Great East

The Grand Est region is my adopted home. I know Alsace and the Vosges particularly well and I have a lot of insider tips here. Wonderful wine villages, the pristine mountains of the Vosges and the primeval forest-like Rhine meadows offer a lot of variety.

The villages on the wine route:

Obernai:

nice, larger place with a lot of half-timbered and beautiful alleys. Nice restaurants and cafes and some hotels. From the memorial cross above the village there is a great view over the village. The Christmas market is not that crowded and very nice. A "parcours de Santé" starts from the city park (at the outdoor pool), directly along the stream in the forest, a very idyllic path.


Boersch:

small, rather unknown village shortly after Obernai. Nice square in the center, two city gates and a beautiful Hotel de ville (town hall). Beautiful hiking trails towards Roswiller, Ottrott or even to Obernai. All roads start in front of the western city gate at the cemetery (signs are available)


Ottrott:

pretty village at the foot of the Vosges below Mont Saint Odile. Many hikes start here (to Boersch, Obernai, etc.). The park at Domaine de Windeck is particularly beautiful. Huge trees and a ruined castle, a true idyll.

Barr:

one of the most famous wine towns in Alsace. Beautiful half-timbered houses, quaint streets and many restaurants and cafes. The weekly market on Saturday morning is one of the most beautiful markets in the region. Wine hiking trails (themed trails) in the surrounding vineyards with beautiful views over the place.

Heiligenstein:

small, rather unknown, idyllic village. From the kiosque Rosenberg (small rose garden) you have a beautiful view of the Rhine plain. Hikes start there in the surrounding forests and, if you like, to Chateau de Landsberg or Mont Saint Odile.



Mittelbergheim:

is one of the 100 most beautiful villages in France. Imposing houses, a beautiful "sentier de village" that runs through the village. At Domaine Gilg you can do a wine tasting or eat well and spend the night. Wine trails start from the Parking du Zotzenberg. You can walk to Barr, Andlau or the Chateau Landsberg


Andlau:

very rustic village crossed by the Andlau river. Many half-timbered houses and the "remparts". Definitely do the circuit des remparts through the village and the sentier d'Andlau over the Kastelberg with a wonderful view. The castle ruins chateau d'Andlau is always worth a visit. Andlau should be looked at more closely!


Itterswiller:

cute little village decorated with countless flowers. Beautiful half-timbered houses. From the Belvedère above the village you have a very nice view over the vineyards. Three hiking trails of different lengths start from the Aire de repos du Scherentz car park.


Dambach the City

nice uncrowded village with city wall. Hikes to the Chateau de l'Ortenbourg start here or in the next town of Dieffenthal and are definitely recommended. Grandiose views from the chateau, the path leads through pine forest. The heather blooms in late summer. There are also several small circular routes that start in Dieffenthal

Bergheim

very rustic village surrounded by a city wall, entrance through a city gate. A nice place with bistrots and restaurants. The Christmas market (always on a weekend in December) is particularly beautiful and not overcrowded. You can hike through the vines to Ribeauvillé (paths start at the parking lot at the city gate). The sentier des remparts, a path around the town along the old city wall, is also very beautiful. Very idyllic!


Thannenkirch:

A little higher up small place. Particularly interesting for hiking to the Taennchel (mystical rock formations in the forest). There are some good restaurants and hotels. Particularly noteworthy is the rustic Ferme Auberge du Melkerhof, where you can eat very well. The location is very idyllic.


Soultzbach-les-Bains:

A hidden gem in the Vallée de Munster, approx. 10 km from Munster. We are touted as the smallest "village medieval" and the tiny center is beautiful, idyllic and magical.


Ribeauvillé:

is one of the most famous places in Alsace. Overcrowded in the season. Half-timbered, picturesque streets, dominated by the beautiful Chateau de St. Ulrich and the chateau de Girsberg. Hikes possible from the place (approx. 300 m altitude). Views from the castle ruins are terrific. Medieval Christmas market, one of the most interesting and beautiful in Alsace, but unfortunately also overcrowded. A visit to Chocolaterie Stoeffel is recommended, the chocolate is really delicious. You can watch the production.


