Alsace's Petite Camargue

The perfect place to admire the local fauna and flora

Alsace's "Petite Camargue" is the oldest nature reserve in the region, and was created in the mid-19th century. Back then, the aim was to re-populate the waterways. Today, an association which includes ecologists, elected representatives and scientists handles the running of this nature reserve, which has always sought to preserve the biological diversity of the Rhineland environment. It is located in the south of Alsace, on an area of marshland covering a total of 900 hectares. The site is open all year round to the public, on either a "go as you please" basis or for guided tours, and includes three marked-out trails.

A "diversity laboratory"

The reserve is the perfect place to observe the local fauna and flora. Here, visitors will find no less than 40 tree varieties, 180 bird species, 16 amphibian species and 40 varieties of dragonflies! From mid-August to October, it is also possible to watch the migratory birds who stop off here for a few days before continuing their journey. Flocking here from all over northern Europe, hundreds of storks and birds of prey can be observed on the site. During the summer, on the "European Bat Night" you can observe bats at first hand in their natural environment.