And Away

And Away: Grand Est

Just metres from the shore of Lac Bouzey, this charming two-bedroom cabin offers an idyllic family-friendly gateway to the low-lying mountains of the Vosges in eastern France.

Its open-plan interior is light and airy thanks to south-facing sliding doors with picturesque lake views and easy access to a private deck. It is equipped with an outdoor dining set and an indulgent Jacuzzi for relaxing out in nature. Back inside, the kitchen is kitted out with everything you need to fry up family feasts, while the two bedrooms are decorated in soothing blue and lavender tones – mirroring the colours of the lake's summer season.

Lovers of the great outdoors will appreciate the opportunity to get out on the water on a sailboat or paddleboard, supervised swimming over the summer months and plenty of hiking and biking trails through the surrounding countryside.

The cabin is located on the outskirts of the quiet commune of Sanchey and a short drive from the historic, leafy town of Épinal. We'd suggest parking up and exploring its pretty central square, magical old quarter and medieval ruins on foot before heading further east to the breathtaking Ballon des Vosges.

Home truths:
*At full capacity, two guests will be sleeping on a sofa bed.
*While the home is set over a single storey, there's a set of seven stairs to reach the garden, so the home may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.
*Given the location, a car is a necessity – there's on-site parking available.
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot and high chair are available on request.
*Larger groups can rent the neighbouring house, which is of the same standard.
*In times of drought, the level of the lake can be lower than depicted in the photos – swimming is still possible but involves walking 50m further.