Nestled at the foot of the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, Saverne stands out thanks to its easily accessible natural surroundings. Just a few minutes on foot are enough to find yourself deep in the forest! This forest offers nature lovers an enchanting setting, with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees and the rugged pink sandstone terrain of the Vosges. There, walkers can enjoy 260 kilometers of marked trails, with several remarkable sites such as the Saint-Vit Cave, the Château du Haut-Barr, and the Rocher du Prince Charles. Don’t miss the chance to treat yourself at the “Là-Haut” Restaurant, located right in the heart of the Château du Haut-Barr. You can savor traditional Alsatian dishes while enjoying a stunning view over the Saverne area. Another must-visit spot on the heights: “La Garenne”. This hotel-restaurant offers local cuisine I simply adore!
The City of Roses
But you don’t even have to leave the city to be surrounded by nature. Saverne boasts many beautiful gardens. The most famous is the “Roseraie” (Rose Garden), located just steps from the pedestrian town center. This garden holds a collection of 5,000 rosebushes, spread across more than 800 varieties.
With its winding paths, flowering arches, and gazebos covered in climbing roses, the place is simply enchanting and naturally invites quiet reflection.
The town also features other exceptional gardens, such as the Garden of the Ramparts, the Monastic Garden of the Récollets Cloister, and the unmissable Interfaith Public Garden—each one worth discovering!
The Little Alsatian Versailles
I couldn’t talk about Saverne without mentioning its most iconic building, often called the “Little Alsatian Versailles.” This, of course, is the Château des Rohan. Built in the 13th century along the Marne-Rhine Canal, the château now serves as a museum, cultural hub, school, and youth hostel. Majestic in its neo-classical pink sandstone style, it offers a stunning view over Saverne’s marina.
Another emblematic monument of the town: the “Taverne Katz”. This house, dating back to 1605, is one of the oldest in Saverne. Its intricately carved façade is a tribute to the German Renaissance style. Once a butcher’s shop and later a cooperage, it is now a traditional Alsatian restaurant. A word of advice: step inside this iconic place. Its interior décor and cuisine are an immersive dive into local culture!
By the Water
Saverne is also known as a riverside town. The Marne-Rhine Canal flows right through it. Beautifully laid out for both pedestrians and cyclists, the canal banks invite leisurely strolls and moments of relaxation. In summer, many locals enjoy sipping drinks by the water! And you can even dine there, thanks to the restaurant “El Ceviche”, located on a boat moored at the marina. Specializing in seafood, the restaurant offers langoustines, rillettes, tapas, smoked fish, and oysters. At the end of the day, by candlelight, one might almost forget they’re dining in Alsace—the atmosphere transports you elsewhere entirely…
An Ideal Setting for Families
Vous souhaitez embarquer votre famille en Alsace ? Sachez que la Ville de Saverne est dotée d’un dispositif éducatif complet comprenant cinq maternelles, dont une bilingue franco-allemande, trois écoles élémentaires, dont une privée, deux collèges et trois lycées. Elle met également à la disposition de ses 11 000 habitants un tissu associatif dynamique, une piscine couverte et découverte, un cinéma, une bibliothèque et de nombreux équipements sportifs. Située à seulement 25 minutes de Strasbourg, Saverne s’adresse surtout aux familles à la recherche d’un cadre préservé, nature et serein. Serait-ce votre cas ?
Planning to bring your family to Alsace? Saverne offers a complete educational system with five preschools—including one bilingual French-German—three primary schools (one of which is private), two middle schools, and three high schools. It also provides its 11,000 residents with a vibrant network of associations, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a cinema, a library, and many sports facilities. Located just 25 minutes from Strasbourg, Saverne is especially appealing to families seeking a peaceful, natural, and preserved living environment.
Could that be you?
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