Nature

A small region with a huge natural diversity

Thanks to its varied climatic influences, Alsace possesses a number of very different natural environments guaranteed to capture the imagination of anyone who enjoys rural tourism or waterborne tourism. The region is synonymous with water thanks to its extensive water table. Alsace possesses a generous and abundant natural environment, including the Rhenish jungles on the Rhinau island, the plains with their parks and gardens, the abundant forests including the Erstein Forest, or the outstanding biological diversity to be found in Alsace's Petite Camargue.

Alsace has two Regional Nature Parks which have carefully conserved a wealth of outstanding biotopes, and which are home to an unbelievable range of fauna and flora. These are the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park and the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park.

A total of 21 nature reserves protect the region's finest or endangered natural heritage sites. In addition to these impressive sanctuaries for plants and wildlife, Alsace also boasts a number of outstanding sites well worth a visit. As the highest point in the region, the Grand Ballon offers a unique view across the plains and the Black Forest. The legends surrounding the Nideck waterfalls and their cool, wooded setting make this a great place to explore, not forgetting the Donon in Grandfontaine which offers a wealth of ruins bearing witness to its legendary past. Another site where nature combines with legend and spirituality is Mont Sainte Odile, which was home to a large monastery for several centuries.

Finally, lovers of mountain environments will certainly not be disappointed in Alsace, during a hike up the Champ du Feu, by discovering the distinctive Alpine character of the Hohneck, or admiring the magnificent Lac Blanc (White Lake) overlooked by a fortress-shaped rock structure.