Well, we're not going to lie to you, the next few days are looking to be just as wet as the last ones!
The groundwater needs it, and so do the fauna and flora.
Raincoat and umbrella sellers rub their hands together while parents rub their heads wondering how they are going to keep their children occupied.
Don't panic, we have ideas and solutions to offer you.
Our valley and its neighbors have everything you need to keep you entertained. The more adventurous can gear up and enjoy the beautiful autumnal colors, framed by wisps of cloud. Those who prefer to stay indoors will find something to enjoy in a museum, a mine, or an exhibition.
Dear readers, grab your umbrellas, we're taking you on a journey to discover rainy Alsace!
Heritage trails and orienteering courses
Heritage trails: Okay, you're brave, but the idea is to stay sensible and not catch THE cold of the year.
These walks are short and without major technical difficulty. Approximately 5 km long, the heritage trails are circular routes equipped with panels explaining the history and heritage of the villages they pass through. Seven different circuits and themes are available:
Albé and its vineyard: 5,6 km – 2 hours
Dieffenbach au Val, its educational pond and wetland area: 4,5 km – 2 hours
Fouchy and its magnificent forest: 5,5 km - 2 hours
Saint-Martin / Breitenbach / Maisonsgoutte, 3 villages for a circuit around the orchards: 7 km – 2h30
Saint-Pierre-Bois / Thanvillé, a walk in search of the Valley's elf: 5 km – 1h30
Urbeis and its mining history: 4,3 km – 1 hour 45 minutes
Villé and its history centered around hydraulic power: 4,5 km – 1h30
Each trail is marked by small signs displaying logos related to its theme. The heritage trails are an activity suitable for families with children, as well as couples or groups of friends who want to get some fresh air without spending the whole day on it.
Orienteering courses: Walking in the rain is fine, but only if we can have fun and there's a purpose!
For the past 3 years, we have offered two routes, one in Villé, the other in Neubois.
Orienteering is an activity whose goal is to find markers whose location is indicated on a map.
We are talking about introductory courses here, not difficult ones, everything has been designed to make them accessible and above all, to help you discover the beautiful places in our region.
The Villé route : 2.5 km – 8 markers – 1 hour 45 minutesThe Neubois route 4.5 km – 8 markers – 2h30
Maps are available at the office or for free download on our website.
Hiking, trail running and mountain biking
Hiking:
The rain and mud do not detract from the beauty of the Valley's landscapes.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can certainly try one of our hiking trails. We've selected six hikes, which we've categorized according to your level of... "water resistance." All the route descriptions and GPX files are available for free download on our website. By clicking on the hike name, you'll be redirected to the website page to access the files.
>Short hikes – waterproofing level 2.5/10:
La Chaume des Veaux from the Col du Kreuzweg : 4,6 km – 247 m of positive elevation gain.
This hike takes place in the hills above Breitenbach, on the border with the territory of the Pays de Barr.
In rainy weather, this place seems cut off from the world because it is plunged into intense silence.
Beware, the Alsatian root likes to grow on hiking trails and it SLIPPERS!
The small loop of the Col de la Charbonnière : 2 km – 65 m of positive elevation gain.
This very short walk offers two advantages. First: you get wet, but not for long! Second: the starting point is the parking lot of the Auberge du Col de la Charbonnière. After the walk, you can warm up with a bowl of hot chocolate and a delicious homemade tart!
>Intermediate hikes – waterproofing level 5/10:
The Climont circuit : 7km – 305 m of positive elevation gain
From the village of Climont, you set off in search of the Jules Tower, perched atop the Climont mountain. From this tower, a 360° view offers an incredible panorama of the Villé Valley, the Bruche Valley, and the Vosges Mountains. When clouds drift from peak to peak, the landscape transforms into a living painting.
The circuit of small monuments :
This walk begins just outside Breitenau and takes you to discover the most spectacular rock formations in our region. The atmosphere of this route is incredible in rainy weather. Visibility is reduced, mist surrounds you, and you are immersed in a very intimate atmosphere, as if surrounded by cotton (…Okay, okay, wet cotton ^^).
Long hikes – waterproofing level 10/10:
The Cuckoo Rock and Frankenbourg Castle : 14,5 km – 655 m of positive elevation gain.
Starting from the village of Breitenau, this hike will lead you to discover the geological wonders of our valley, but also, and above all, two magnificent viewpoints (oh wait, no… it's raining and the sky is overcast). The Alsatian mountains sometimes offer surprises at the summit. You might find yourself above the clouds, in the sunshine, admiring the sea of clouds.
This is not always the case, but nothing ventured, nothing gained!
The Albéville and Ungersberg circuit : 9,5 km – 650 m of positive elevation gain.
This route takes you to the summit of the Ungersberg, where a magnificent view of the vineyards and the Alsace plain unfolds before you. The hike is primarily on a trail, sometimes steep and technical, especially in wet weather due to the numerous roots. Nothing is impossible, but be careful on the descents.
Upon reaching the top, you can take shelter in a very small space in the tower.
Mountain biking:
It's true, let's not kid ourselves, you're going to come home very, very dirty and you're going to spend more time cleaning your bike and your equipment… But you'll be fully satisfied to have braved the weather conditions and can be the hero of Sunday lunch with the family!
To help you find the motivation to embark on this outing, we offer two fully marked mountain bike trails so you won't need to take out your map or phone to find your way. With us, there are no technical difficulties; you'll be riding on forest paths.
Frankenbourg and Roches mountain bike trail : 23,8 km – 528 m of positive elevation gain.
This route is interesting for two reasons. First, the mountain range you'll be riding through is magnificent; the forest is diverse, healthy, and home to numerous bird species (listen carefully for the cuckoo's call or the black woodpecker's cry). Second, the ground is very sandy, which is a real plus for mountain biking in the rain. You'll get (a little) less dirty, and the traction will be better.
