Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park Trails
Saverne sits at the exact gateway to the Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord, a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve of sandstone ridges, mixed forest and hidden valleys stretching north towards Germany. You can step off the train, lace your boots and be deep in old-growth beech forest within 20 minutes — no car required.
The Saverne Gap and Forest Trails
The Saverne Gap (Col de Saverne) has been the natural passage through the Vosges since Roman times, and the forest paths that radiate from town follow ancient drove roads and pilgrim routes. The most rewarding half-day loop links the town centre, the Chapelle Saint-Michel hermitage carved into a sandstone cliff face, and the Jardin Botanique before looping back via the canal towpath.
The Jardin Botanique de Saverne, maintained by a passionate local association, holds over 2,500 plant species on a hillside plot just above town. Admission is free and it is particularly beautiful in May when the rhododendron collection peaks.
Wildlife and Seasonal Highlights
The Vosges du Nord is one of the best places in France to spot wild boar, red squirrel and — if you are very quiet at dusk — European wildcat. Birdwatchers should target the forest edges for black woodpecker and honey buzzard between April and September.
Autumn transforms the ridgeline above Saverne into a tapestry of copper and gold that rivals anything in New England. The GR53 long-distance trail passes directly through town, making Saverne a logical base for multi-day trekking north towards Wissembourg.
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