Vosges

Vosges, department, France

Vosges (vōzh), department (1990 pop. 38,2100), E France, largely in Lorraine. Épinal is the capital.

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Vosges, mountain range, France

Vosges (vōzh), mountain range, E France, between the Alsatian plain in the east and the plateau of S Lorraine in the west. It extends generally north and parallel to the Rhine River for c.120 mi (190 km) from the Belfort Gap. The Vosges, old crystalline mountains flanked by sandstone, have gently rounded or nearly flat summits. The highest point is the Ballon de Guebwiller (4,672 ft/1,424 m). The slopes (steep in Alsace, gentle in Lorraine) are forested (chiefly by pines) up to c.3500 ft (1,070 m). Vineyards, producing riesling and other wines, grow on the Alsatian slopes. Lumbering, dairying, tourism, and wine making are the chief industries. There are resorts, notably Plombières-les-Bains. The Moselle, Meurthe, Sarre, and Ill rivers rise in the Vosges.