- The Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park :
At its heart lie the High Vosges mountains, with 36 peaks over 1,000 meters. The Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park is the most populated and mountainous of the six parks in the Grand Est region. The park gets its name from the rounded peaks known as “ballons.”
Spanning a vast area of 2,921.06 km² (of which 2,234.49 km² are in Grand Est, the rest in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region), the park is home to remarkable natural areas: high-altitude grasslands, peat bogs, ancient beech-fir forests, and limestone grasslands. Its flora and fauna are both exceptionally rich and fragile.
- The Erstein Forest National Nature Reserve :
Covering 180 hectares in the former bed of the Rhine, the Erstein Forest Nature Reserve protects an alluvial forest rich in biodiversity.
Fed by the river’s floods, it harbors nearly 400 plant species and many animal species, including forest birds, amphibians, and rare dragonflies.
- The Rhinau Island Nature Reserve :
The Rhinau Island Nature Reserve, a prime example of Rhine alluvial forest, covers 300 hectares still connected to the river. Seasonal floods shape its distinctive landscape of forests, meadows, and wetlands.
It hosts a wide variety of plant species — black poplars, willows, alders, oaks, maples, and climbing plants — totaling nearly 50 different species. This botanical richness supports diverse wildlife: insects, nesting birds like woodpeckers and tits, and in winter, up to 4,000 ducks migrating from Northern Europe.
- The Haslach Forest, in the Land of Giants :
In the heart of the Vosges mountains, this enchanting site blends nature and legends, featuring giant sculptures inspired by local tales. Beyond its playful aspect, the forest plays a vital role for the environment: it harbors remarkable biodiversity, including beeches, firs, oaks, and a variety of wildlife. Its sustainable management aims to protect the soil, water quality, and forest habitats. An educational trail on site raises awareness among visitors of all ages about nature conservation and the delicate balance of forest ecosystems.
- The Donon Forest :
Located 50 km west of Strasbourg, the Donon Forest is a remarkable natural and historical site. Rich in biodiversity, it is home to peat bogs, rare species such as the capercaillie, as well as lynxes, wolves, and bats. Partly designated as a strict biological reserve and a Natura 2000 area, it is also a place of remembrance, shaped by human history from Antiquity to World War II.
The Donon, Sacred Peak of the Vosges:
The highest point of the forest (1,009 m), the Donon is a historically rich site and classified as a historical monument. Accessible on foot, it offers sweeping views and features a temple inspired by Antiquity. A sacred place since the Bronze Age, it still holds Gallo-Roman remains dedicated to the god Mercury.
- Mount Sainte-Odile :
From Obernai, set out to discover MountSainte-Odile, an iconic site perched on the Vosges heights just 10 km away. It offers an exceptional panorama over the Alsace plain and a unique natural and spiritual setting.
A major pilgrimage destination dedicated to Saint Odile, it houses a famous convent, hiking trails, and mysterious remains such as the Pagan Wall, a massive 11-km-long stone enclosure surrounded by legends.
Alsace stands out for its rich biodiversity, spanning forests, plains, and wetlands. This diversity of natural habitats supports a wide range of species, some of which are rare or endangered.
Protecting these species means preserving a valuable heritage essential to maintaining the balance of regional biodiversity.
Some examples of protected species in Alsace:
- The White Stork:
An iconic symbol of Alsace, the white stork embodies both the region’s identity and the richness of its local wildlife.
After a steep decline during the 20th century — due to the loss of wetlands and the use of pesticides — it became the focus of numerous protection and reintroduction programs.
Today, its presence on rooftops or specially built nesting platforms in Alsatian villages is the result of ongoing conservation efforts.
As a protected species in France, any disturbance, destruction of the bird, its nest, eggs, or habitat is strictly prohibited.
The Greater Hamster of Alsace, also known as the European hamster, is a small rodent native to the region. It measures about 25 cm and is easily recognized by its colorful fur and large cheek pouches used to store food. Once widespread in the agricultural plains, it is now critically endangered due to urbanization, intensive farming, and the loss of its natural habitat.
To protect it, the Grand Est Region, in partnership with the French government and various organizations, has launched several initiatives: restoring its habitat with suitable crops, creating ecological corridors to connect populations, and implementing reintroduction programs. Awareness campaigns are also conducted among farmers and the general public to support the conservation of this threatened species.
You can find the full list of endangered bird species in Alsace on the LPO website.
Some examples of threatened plant species in Alsace:
In the Grand Est region, 742 vascular plants are considered threatened, including 75 listed as endangered species in France.
Here are two examples from Alsace:
-Hill garlic (Allium species)
Hill garlic is a rare wild plant found on sunny, limestone hillsides and in mountainous regions. With its narrow leaves and clusters of small white flowers, it may seem modest, but it plays an important role in the ecosystem by providing nectar and shelter to many pollinating insects.
This species is protected because it is threatened by habitat destruction, overgrazing, and excessive foraging. It grows slowly and requires specific conditions, making it especially vulnerable.
Protecting hill garlic means preserving biodiversity and safeguarding fragile natural environments. By defending this species, we also protect many others and take a meaningful step toward maintaining our natural heritage for future generations.
-Fuchs’ orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soo)
Fuchs’ orchid is a beautiful wild orchid found in meadows, light woodlands, and hillsides. It has purple flowers with delicate patterns, growing in a tall cluster.
This plant is protected because it is becoming rare. It is threatened by intensive farming, building developments, and frequent mowing.
Protecting it means helping to preserve nature, support insects that rely on it, and keep our landscapes beautiful. Every flower matters for biodiversity.
As part of our societal and environmental commitment, we wish to highlight the work of two local associations that are actively engaged in protecting our natural heritage.
LPO Alsace (League for the Protection of Birds) has been working for many years to safeguard biodiversity, particularly through the protection of birds, the restoration of natural habitats, and raising public awareness of ecological issues.
In addition, Alsace Nature plays a key role in defending the region’s environment. The association recently spoke out against the Mont Sainte-Odile cable car project, denouncing an initiative that would have severely damaged the foothills of the Vosges—an area of exceptional ecological and scenic value.
Through these examples, we wish to acknowledge and support those who are committed every day to a more respectful and sustainable future for nature.