Ill (rivière) walks

This is a lovely walk in the plains of the river Ill, which will let you to escape for two hours from the bustle of this area popular with tourists. In summer you'll be nice and cool, thanks to the many streams and towering trees.

A country circuit through forests, villages, fields and rivers.

Walk in the Wantzenau forest, including a large part of the heron trail. A very pleasant route through fields and forests, but be careful on hot days.

This hike allows you to discover parts of the region's history during the Second World War, in the context of the liberation of Alsace, by following part of the Sentier des Marocains (Moroccan Trail). It also allows you to discover magnificent landscapes in the Swiss Jura, the Sundgau and the foothills of the Vosges and the Black Forest, then to follow the source of the Ill on your return to the starting point.

A bucolic walk in the cool shade of the forest, along the water; ideal in hot weather.

This is a variation on route -1-, slightly longer and slightly less shaded.

An 8 km hike on flat terrain. The route passes through parts of villages (Eschau, Ohnheim, Fegersheim), follows streams through fields, crosses a grove and runs alongside a pond.

This is a hike in the Ried region, consisting of two circular routes in one. The Lutter Route (Green Ring) and the Ill Route (Blue Ring). You can do both circular routes or just one of them. It is fairly easy as there are no steep slopes. The route starts at the Benfeld lake and then crosses forests and fields, following the Lutter, Muhlbach and Ill rivers along forest paths and trails (very little tarmac).

A lovely family walk that allows you to discover the potash villages from a different angle, along the Ill and Dollerbaechlein streams.

Semi-urban walk along the Ill, between allotments, forests and former gravel pits.

This is an undemanding hike, ideal for a Sunday stroll with the family. This circular runs along the banks of the Ill and allows you to discover the "Japanese Bridge" behind the Mulhouse swimming pool, as well as the "Bois des Philosophes" near the University.

Starting from Strasbourg, explore the peaceful banks of the Ill and observe its wildlife. Follow the dark waters of the mysterious Schwarzwasser as it winds its way through the heart of the Neuhof Forest. Finally, criss-cross the paths of the Rhine Tortu, which undulate to the gates of the city. Between water and forest, set your sights on unspoilt, peaceful nature, yet so close to the hustle and bustle of the city.

A short walk along the water's edge, pleasant in all seasons and appealing to adults, children and pets (on a lead) alike. With a bit of luck, you may see many animals, including kingfishers, as well as traces of beavers. In fine weather, this route is ideal for a picnic by the water's edge.

Hike between fields and forest near Nordhouse. Pass through the village of Hipsheim and return via the Rhône-Rhine canal. Pass by the Borne 2000 monument in Nordhouse.

Discover the three waterways from Wittenheim to Ruelisheim: the Ill, the Quatelbach and the Dollerbaechlein.

Water is ever-present throughout this route; starting from the lovely Eiblen Nature and Leisure Park, it follows the edges of the large pond, the tree-lined banks of the Ill and then the water body of the former gravel pit. It then enters the tranquillity of the Thur Forest and its banks to reach the Little Prince Park. Return along the banks of the Vieille Thur, then back along the Thur to its confluence with the Ill, ending with a final glimpse of the park’s waterbird ponds. Please note : Japanese knotweed, an invasive plant, regrows every year along the banks of the Thur from its rhizome, starting in March–April. Its growth accelerates (2 to 8 cm per day) and the plant can reach 2 or 3 m by July, obstructing the view of the river. It flowers in September–October (beautiful colours) and dies off by November.To enjoy the view of the waterways, it is best to undertake this walk between November and early May.

The Illwald is France’s largest voluntary nature reserve. Covering 2,000 hectares, this area consists mainly of vast meadows, forests and rivers. Water shapes these environments, whilst the flora and fauna enhance them. The forest is home to some 110 plant species and 210 types of fungi. However, the Illwald owes its fame in particular to the fallow deer, introduced in 1854. The population currently numbers over 300 individuals. Take a short detour to visit the medieval village of Guémar. A section appears to be off-limits to cyclists; please check the signs

This family hike takes you to the majestic Gros Chêne de Sondersdorf. Entirely in the forest, it passes through the Raedersdorf Discovery Trail, decorated with around fifty (or more) wooden sculptures and dotted with educational panels that are sure to interest children. Best done in dry weather in any season.If you only want to do the discovery trail and see the sculptures, see Practical Information.

In the Ried region of Alsace, the landscape is made up of numerous wet meadows. Throughout your walk, you will find information boards explaining the history of the Ried. Trail not accessible in case of flooding.

This route follows cycle paths, tracks and trails, alternating between sections through woodland, along rivers and canals, and through countryside. Several places to stop and have a picnic along the route.

Stroll through the historic centre of Strasbourg and discover twelve cul-de-sacs, which are unusual and little-known corners of the Alsatian capital. The route takes you through the alleys and streets of the Grande Île, from Rue de la Nuée-Bleue to Ponts-Couverts, via Place Broglie, the cathedral, the banks of the Ill and La Petite France. An original way to see the city from a different perspective. As for the cul-de-sacs, they "at least lead you to turn around", according to writer Sylvain Tesson...

A hundred-kilometre circular starting from Saverne, passing along the old Saverne–Romanwiller–Molsheim railway line, then following the Bruche Canal to Strasbourg, before returning via the Marne-Rhine Canal.

An ideal walk to start the season, taking you around Colmar and across the Alsace plain to the Rhine. It mainly follows cycle paths or routes, rural roads or quiet roads, with the exception of a few sections where you need to pay attention to traffic.