A Taste of the Vosges: Sampling Munster, Mirabelle Delights and the Famous Tarte aux Brimbelles

Looking for a delicious way to enrich your mountain escape? Embrace a true Taste of the Vosges with regional specialties that locals love and travelers remember—Munster cheese, mirabelle treats, and the tarte aux brimbelles (wild blueberry tart). Whether you’re planning lake-side strolls, scenic drives, or gentle hikes, these flavors add a memorable, sense-of-place layer to your stay at Domaine des Messires.

In this guide, you’ll learn what to try, where to find it, and how to pair Vosges classics—often with a smooth Alsace wine—so you can plan a gourmet itinerary around your adventures.

Why a Taste of the Vosges belongs on your itinerary

• Authentic regional specialties: The Vosges celebrates a rich table—Munster cheese, sun-kissed mirabelles (often found in tarts and spirits), the famed tarte aux brimbelles, and hearty dishes like tofailles (potatoes and bacon).
• Easy to explore from the campsite: From Domaine des Messires (a 4-star, lakeside campsite in Herpelmont, 25 km from Épinal), you’re well-placed for farm inns on the crest, lakeside restaurants, and day trips to Alsace’s picturesque villages.
• Perfect natural pairings: These flavors shine after a morning hike or bike ride, or as part of a leisurely lunch with an Alsace wine.

Tip: Use the campsite’s app to order fresh bread and viennoiseries from local bakeries each morning—ideal for breakfast or a picnic to accompany your tastings.

Munster: the characterful cheese of the Vosges

What is Munster?

Munster is a beloved regional cheese in the Vosges. It’s known for its character and depth, and it’s a go-to recommendation when you want to experience local flavor.

How to enjoy it

• At a farm inn on the crest: Book a table along the Route des Crêtes to savor regional fare with panoramic views. It’s a classic setting to taste Munster during your stay.
• As a tasting plate: Pair slices of Munster with rustic bread (freshly ordered via the campsite app) for an easy picnic.
• With Alsace wine: A glass of Alsace wine complements the cheese’s richness beautifully.

Mirabelle delights: from orchard to table (and glass)

What to try

Mirabelles—the small golden plums of the region—appear in many forms:

• Mirabelle tarts: A sweet, seasonal staple.
• Spirits and liqueurs: Smooth and aromatic, made to be savored slowly.

Enjoy them at dessert, as a mid-afternoon treat, or as a celebratory sip (always in moderation).

The famous tarte aux brimbelles

What is a brimbelle?

A brimbelle is the wild blueberry of the Vosges. Tart, intensely flavored, and deeply local, it’s the star of the beloved tarte aux brimbelles.

Why it’s a must-try

• Sense of place: This tart captures the forested soul of the Vosges in every bite.
• Perfect post-hike reward: It’s light enough for an afternoon treat yet satisfying after a day outdoors.
• Classic pairing: Enjoy a slice with an Alsace wine for a simple yet memorable dessert.

Hearty comfort: Tofailles

Tofailles is a traditional Vosges dish made with potatoes and bacon—rustic, comforting, and ideal when you’re craving warmth after an active day. Look for it on menus featuring regional specialties.

Where to try Vosges specialties near Domaine des Messires

Farm inns on the crest (Route des Crêtes)

• What to expect: Cozy dining, mountain views, and regional dishes such as Munster-based plates.
• Why go: It’s one of the most authentic ways to add a Taste of the Vosges to your itinerary.

Lakeside bites in Xonrupt-Longemer

• La Clairière (waterfront): A lakefront setting where you can sample Vosges specialities and linger by the water afterward.
• Other ideas: Les Jardins de Sophie (Michelin-recommended) for a refined meal with mountain views; Auberge du Lac and Chalet Gourmand for more local dining options.

A gourmet city pause in Épinal

• The city’s friendly districts are dotted with brasseries, restaurants, and cafés—great for discovering local flavors before returning to the calm of the campsite.

Perfect pairings: Alsace wine

The region’s specialties are often enjoyed with an Alsace wine. Whether you’re sharing Munster, savoring a mirabelle tart, or indulging in tarte aux brimbelles, a well-chosen glass adds balance and brightness to every plate.

• Day-trip idea: Cross the Vosges to explore the Alsace Wine Route, admire vineyard landscapes, and visit picturesque villages like Riquewihr and Kaysersberg.

A gourmet day from the campsite: suggested plan

1. Breakfast at your pitch or rental: Order bread and pastries via the Domaine des Messires app.
2. Morning adventure: Head for a scenic hike or bike ride; the area offers varied terrain and marked trails with magnificent views.
3. Lunch on the crest: Book a farm inn along the Route des Crêtes to taste regional dishes and Munster.
4. Sweet stop: Visit the Plainfaing confectionery for a treat on your way back.
5. Golden hour by the lake: Relax at the campsite’s lakeside setting.
6. Dinner with a view: Try a lakeside restaurant in Xonrupt-Longemer and see what Vosges specialities are on the menu. If you find tarte aux brimbelles, say yes.
7. Nightcap: If you enjoy spirits, consider a small mirabelle digestif (in moderation).

Practical takeaways and tips

• Know your must-tries: Munster cheese, mirabelle treats (tarts and spirits), tarte aux brimbelles, and tofailles (potatoes and bacon).
• Pairings: A succulent Alsace wine works beautifully with both savory and sweet specialties.
• Where to go:
  • Route des Crêtes farm inns for rustic, regional fare and Munster.
  • Xonrupt-Longemer for lakeside dining and mountain ambiance.
  • Épinal for a lively choice of eateries.
• Make mornings easy: Use the Domaine des Messires app to order bread and viennoiseries from two local bakeries delivering to the campsite each morning.
• Build it into your plans: Pair tastings with hiking, cycling, or lake time for a balanced, slow-travel rhythm.

Quick answers (for featured snippets)

What is tarte aux brimbelles?

The tarte aux brimbelles is a classic Vosges tart made with wild blueberries (brimbelles) unique to the region.

What is tofailles?

Tofailles is a traditional Vosges dish made with potatoes and bacon, known for its hearty, comforting character.

What pairs well with Vosges specialties?

A succulent Alsace wine is a classic pairing for Vosges specialties—from Munster to mirabelle and brimbelle desserts.

Keep exploring: related ideas for your stay

• Discover nature and viewpoints along the Route des Crêtes and the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park.
• Plan lake time around Gérardmer and Longemer.
• Add cultural flavor with a visit to Épinal.
• Consider a day on the Alsace Wine Route, including Riquewihr and Kaysersberg.
• Balance gourmet moments with outdoor fun—check out ideas for mountain biking in the Vosges.

Conclusion

A Taste of the Vosges is more than a meal—it’s an immersion into landscapes, traditions, and warm-hearted hospitality. From Munster and tofailles to mirabelle and tarte aux brimbelles, every bite connects you to the region’s character—especially when shared after a day in the mountains and paired with an Alsace wine.

Ready to savor it all? Book your stay at Domaine des Messires—a 4-star, lakeside campsite in Herpelmont, just 25 km from Épinal—and plan your gourmet getaway today. For an effortless start each morning, download our app to order fresh bread and pastries, then set out to taste the best of the Vosges.