European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - December 19, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Cer Ardmer a barely visible on the far Side of the Lake a makes the most of its setting by promoting outdoor activities. Sas Jim Derheimer Ardmer Center for outdoor adventure by Norm Zeigler travel outdoor writer geography has determined cer Ardmer s Fale in a number of ways. Located on a glacial Lake at the head of the Vallee Des lacs in the Western Vosges this resort town of 10,000 has been a major tourist destination since the late 19th Century. Ger Ardmer s most compelling attraction is the natural Beauty of the nearby Countryside. Unspoiled mountains and forests surround its Pristine namesake Lake. Farther up the Valley Are two More glacial Kettle holes Long Emerand Retour Nemer. It is a Region not Only of still Waters but also of flowing Waters. Streams and waterfalls Tumble Down through the Hills and Gorges. The unspoiled landscape makes it an Ideal area Tor Active vacationers. There Are More than 220 Miles of hiking trails nearby. In the summer swimming boating fishing and windsurfing Are popular activities on the Lake. And for those who prefer Winter sports the slopes on the South Side of the Valley have been developed into an extensive Alpine ski area. There Are also Many Cross country ski trails. All the ise factors have combined to create a vibrant Long established tourist Economy. The town s other main industries Are lumber and woodworking textiles and Granite quarrying. But tourism is the most visible one. The town has been actively promoting its attractions since 1875. Quot we were the first tourist office in France Quot says tourism Hea Corinne Morel. It was reasons other than the idyllic Countryside that brought German troops to Ger Ardmer in world War ii. Its location in the Valley of the lakes made it strategically important for holding the nearby col de la Sci Lucht the highest pass in the Vosges. But once the tide of Battle turned in favor of the allies the struggle to hold the Vosges passes became nothing More than a doomed delaying action. The refusal of Hitler s forces to concede this proved disastrous for Ger Ardmer and fierce Battles with attacking american and French forces in the waning months of the War destroyed most of the town. It is a part of the town s past that has left unmistakable stars both physical and psychological. Two blocks up from the Lake of Ger Ardmer is a Square dominated by a memorial to Quot nos infants Mort pour la France Quot Lour children who died Lor France. It commemorates the local citizens killed in the War whether As soldiers resistance fighters deportees or innocent civilians caught Between the armies. It is not a big town and Many families were touched by the War and the brutality of the occupiers. Some townspeople were deported to Germany As slave labourers simply on suspicion that they were pro resistance. Bruno Vanony was not born then but he knows the history because people have made it their business to remember. Vanony a Ger Ardmer resident said his Uncle spent two years in the notorious Dachau concentration Camp outside Munich Quot for nothing. Because his name was on a list at the  although he lost 55 pounds he was one of the Lucky ones. He came Back. Quot in Ger Ardmer every family you have someone. He work a while in Germany and disappear a Vanony says. In an ironic twist of Fate Money from German tourists helped rebuild the town after the War. They now make up the largest group of foreign visitors. Today there Are a handful of turn of the Century Art nou eau Homes on the Southern outskirts but nearly All the other quaint or old buildings were consumed in the firestorm of War. The new Ger Ardmer is a modern town with a Plain Businesslike Lacade. The Placid exterior is somewhat deceptive. In the thinly settled Central Vosges Ger Ardmer is where the action is. On weekends and after work Young people Stream in from outlying villages and towns to the Many restaurants cafes pubs and discos. It s a night City Quot Vanony says and it Puls on a different face when the Sun goes Down. Among the hot spots for Young people1 Are the discos a be new York Gily be Pacific and la Chaumier. Another Lively Loc Alion is the Lakeside i Casino which is open seven Days a week from May to september and weekends and holidays from october through april because4 in is a resort Ger Ardmer has Many hotels and pensions. In general room costs average around 500 francs about $55 for a double per night in town. In outlying areas prices Are 20 percent to 50 percent lower. The in Between seasons a Spring and fall a Are not the Best times to visit Ger Ardmer. In the late fall before the coming of Winter the Lake is wind whipped and deserted. There is Little or no Snow on i he ski slopes and the Scenic views May he obscured by rain and  tips Ger Ardmer is in the South Central Vosges about 70 Miles Southwest of Strasbourg and 40 Miles West of the Rhine River. From Germany take autobahn a-5 to the Freiburg Slid exit. Follow by 1 to the Border Al Breisach then n-41 5 to Colmar. From Colmar take n-41 7 up through the col de la Schluch the highest pass in the Vosges to Centre line. East of Ger Ardmer the1 lakes of in Gemer and re Lournese Are popular summer re it real Ion spots. In the Winter the Ger Ardmer station ski area Only a mile1 South of town Altai is vac aligners to its More than 25 Miles of Tuik i he resort has an extensive Snow making system to it supplement natural an emulations. Rental equipment is available from a shop on the slopes and another in town. Anglers can Pun base Day c u week fishing licenses in two stores in town the Poisson Rouge and tin Range my Hel. Permits for l Ake i on Gemer Are available at the municipal it Amper omd on the Lake. The biggest annual Celebration in Ger Ardmer is the Nan issus festival held in mid april to Mark the Blooming of the wild narc issus throughout the Valley. For More information it mine i tilt e de Louisme de cer Ardmer Vosges bite Postale no 5, f-88401 cer Ardmer Edix France Lele Ephone 29 in 874. Younst office personnel speak English and German. For ski area information it All 2 Hgt it i 4i la a Norm Zeigler a amps Jim  Rushing water crashes Over rocks and underbrush into the Lake of cer Ardmer. December /9, stripes Magazine 11