In the surroundings

Welcome to Lièpvre - The natural charm of Alsace mixed with a touch of nature!

Nestling in the Vallée de Villé, Lièpvre is a little corner of Alsace like no other: peaceful, natural and far from the hustle and bustle of the city! With its little half-timbered houses, rolling green hills and peaceful atmosphere. Lièpvre is also the ideal starting point for exploring the region’s treasures. But don’t leave too quickly: the village already has so much to offer! You’ll have the pleasure of strolling through its quiet streets, discovering the church of Saint-Alexis and taking the time to admire the bucolic landscapes that surround it. And keep your eyes peeled for storks, those majestic, slender birds that are something of a local star. Whether you’re a Sunday stroller or an experienced hiker, Lièpvre has a number of discovery trails for you to explore on foot or by bike, around the Lièpvrette Valley and its forests. There’s even a family walk starting from the village that leads to the old mining site: a vestige of an unexpected industrial past.But Lièpvre is also the perfect spot to sample the local specialities: munster, kougelhopf, and of course a sip or two of Alsatian wine (in moderation, of course!) In short: Lièpvre is a perfect base for lovers of nature, heritage… and good food! So, are you ready to discover?

Hikes around Lièpvre and the Ballon des Vosges Regional Nature Park: a breath of fresh air

Lovers of wide-open spaces and beautiful views: there are plenty of hiking trails for all levels just waiting to be explored! Around Lièpvre and the Ballon des Vosges Regional Nature Park, find the walk that takes your fancy! Here, every hike is a promise of landscapes (100% unfiltered), dense forests, peaceful lakes and 360° panoramas that won’t leave you indifferent.Around Lièpvre, there are a number of hiking trails that allow you to set off on an adventure without going too far: the Sainte-Croix chapel trail: accessible level (around 2 hours) which climbs gently through the woods, with a beautiful view over the valley at the finish. Bonus: a little perched chapel, perfect for a snack break with a view. There’s also the Val de Lièpvre loop: a longer route (4/5 hours) for motivated walkers, combining forests, meadows, small streams and local heritage. A true immersion in nature, with the gentle impression of being (almost) alone in the world!

Just a few kilometres away, breathtaking scenery! Welcome to the Ballon des Vosges Regional Nature Park. On the ‘Le Hohneck’ trail: one of the highest peaks in the Vosges, a truly breathtaking panorama. On a clear day, you can even see the Swiss Alps. Incredible, isn’t it? There are several paths to the summit, depending on your level of motivation… ‘Lac Blanc & le sentier des roches’: a must-do. This vertiginous route follows the ridges and offers spectacular views of the glacial lakes and surrounding forests. Admittedly, it’s hard on the calves, but it’s well worth the effort! Finally, ‘Le Grand Ballon’: THE emblematic summit, at an altitude of 1,424 m. This is a great hike, accessible at a steady pace and with shoes that hold up. There’s even an inn at the top where you can reward yourself with a well-deserved snack… This is an adventure for both you and your family (don’t forget your camera).

With an air of ‘Game of Thrones’, the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg stands proudly on its throne...

Nestling at an altitude of 757 metres, the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg (located 10kms from the campsite in Orschwiller – the name probably rings a bell) is not just a simple ruin with pretty rose-tinted stones: it’s the real star of the Vosges, the one you recognise from afar and that leaves no one indifferent!

Built on high ground in the 12th century, demolished, forgotten and then rebuilt by the Germans in the early 20th century, this medieval castle plunges you into an atmosphere of chivalry (period costume not required). Massive tower, keep, drawbridge, weapons room, creaking wooden furniture and breathtaking panoramic views over the Alsace plain? It’s all there, right down to the torture chamber for the more curious (but beware of those with sensitive souls). Whether you take a guided or self-guided tour, don’t miss these stages: the climb to the ramparts: it’s a bit of a climb, but the view of the Black Forest and the Alps on a clear day rewards all your efforts. For the young (and not so young), there are medieval events including falconry shows, calligraphy workshops and costumed tours. If you’ve always dreamed of wielding a sword in a cape, now is your chance… In the courtyard: take the time to treat yourself to a little gourmet break.

Ribeauvillé: between storks, castles and lots of charm

Imagine an Alsatian village that ticks all the boxes of what you want to see: colourful half-timbered houses, lively cobbled streets, storks perched on rooftops, vineyards as far as the eye can see and – the icing on the ‘kougelhopf’ – three magnificent medieval castles. Welcome to Ribeauvillé (20km from the campsite)!Here, you can stroll at your own pace, marvel at every street corner and enjoy a glass of Riesling or a slice of homemade pie (often both at the same time). In the village, don’t miss the Grand’Rue: the main thoroughfare, lined with craft shops, pastel-coloured timber-framed houses and sculpted fountains. If you love shop windows full of pottery, homemade jams and Alsatian souvenirs, this is the place to be. The Tour des Bouchers (Butchers’ Tower): an ancient medieval gateway that divides the town in two. Climb it for a great panoramic view of the surrounding valley. The town hall and its Renaissance fountain: perfect for a contemplative break. And finally : The storks! They’re everywhere: on rooftops, nests and signs. They’re impossible to miss… Then set off to explore the three châteaux that dominate Ribeauvillé: Saint-Ulrich, Girsberg and Haut-Ribeaupierre. A magnificent hike through vineyards and forests, with panoramic views that are well worth the diversions (get your calves ready…).A perfect family day out.

