Sleeping in a treehouse: an unusual place to spend the night

Sleeping up in the branches, lulled by the wind and woken by birdsong: the treehouse has become one of the most sought-after types of unusual accommodation. In Alsace and the Vosges mountains, as elsewhere in Europe, many places now offer this experience, from rustic cabins to designer hideaways with a Nordic hot tub. Here are our pointers for choosing yours and making the most of it.

Why sleep in a treehouse?

A night in a treehouse is above all a break from everyday life: few or no screens, the silence of the forest, a view over the canopy and often a starry sky far from the city lights. For children, it is a dream come true; for couples, an original romantic getaway; for everyone, a simple way to reconnect with nature for a weekend.

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Treehouses in the Vosges and Alsace

The Vosges mountains, with their fir and beech forests, are perfectly suited to this type of accommodation. You will find treehouses on the Alsatian side of the range, notably around the Grand Ballon, as well as cabins set on the edge of the forest in the Bas-Rhin.

Les Cabanes Nids des Vosges, in Champdray

On the Lorraine side of the range, in Champdray, about ten kilometres from Gérardmer and around 1 hour 20 minutes from Colmar, Les Cabanes Nids des Vosges brings together some fifteen cabins nestled in century-old ash trees, firs and beeches. Some have a private sauna or Nordic hot tub: ideal for a cosy night even in winter, after a day’s hiking on the ridges.

Finding other places to stay

What is on offer changes quickly: new cabins open every season, while others close or change their format. For an up-to-date selection in Alsace, check the “unusual accommodation” pages of the tourist offices and the regional tourism agency, which list cabins, eco-lodges, gypsy caravans and bubble tents. Always check the establishment’s website for facilities, access and conditions for children.

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A legendary treehouse in Europe: the Treehotel in Sweden

If you dream of a truly extraordinary treehouse, the Treehotel in Harads, in Swedish Lapland, is a world reference. Its tree rooms, suspended around 4 to 6 metres above the ground, were each designed by architects: the Mirrorcube, a 4-metre mirror-clad cube that reflects the forest; the Bird’s Nest, a nest of branches reached by a retractable staircase; and the 7th Room designed by the Snøhetta studio, the largest and highest on the site. A trip like no other, to be booked well in advance.

How to choose your treehouse

• Height and access: ladder, staircase, walkway or rope bridge… If you suffer from vertigo or are travelling with young children, opt for a low cabin with stairs and railings.
• Comfort: some cabins have no water or electricity (dry toilets, washrooms at ground level), while others offer a bathroom, heating or even a private spa. Read the description carefully.
• Meals: a breakfast basket hoisted up on a pulley, dinner delivered or a kitchenette? Find out before you go.
• Season: May to September to enjoy long evenings on the terrace; in autumn and winter, choose a heated cabin.
• Booking: treehouses are few in number and in high demand at weekends; book several weeks in advance.

FAQ

Why sleep in a treehouse?

To enjoy an unusual night in the heart of nature: peace and quiet, a view over the forest and a guaranteed sense of escape, without travelling far from home.

Where can I find a treehouse near Alsace?

In the Vosges mountains, on both the Alsace and Lorraine sides (for example in Champdray, near Gérardmer), as well as in several forested regions of France. Tourist offices keep up-to-date lists of places to stay.

Are there any conditions for sleeping in a treehouse?

Each establishment sets its own rules: a minimum age for children in some of the higher cabins, the number of guests, and whether pets are allowed. Check them before booking.

Can you sleep in a treehouse in winter?

Yes, as long as you choose an insulated, heated cabin. Some even offer a sauna or Nordic hot tub, which are very pleasant in cold weather.

Enzo

Hi, I'm Enzo! I'm the guy who loves lacing up his hiking boots to explore the rugged trails of the Vosges. Passionate about nature and photography, I take you along through articles that capture the scent of fir forests and the charm of mountain lakes. I live for those moments when the sun rises over the Haut-Koenigsbourg or when I stumble upon an authentic inn along the way. My goal? To inspire you to get out, breathe in the fresh Alsatian air, and always have a great spot for a tarte flambée to share at the end of the day.

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