Riquewihr:

is rightly one of the 100 most beautiful villages in France. Half-timbered houses, medieval streets and entrance through city gates. Riquewihr is really worth seeing. Wine hiking trails start everywhere, for example in the somewhat higher, beautiful cell mountain or over to Hunawihr. Wonderful Christmas market, unfortunately also overcrowded. Lots of restaurants, cafes and nice shops in the center.


Mittelwihr

I mention because of the Almond Mountain. At the beautiful Hotel Le Mandelberg, you can walk up the Mandelberg. Several almond trees bloom here in February / March, the view is wonderful and the pink flowers are particularly good at this time of the year.


Hunawihr:

Belongs to the 100 most beautiful villages in France. Quaint, quiet and idyllic. In the Chez Suzel restaurant you can sit in the beer garden and enjoy typical Alsatian dishes. Hikes to Riquewihr or cells mountain through the vines. The stork park "parc des Cigognes" is very worth seeing and interesting and the butterfly park Jardins des Papillons is very worthwhile.

Kaysersberg:

dreamlike village, beautifully situated. Half-timbered houses, old streets and a small river that goes through the place. Especially known for the Christmas market, which is completely overcrowded.

The view from the castle ruins a little above the village is wonderful. Definitely one of the most beautiful villages on the Wine Route. Nice restaurants and cafes as well as a few shops.


Niedermorschwihr and Katzenthal:

Small picture book village. Known for Madame Ferber's small shop and their famous jams, but they are not cheap. A vine hike to Katzenthal and its beautiful castle ruins should not be missed.


Turckheim:

very worth seeing place enclosed by a city wall. Beautiful, rustic houses and nice alleys with half-timbered houses. Wine trails in the surrounding vines.


Eguisheim:

is one of the 100 most beautiful villages in France. The alleys are incomparably beautiful and the flowers in Eguisheim are indescribable. You should definitely visit. The castle ruins (les trois chateaux d'Eguisheim) above offer fantastic views.

Rouffach, Westhalten and Soultzmatt:

all beautiful places, not so well known. From Westhalten, a hike to the Zinnkoepfle with wonderful views of the Vosges and vineyards is highly recommended.


Albé:

quaint, idyllic mini-village in the beautiful Val de Villé. No tourism, pure tranquility and beautiful surroundings. A hike to Breitenbach is recommended. Nice views from the vineyards.

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    Chatenois

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    Les Remparts in Bergheim

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    Park Domaine de Windeck in Ottrott

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The cities

Strasbourg:

The metropolis in Alsace, a beautiful and picturesque city. A stroll through Petite France or the beautiful Orangery Park should not be missed. The view from Munster is really breathtaking. Countless beautiful places with bistrots and restaurants, narrow streets and half-timbered houses and finally the river Ill, which surrounds the city. You can go for a nice walk on the bank.

Colmar:

A little smaller than Strasbourg but just as beautiful. Colmar and its beautiful streets and half-timbered houses. The Petite Venice is magical. In the beautiful market hall you can buy products from the region.

Wissembourg:

This small, beautiful town is located in the very north of Alsace. Many squares, half-timbered houses and quaint alleys make for the beautiful cityscape. On Saturday there is a big weekly market where you can really get everything.

Selestat:

small but very nice town in the Ried between Strasbourg and Colmar. Very nice to stroll around, never overcrowded. The weekly market on Tuesday morning is particularly interesting. In the rustic Maison du pain you can buy very tasty baguettes, bread and rolls. Everything handmade.

Saverne:

Saverne is also a very beautiful and historic town. Best known for the Chateau Haut Barr and its canal. Beautiful houses in the main shopping street and a large square where you can eat in bistrots and restaurants. A walk on the canal is very idyllic.


Metz:

beautiful center, many historical buildings and located directly on the Moselle. There is a lot to see in Metz and you can walk and linger in the beautiful city park.


Nancy:

fantastic center with its famous Place Stanislas. In the cafés you can sit wonderfully and enjoy the atmosphere, which is especially nice in the evening. Small streets with restaurants and beautiful old houses. You can go for a walk along the canal.

