The Grand Ried: an idyllic setting
Between Strasbourg and Colmar, water meadows and lush forests lie between the Ill and Rhine rivers. The Grand Ried is crisscrossed by a multitude of waterways, where wildlife and vegetation flourish, remarkable both for their diversity and rarity. This is Alsace at its most natural and vibrant, where water is king, shaping lovely landscapes over the seasons.
© C.DumoulinExplore the Ill*Wald
Very close to the humanist city of Sélestat lies a natural reserve of some 2,000 hectares, where castors and deer live peaceably. Walk along an interpretive trail, where you’ll discover the biological and geographical richness of this area. This path, together with two others, illustrates how the city has been shaped by water, through its 14 interpretive stops. On foot, on a bike or even in a pushchair, (re)discover the magic of this rugged, enchanting landscape.
Discover
©BestJobersRelax on the water
The clear, shallow waters of the Grand Ried are perfect for all sorts of activities. Try a flat-bottomed boat to get to the furthest, most pristine nooks and crannies. In Muttersholtz, Rhinau or Erstein, climb into a traditional flat-bottomed boat and set off on a pleasant adventure under the guidance of the last few boatmen of the Ried. A unique and unforgettable experience during which you’ll learn the secrets of these traditional travellers.
For a whole day or a few hours, go down the river in a canoe, on your own. Experience the excitement of navigating in and out of woodlands and stopping here and there to have a picnic and a refreshing swim. And for a great finish to your day, how about a night in a tepee on the riverbank? What an adventure!
©Vincent MullerHave a meaningful holiday
The Maison de la Nature du Ried in Muttersholtz is a nature and environmental awareness centre offering unique, educational walks. Learn to see nature and its marvels in a whole new light: explore the nooks and crannies of the Ried, listen to talks about local historical and cultural heritage, taste farm-fresh products, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or enjoy a picking and tasting session. There’s plenty of outdoor recreation and nature tourism here! It’s no coincidence that Muttersholtz was selected as the French capital of biodiversity in 2017.
Have fun exploring the Ried ecosystem on the “SensoRied” trail. Use all of your senses and sensitivities as you walk barefoot. Kids will have fun following the Hockemann, an imaginary creature and a mischievous guide. As for the grown-ups, they’ll roam barefoot across different types of surfaces, for a unique, revitalising experience.