The Petite Camargue Alsacienne is probably the best-known nature reserve in the border triangle. Located in the floodplain and floodplain forests of the Rhine between Bartenheim-la-Chaussée, Rosenau, Village-Neuf and Saint-Louis in southern Alsace, it was designated by the French government in 1982 as the first nature reserve in the Alsace. Since 2006, the extended area has covered a good 904 hectares and is managed by an association made up of conservationists, scientists and politicians.
The extensive network of paths leads to diverse biotopes in the Rhine floodplain landscape. Visitors can choose from three discovery trails (circuits) to observe the local animals, such as the damselfly, the fire dragonfly, the crested newt, the yellow-bellied toad, the grass snake or the garden dormouse, in their natural habitat. Several high stands serve to observe the bird life and enable sightings of kingfishers, black kites, grey and middle spotted woodpeckers, grey herons and more.
In addition to extensive natural landscapes, the Petite Camargue Alsacienne also includes a lock house, a nature reserve, a research station and a fish farm. The imperial fish hatchery was founded in 1852 under Napoleon II and has today found its original purpose again: the breeding of Atlantic salmon to repopulate the Rhine and its tributaries.
The CINE Nature Centre of the Petite Camargue Alsacienne facilitates environmental education and nature discovery activities, which it offers throughout the year for children and for a wide adult audience.
In order to preserve the biodiversity of the Petite Camargue, the area is under a strict protected area regulation. Within the nature reserve, it is therefore forbidden to take, kill or destroy animals or plants. Also, no pets may be brought into the Petite Camargue Alsacienne - with the exception of leashed dogs or service dogs. Hunting, fishing, camping and lighting fires are strictly prohibited. Visitors are requested not to leave litter in the area and are asked to stay on the designated paths and to keep quiet.
Tour
In front of the administration buildings, an interesting explanatory tour begins on a wooden walkway across an exemplary wetland biotope. This walk can be combined with a visit to the Kirchener Kopf. A hiking map provides information on the various hiking trails in the Petite Camargue Alsacienne.
Small children should be accompanied by adults. The area is neither wheelchair nor buggy accessible.
Refreshments
Picnicking is possible in various places, but the rules of the protected area regulations apply and it is therefore forbidden to make a fire. On weekends, drinks can be bought at the museum. There are also a number of restaurants and shopping facilities in the surrounding communities of Bartenheim-la-Chaussée, Village-Neuf and Saint-Louis.
Other greenbelt sites in the vicinity
Further information
Here you will find further information from our partner regionatur.ch on the topic 'Floodplain forests' and the nature reserve Petite Camargue Alsacienne.
By the water, Culture, Excursion with children, Hike (good footwear), Walk
Bicycle, Car, Public transport
Food must be brought along, Kiosk / Café, Picnic area
Amphibians, Birds, Cultural landscape / meadows, Fishes, Forest, Insects, Reptiles, Specific fauna, Waters, Wetland
Museum / Guided tours, Tour
Families, Groups (< 10 persons), Groups (> 10 persons), Hikers, School classes, Walkers
The Petite Camargue Alsacienne has its own bus station and is therefore easily accessible by public transport. Car travellers are best advised to drive to the "Stade de l'Au" sports ground, where vehicles can be parked opposite the entrance to the Petite Camargue Alsacienne. Vehicles and bicycles are not allowed inside the nature reserve.
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