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My restaurant tips:

My restaurant tips on the Wine Route:

Chez Suzel in Hunawihr - Petites Casseroles in Obernai - L'Indien dans le village in Kaysersberg (very recommendable Indian buffet!) - Au Potin in Barr - Auberge Froehn in Zellberg - Lindeplaetzle in Mittelbergheim (very modern and cozy) - Le Hupsa Pfannala in St. Hippolyte (authentic and rustic, delicious salads) - S'Hisle in Kintzheim (the best tarte flambée) - Restaurant l'Ecrin in Soultzmatt


My calendars:

Vosges - the lakes and waterfalls:

Lac de Schiessrothried

The reservoir is beautifully located under the Hohneck. A small gravel road leads left between Muhlbach sur Munster and Gaschney to a parking lot, from there you have to walk or hike from Lac de Fischboedle. Very idyllic and not overcrowded.


Lac Blanc

Reservoir near the ski area. Not suitable for bathing. But you can walk on the rocks directly above the lake or up to Gazon du Faing and from there you have a magnificent view.


Lac de Fischboedle

Small lake in a very idyllic location in the forest. It can only be reached on foot. It's best to start at the Chalets / Auberge de Wormsa. The path that starts to the right of the Auberge is quite easy, the left rather stony and arduous, but also more beautiful (mystical forest, small streams along the way but also a lot of scree).


Green Lake

the green shimmering Lac Vert lies in the middle of the forest. You can park your car at the Auberge du Tanet parking lot (this is also a great place to eat and sit) and walk a short distance through the forest to the lake. The lake can be walked around and swimming is possible. A hike to Lac de Forlet is recommended.

Lac de Forlet

the location is reminiscent of the alpine landscape. All around rocky mountains and a beautiful Ferme (Auberge du Forlet), where you can eat the typical Ferme food (Kassler, roiga braedele and green salad).


Lac de Longemer

very beautiful, larger lake with small sandy bays. There are 2 campsites and in summer it is crowded there. If you go out of season, it is really one of the most beautiful lakes.

 


Raven Lake

beautiful, green shimmering water. You can walk around the lake (small bays) and also hike to Rocher de Lac, from where you have an impressive view of the lake and the Vosges.


Lispach lake

this moor-like lake is special, you feel like you are in Scandinavia. A beautiful path goes around the lake, partly on wooden footbridges, partly through the forest. It starts at the Chalet de Lispach. Pure idyll, possibly overcrowded in summer.


Retournemer Lake

near the Lac de Longemer lies the small and idyllic Lac de Retournemer. A nice footpath leads around the lake. A footpath to the Cascades de Charlemange waterfalls in the mystical forest starts at the lake car park.


Blanchemer lake

secluded location in the mountains / forest near la Bresse. The lake is quite small and there is a nice footpath around it. This is the right place for those who want to enjoy peace and quiet.


Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein

larger reservoir with beautiful bays and a beach. There is a lot going on in summer and on weekends. The lake can be circled on foot.


Gérardmer lake

actually a beautiful lake, but it is very crowded (holidays, weekends). On the southern bank there is a small sandy beach, which you rarely have to yourself. From the Tour de Merelle (observation tower) you have a magnificent view over the lake.


Nideck Falls

probably the largest and most impressive waterfalls in Alsace. A beautiful circular route starts from the Auberge des Cascades de Nideck. Above the waterfalls is a great vantage point into the valley, mountains and forests. The waterfall is particularly beautiful in winter.


Cascades de Hohwald

a very nice waterfall in Le Hohwald. A forest path leads directly to the Cascades or a circular walk from the campsite. Especially nice in spring when it has a lot of water.


Cascades de Soultzmatt in Urmatt

A beautiful little waterfall in the middle of the forest can be reached by a short hike from Urmatt (hiking description in the Alsace blog).


Saut du Bouchot bei Sapois

for me the most beautiful waterfall in the mystical forest of Sapois. Several cascades, a clear river, wooden bridges and ferns ..... it couldn't be more idyllic. There is a parking lot right at the entrance to the Saut du Bouchot.


Lake of the Maix:

The beautiful Lac de la Maix is hidden in the mystical forests near the small village of Vexaincourt. A hiking trail from Vexaincourt is signposted.

