidl.
- Do mobile-homes have TVs? No. A TV in the common room shows major sports and key programmes.
Conclusion: see you by the lake on 24 April
From serviced pitches and modern sanitary blocks to free canoes and paddle boards on a 5‑hectare private lake, the essentials will be ready when we open on 24 April. Book your pitch or rental now and start planning hikes, bike rides and lakeside moments in the Vosges.
Call +33 (0)3 29 58 56 29 to reserve, check availability and get personalised advice for your spring stay.