Schwanau walks

A circular route with virtually no elevation gain, through the shaded forest on the German side of the Rhine. Part of the route follows a signposted path known as the “Schnakenpfad” (the snail trail), which is approximately 7.5 km long. It is located near Lac de Gravier to the west, between the villages of Ottenheim-Schwanau and Meißenheim. This path is aptly named, as the locals also call it “Schnoogepfad” (the Mosquito Trail), because in summer it is teeming with them. The route alternates between small lakes, streams, charming little wooden bridges, footpaths, tracks of varying widths, tarmac roads and a few pavements at the start and finish in the streets of the village of Ottenheim-Schwanau. The whole route is easily accessible. There are several shelters with tables and benches along the way. Suitable walking shoes are nevertheless recommended. Dogs must be kept on a lead! The area is rich in wildlife and you’ll also come across beautiful wild geese.

A beautiful, easy walk in the Grand Ried in Rhinau, between fields and forest near the Rhine, surrounded by springs and streams with exceptionally clear water and blockhouses. Suitable for children.

A route through the Taubergiessen National Nature Reserve, in the German part of Rhinau, along the Old Rhine with views of Rhinau Island and a short detour to Europa-Park (Rust). This is a thousand-hectare nature reserve owned by the French commune of Rhinau on German territory (650 ha of forest and 350 ha of meadows or fields). I was lucky enough to spot roe deer, swans and herons.

A short tour of the village of Osthouse and its surroundings. Numerous waterways, meadows and shady forests will enhance your journey. The castle and church are also worth a visit.

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.

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).

Hike around the Witternheim bench with fun signs created in collaboration with the municipality and the Maison de la Nature de Muttersholtz. Long tour marked by the Club Vosgien with a red ring.

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

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

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

A visit to my maternal grandparents’ village will take you deep into the Black Forest; as you climb a little higher, you’ll discover the village of Seelbach in the Schutter Valley.

An hour from Strasbourg, in the heart of the Black Forest (Germany), discover the ruins of Géroldseck Castle. A route along small country lanes, which can be completed on foot or by bike (between 4 and 5 hours on foot). After an initial uphill section, you’ll discover a superb 360-degree panoramic view of the Black Forest at the top of the ruins.

A lovely walk above Seelbach, alternating between woodland and meadows with beautiful scenery and the chance to discover lovely wooden sculptures. Please note that the start of the descent is sometimes quite steep.

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.

The Hattisheim route is a circular route that connects the villages of Blaesheim and Geispolsheim, both accessible by public transport from Strasbourg. Marked by a Red Ring, the route offers a varied walk. Historical heritage, including the Gloeckelsberg tower (former bell tower) in Blaesheim and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows in Hattisheim. Natural landscapes, with a route through vineyards, orchards and the Bruch de l’Andlau. Finally, local points of interest, such as fishing ponds once used for hemp processing.