Cascades de Heidenbad:

between the Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein and the village of Kruth are the beautiful Cascades de Heidenbad. From the parking lot, a path leads to the Cacades in about 15 minutes.

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    Lac de Fischboedle

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    Lac des Corbeaux

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    Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein

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    Lac d'Alfeld

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    Lac de Lispach

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    Lac de Gérardmer

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Vosges - the mountains:

Der Petit Ballon:

a beautiful circular route runs around the Petit Ballon, and again and again you have magnificent views of the Vosges. You can walk to the top or stay on the circular path. There are two very good Fermes right on the path, where you can eat very well: Ferme de Kahlenwasen and Ferme Auberge Buchwald.

Der Grand Ballon:

at over 1400 m the highest peak in the Vosges. It's often crowded on weekends. From the summit a great view of the mountains of the Vosges

Der Ballon d'Alsace

1250 m high in the very south of the Vosges (this is where the Grand Est region meets the Bourgogne Franche Comté region). A great path leads along the summit. The Ballon d'Alsace is the counterpart to the German Belchen in the Black Forest.


Field of fire

Raised mountains and heathland at 1100 m in the central Vosges. Ski area in winter. Beautiful circular routes on the plain and in the woods.


Rothenbachkopf

1300 m high summit, because you can easily reach it on a high path (more detailed information in the hiking tips Alsace and Vosges). All-round view of the Upper Vosges.


 Hohneck

one of the most beautiful peaks, 1360 m high. A great high path leads around the Kastelberg, fantastic views. There is a small farm on the summit where you can stop.


Gaschney and Petit Hohneck

In the winter the ski area, in the summer you can hike to the Hohneck, for example. The mountains appear alpine. The Ferme Auberge Gaschney offers good food and at the Ferme de Schissrothried you have a great view from the terrace.



Der grand donon

a great summit with magnificent views and a lot of history. The climb isn't too difficult. You can drive up a bit by car or start from below. It is worth it !


Gazon du Faing plateau

a beautiful heathland. From the Auberge Gazon du Faing you can walk to the ridge and have great views of the Lac de Forlet, the Vosges and, if the weather is clear, the Swiss Alps.


Mont Saint Odile

known for its monastery, interesting for the pagan wall that runs around the mountain. There are countless hiking trails that start directly from the two parking lots below the monastery. At the monastery you have great views of the Rhine plain, especially beautiful in autumn when the fog hangs in the plain.

The Neuntelstein

From the Auberge Rothlach (delicious Ferme food and beautiful outdoor terrace) you can walk a comfortable forest path to the Neuntelstein. The view is definitely worth it. If you want to walk longer, you can start from the lower Welschbruch farm (approx. 9 km, circular route)


Dabo and the rock path

beautiful hiking trail through a mystical forest with great rock formations. (Sentier de dieu Baldur). Great view from the Chapelle de Dabo.


The Taennchel:

mystical rock landscape above Thannenkirch. You can either walk up from there or from the Col de Haut Ribeauvillé (shorter and less incline).

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    Gaschney

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    Champ du Feu

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Vosges - the castles and castle ruins:

The Hohlandsbourg

Not far from Colmar, above Wintzenheim is the large and very well preserved Hohlandsbourg. A medieval festival is held every year in summer. You can walk along the castle wall and have impressive views. There is a café in the courtyard. Entry around 8 euros.

The Hochkönigsburg

the best known and largest castle ruins in Alsace. You should definitely visit (entrance fee about 12 euros). Very well preserved, with castle garden and inner courtyard, audio tours possible. There is also a restaurant.


Die Engelsburg in Thann

an interesting ruin above the beautiful town of Thann. It's a nice place up there, overlooking the city and the Vosges.


Chateau Haut Andlau

The Haut Andlau castle ruins are hidden in the forest above Andlau and Barr. You can start hiking from Ferme Hungerplatz or from Andlau or Barr.


Chateau d'Ortenbourg

The famous castle ruins are located above Dieffenthal. Well preserved, beautiful views and always worth a hike (best to start from Dieffenthal). The heather blooms in the pine forest in August, and a very idyllic forest path leads up to the ruins. From above you can still see the Ramstein ruins.