Two not-to-be-missed Alsatian villages: Riquewihr and Kaysersberg

If you’re dreaming of half-timbered houses, narrow cobbled streets and little houses with flower-filled windows, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg are for you. These two villages, ranked among the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’, have not stolen their title: every facade is worthy of a postcard, every street corner a photogenic spot. Riquewihr (30km from the campsite) is a medieval jewel, where you can lose yourself in the colourful alleyways, between wine cellars (in moderation) and small craft shops where everything is tempting (who hasn’t dreamt of tasting the giant pretzels?). One of the must-sees on site: the ramparts and towers, for fans of old stones and pretty views. A tour of the fortifications will immerse you in the history of the village, with a few photo opportunities to boot. Rue du Général-de-Gaulle is Riquewihr’s main thoroughfare, if you fancy a little souvenir! The Dolder, an emblematic 13th-century tower, now houses a small museum on the defence of the village. In Kaysersberg (40km from the campsite), you’ll find the same typical atmosphere, but with a touch of wildness thanks to the river Weiss, which meanders through the village. Don’t miss the old fortified bridge and flower-filled facades, surrounded by mountains. You’ll also pass the imperial castle (Kaysersberg’s famous ‘Berg’): it’s a bit of a climb, but the view from the tower is well worth it. Finally, the historic centre: cobbled streets, Renaissance houses, wrought-iron signs… every detail is a little local jewel.

Getaway to Colmar: Alsace's little Venice!

Welcome to Colmar (35km from the campsitz): THE pearl of Alsace, where every street corner is just as photogenic… Here, everything is colourful and gentle, with a medieval ambience and atmosphere: a real break from time. With its romantic canals, impeccable half-timbered houses and enchanted village atmosphere, Colmar is a must-see!On the spot: La Petite Venise is THE emblematic spot of the town. A canal lined with pastel-coloured houses in bloom, quietly moving boats and a romantic atmosphere. The Tanneurs district: tall, narrow houses dating back to the 17th century, once inhabited by those who made hides smell. Today, you can no longer smell the skins, but you can still enjoy admiring the heritage. You can also visit the Musée Unterlinden, where art lovers can admire the famous Issenheim Altarpiece. The collegiate church of Saint-Martin is also worth a visit: a majestic, pink sandstone building that sits proudly in the heart of the town and is well worth a diversion, if only for the soothing atmosphere and the lovely souvenir photos.

At your own pace, you can also try the local specialities: sauerkraut, tarte flambée, spätzle, baeckeoffe… All accompanied by a glass of Pinot blanc or Muscat. Colmar is also the capital of taste buds, it would seem… For gourmet breaks, stop off at the covered market: perfect for filling your basket with good local produce… or just browsing.

Stroll by bike or on foot along the canals and alleyways, enjoying the peace and beauty: from Colmar, there’s no shortage of beautiful views!

Immersion in monkey country: an unusual family day out

Fancy an unusual encounter? Head for the Montagne des Singes, just a few minutes from the campsite, where over 200 Barbary macaques await you in a vast forest park, in complete freedom. There are no bars, no windows, just a lovely stroll through a chestnut grove, with curious monkeys sometimes inviting themselves quite close to you… It’s a great way to get away from it all!

The visit is as educational as it is amusing, with carers sharing a few anecdotes and fascinating facts about the lives of these endangered primates in their natural environment. An outing that will delight young and old alike! There are also a number of fun activities to discover.

Gérardmer lake: a bubble of nature, freshness and relaxation in the heart of the Vosges mountains

Located about an hour’s drive from the campsite, Lac de Gérardmer is a real natural gem nestling in the heart of the Vosges mountains. With 115 hectares of water and lined with fir trees, it is the largest natural lake in the region and one of the most popular for outdoor activities and family getaways.

Accessible all year round, the site offers a multitude of activities, ideal for getting the whole family together in the heart of nature! In summer, the lake is perfect for (supervised) swimming or water-based activities such as paddle-boarding, pedal-boating, canoeing or rowing. There are several beaches where you can relax by the water, with your feet in the grass or sand, in a peaceful, unspoilt setting.

If you want to stretch your legs, the 6km walk around the lake is a pleasant and easy one, suitable for everyone. It offers magnificent views of the Vosges mountains and lets you discover the local flora while breathing in the pure, invigorating air. It’s also a great place for birdwatching!

Last but not least, a visit to the lake wouldn’t be complete without a short stroll through Gérardmer town centre, where you can sample the local specialities from the Vosges mountains and the local craft industry, to be savoured without moderation.