Popular tradition attributes the founding of the city of Gerardmer to Gerard de Châtenois, known as Gerard of Alsace. He would have established a hunting lodge on the banks of the Jamagne. From the 17th century, the Dukes of Lorraine and the canonesses of Remiremont come to rest there. It is only in the 19th century that the shores of the lake begin to thrive, with hotels and opulent villas. However, in 1285, the monks of the abbey of Saint-Die describe Gerardmer as an impenetrable region, flanked by dangerous forests full of wolves and bears.