Chateau de Bernstein

above Dambach la Ville is the chateau Bernstein. You can walk from the parking lot of the ruin through the forest (approx. 15 minutes) and continue to the Falkenstein and Hagelstein, a very nice hike (see my Alsace blog)


Chateau Wangenbourg-Engenthal

beautiful castle ruins above Wangenbourg-Engenthal. From the tower a great view of the surrounding forests. Nice walks in the area.


Chateau Frankenbourg

from La Vancelle you can take a nice hike to the castle ruins of Frankenbourg and / or the Rocher de Coucou. The Frankenbourg ruin is quite large and you have wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.


Chateau Haut Barr

one of the most famous sights in northern Alsace above Saverne. On the huge rocks of the Haut Barr you have great views. There is a restaurant in the courtyard. A huge castle complex in the middle of forests and mountains.


Ulrichsburg / Ribeauvillé

one of the most beautiful and largest castle ruins in a fabulous location above Ribeauvillé. The ascent is a bit tedious but very worthwhile. Another smaller castle ruin (Girsberg) is close by and you can easily connect it on the hike.


Chateau de Guirbaden

The ruins of Guirbaden are enchanted in the forest. You can walk to the castle either from Mollkirch or from Grendelbruch. Beautiful and idyllic forest paths.


The three castles of Eguisheim

the trois chateaux of Eguisheim lie above Husseren les Chateaux, not far from the Hohlandsbourg. The ruins offer a nice place to enjoy the peace and quiet and the view over the Rhine plain and the vineyards. A short walk leads from the parking lot to the ruins. Long hikes also start there.

The rock dwellings in Graufthal:

North of Saverne is the place La Pétite Pierre and very close by are the Stone Age cave dwellings of Graufthal, which can be seen. Really interesting and great place.

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    Ulrichsbourg bei Ribeauvillé

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    Chateau Haut Andlau

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    Ortenbourg

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    Ortenbourg

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    Felswohnungen von Graufthal

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    Felswohnungen von Graufthal

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    Haut-Barr bei Saverne

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    Haut Barr bei Saverne

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    Chateau Frankenbourg

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    Chateau Frankenbourg

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    Ulrichsbourg/Ribeauvillé

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    Les 3 chateaux d'Eguisheim

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    Les 3 chateaux d'Eguisheim

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    Les 3 chateaux d'Eguisheim

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    Hohlandsbourg

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    Holandsbourg

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    Hohlandsbourg

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    Chateau de Guirbaden

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    Chateau de Guirbaden

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    Engelsbourg/Thann

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    Engelsbourg/Thann

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    Chateau Wangenbourg-Engenthal

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    Chateau Wangenbourg-Engenthal

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    Chateau Wangenbourg-Engenthal

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    Haut-Koenigsbourg

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    Haut-Koenigsbourg

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    Haut-Koenigsbourg

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Vosges - the Fermes

Auberge du Tanet farm

This beautiful farm is located near the Lac Vert. Wonderful views and delicious Ferme food. Very cozy inside and out. Hikes to Lac Vert, Lac de Forlet start directly from the Ferme parking lot.


Ferme Auberge Huss

above the Lac de Kruth Wildenstein lies this rustic farmhouse, which was already on TV. The Huss family is very nice and funny and you definitely have fun while eating. Everything is very rustic and natural and the view is beautiful.


Ferme Auberge du Grand Langenberg bei Sewen

not to be confused with the Ferme Auberge Langenberg. The Grand Langenberg is a smaller farm in a Vosges idyll that can hardly be described. The farm has its own cheese dairy, everything is made from its own products. Dog or cat are sometimes sitting at the table. You just want to stay ... The farm is on the way to the Ballon d'Alsace.


Ferme de Schiessrothried

Above the beautiful Lac de Schiessrothried lies the farm of the same name, which can be reached via the Gaschney. A beautiful terrace and delicious food. A hike to the Hohneck starts from here, panoramic views guaranteed.


Ferme Auberge de Steinwasen

unbeatable location with a view of the Münstertal from the terrace. Hiking trails to Rothenkopf and Batteriekopf start from the farm. Pure idyll, the food very tasty.



