Plant life on the massif is dominated by conifers (pines, firs) and tall trees (beeches, oaks), which has encouraged the growth of forestry. For a long time, the Vosges had an industrial mountain image with its mines, metallurgy, mechanics and textiles. Economic life has diversified thanks to agricultural activities (agropastoralism, winegrowing, the cheese industry), and hospitality for international tourism (nature parks). Indeed, the Vosges' geographical position gives it a supply of visitors from Germany and Luxembourg. Access to the Vosges is made easier by the proximity of the major west-east road and railway route, which extends to the north, and the Rhine-Rhône meridian.

Main towns: Epinal, Saint-Dié, Gérardmer, Colmar, Raon-l’Etape, Remiremont

Departments concerned: Bas-Rhin, Haute-Saône, Haut-Rhin, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Moselle, Territoire de Belfort, Vosges

Highest point: the Grand Ballon (1 424m)

Main activities: forestry and related industries (papermaking), agriculture, rural and ski tourism

Special features: France's first office of tourism was created in Gérardmer in 1875. The massif is famous for its many "ballons" (high rounded summits) and its waterfalls, amongst other things.