Salzbach farm

This quaint farm is located near the Markstein. Roigabrädeli tastes excellent here! The interior is very cozy and the terrace has a beautiful view of the Hohneck. There are goats and donkeys, cows and cats. You can buy homemade salami, it's unsurpassable!


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    Ferme Steinwasen

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    Ferme Steinwasen

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    Ferme Steinwasen

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    Ferme Steinwasen

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    Ferme-Essen Roigabrägeldi

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    Ferme Salzbach

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    Ferme Salzbach

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    Ferme de Schiessrothried

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    Ferme de Grand Langenberg

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    Ferme de Grand Langenberg

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    Ferme de Grand Langenberg

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    Ferme du Tanet

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    Ferme Auberge Huss

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Le Grand Ried (The Rhine meadows):

The reed has some hidden beautiful places, especially on the Ile de Rhinau, in Taubergiessen and in the Illwald near Selestat. The primeval forest-like Rhine meadows have their own microclimate and are home to rare species of birds. I can only recommend a canoe trip here. You feel like you are in the tropics. Arms of the old Rhine with clear water run through the floodplain landscapes. Not recommended in midsummer due to the mosquitoes and the very humid air. It is especially nice in winter when everything is frozen, which is extremely rare. Then it is a fairytale landscape like from a picture book. The Rhone au Rhin Canal is great for cycling or renting a boat (Boofzheim pier). History buffs will find a site of the First World War ("Ligne Maginot") near Marckolsheim and a fortress by Vauban in Neuf Brisach. In the Illwald near Selestat you can take wonderful forest walks. (Signposted circular route "sentir de l'Illwald approx. 10 km)

 

Otherwise the Rhine plain or "le Ried" consists mainly of corn fields. There are some beautiful bathing lakes such as in Wittisheim (plan d'eau de Wittisheim, open July August), the plan d'eau in Benfeld and the very beautiful bathing lake plan d'eau Huttenheim)

 

The capital of the Ried (Selestat) is a very beautiful small town with many historical buildings and beautiful shopping streets. (more under "the cities").

 

In Illhäuser, the Ill flows idyllically through the landscape. The La Truite restaurant is a wonderful place to sit on the river bank. If you can afford it, you can of course also eat in the Auberge de l'Ill. Also there you sit beautifully in the garden by the river.


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    Ile de Rhinau

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    Fähre in Rhinau

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    Rheinufer in Rhinau

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    Rheinufer in Rhinau

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    Taubergießen

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    Taubergießen

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    Nutria am Kanal Rhone au Rhin

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    Herbstzeitlose in Taubergießen

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    Rheinauen in Daubensand

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    Rheinauen in Daubensand

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    Rheinauen in Daubensand

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    Blumenwiese in Rhinau

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    Kanal Rhone au Rhin

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    Taubergießen

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    Rheinauen in Daubensand

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    Blumenwiese iin Rhinau

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    Sonnenblumenfeld in Boofzheim

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    Taubergießen

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    Badesee in Benfeld

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    Kanal Rhone au Rhin

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    Rinder in Boofzheim

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    Illhäusern

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    Storch im Ried

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    Illhäusern

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    Illhäusern

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    Bärlauchblüte

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    Rheinufer auf der Ile de Gerstheim

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    Ile de Gerstheim

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    Kanal Rhone au Rhin

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    Auwald

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    Rheinauen in Daubensand

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    Bärlauchblüte

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    Benfeld im Ried

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    Kanal Rhone au Rhin

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    Rheinauen in Daubensand

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    Ile de Gerstheim

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    Ile de Gerstheim

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    Ile de Gerstheim

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    Ile de Gerstheim

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    Rheinauen in Daubensand

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    Rheinauen in Daubensand

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My restaurant tips in the Grand Ried:


R estaurant La Charrue in Sand (wonderful beer garden)

Restaurant Le Bord du Rhin in Rhinau (Alsace-known for its trout)

Restaurant Le Couvent in Rhinau (very expensive)

Auberge de l'Ill in Illhäusern (3-star restaurant from the famous chef Heberlin)

Restaurant Au Boeuf in Plobsheim

Auberge de la Tuillerie in Krafft (great and rustic Auberge, very tasty food)

Auberge de la Treille in Boofzheim


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