If you rinse your bike, don't forget to put a little oil on your chain 😉
3-Pass Mountain Bike Trail : 35 km – 1050 m of positive elevation gain.
Now we're talking serious business! We're talking 3.5 hours of mud baths and liters of splashing. You're going to get a face full of mud!!
This hike takes you around the back valley on the Fouchy, Urbeis and Climont side.
The most challenging part of this ride is after the Col d'Urbeis, with a steep climb. You'll need to conserve your energy before reaching it. Depending on the temperature, don't forget gloves, a neck warmer, and perhaps an extra warm layer in your pack. This is a long route, and it wouldn't be very pleasant to cycle for two hours in the cold.
Trail:
If you enjoy running, we also have several suggestions for you.
The trail run: 3 circuits exist and allow you to complete 13, 26 or 52 km. These circuits are not physically marked but you can download the GPX files For GPS navigation. (Click on the route name to access the download page)
The ascent of the Honel : 13 km – 500 m of positive elevation gain.
Starting from Villé, the route climbs to the small and large Honel, a well-known place overlooking the village of Maisonsgoutte, passing by the Forester's bench before returning to Villé.
At Km7 you will be confronted with the “Honel Raid”!
The Fairy Rock : 26 km – 1073 m of positive elevation gain.
Starting from Villé, heading towards Breitenau to tackle the climb towards the Roche des Fées and then on to the salt cellar and its beautiful balancing rock.
Head down towards Breitenau and then continue to Fouchy.
Climb towards the Virgin of Lalaye to tackle the famous “Raidar de la Honel” which will be the last difficulty before returning to Villé.
Hold on tight, it's going to be a climb!
(This route is reserved for experienced trail runners.)
The Wurzel : 52 km – 2290 m of positive elevation gain.
Starting from Villé, head towards Ungersberg and the Hering Tower, then descend towards the Ungersberg pass and the Bellevue pass. Next, continue towards the Kreuzweg pass, passing through the Alsace Adventure Park.
At Km16, climb up to Pelage, which is one of the most beautiful views of the Valley, then descend to Breitenbach and climb back up towards the Col de la Charbonnière via a beautiful little single track.
To begin the second half of the adventure, head towards the Steige pass via the ridge.
Once past Climont, there are only a few more bumps before the Blanc Noyer meadow (Km45) which is almost at the foot of the “Raidar de la Honel” which will be the last difficulty before returning to Villé.
Doing it in bad weather is a real challenge! Be careful on the descents, as you now know, Alsatian roots are really slippery!
(This route is reserved for experienced trail runners.)
We offer one last option for runners who don't (too) like getting dirty.
From Thanvillé, you can take the salt route, which is a hilly cycle path passing through the forest to reach Scherwiller.
14 km round trip without a car, without noise and enjoying the forest of this beautiful mountain range… without getting your feet muddy!
Just a few minutes from our home:
The Argentinian Farm :
We're taking a break from sports to offer you an outdoor activity geared towards families and centered around animals. The Argentin Farm opens its doors in Lièpvre, in the Val d'Argent, for a visit exploring the history of agriculture. Throughout the day, you can enjoy the various activities offered and also get to know the many animals living on the farm.
There we go, the dose of pure, but humid, air has been done, now let's occupy our time with indoor activities.
We will offer you venues in the Valley but also in the surrounding area, with external service providers who are members of the Office.
Museums, cinema, producers… you’re sure to find something to keep you busy and entertained.
IN THE VALLEY
The Vivarium cinema at the MJC :
The Vivarium Community Center Cinema: at least three times a week, the Community Center team invites you to come and see a film. Tuesday and Friday evenings for adults, Wednesday afternoons for children.
The programming is varied and caters to all age groups in the family.
The Aquavallées aquatic center :
Since you're going to get wet anyway, you might as well do it properly, especially since the water's warm in the pool!
A large pool, a fun pool, a paddling pool and a large slide, this swimming pool will allow you to have a really good time with your family.
If you are child-free, feel free to relax in the wellness area. the wellness area.
Want to take advantage of the bad weather to get back into reading but nothing inspires you in your library? The Villé media library is your solution!
The selection of books is extensive, and the library staff will be happy to advise you on the perfect one! From graphic novels to novels, from scientific books to language textbooks… you'll find plenty to choose from. To stay up-to-date with the library's news, visit their Facebook page.
The library is just steps away from the swimming pool, so your plans for rainy Saturdays are all set!
Based in Steige, the distillery offers tours throughout the week and throughout the year.
You will be able to discover high-quality products, made using traditional methods.
Johanna will guide you throughout the manufacturing and bottling process.
After this discovery, you can enjoy a small tasting (but be careful, don't overdo it!)
A FEW MINUTES FROM OUR HOME
La Seigneurie is a Heritage Interpretation Centre where you will discover the secrets of half-timbered houses and the mysteries of fortified castles. Surrounded by a team of enthusiasts, you will unlock the secrets of our heritage by handling, observing, and listening to the many stories told within the ancient stones of our region.
A great activity for the whole family!
The Adventure of the Mines :
What better way to protect yourself from the rain than a mine?
The subsoil of the Val d'Argent is riddled with holes. Rich in a mining past in search of silver, ASEPAM now offers tours steeped in a poignant history, taking you through the same galleries used by miners for centuries.
You will be sheltered from the rain but be careful, cover yourself well, it is 8° in the mine.
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle :
An emblem of the region, the "HK," as many locals call it, is one of the most beautiful castles dating from that era. The visit takes half a day. You will be immersed in the history of knights, lance and sword fights, as well as a glimpse into more modern history.
Part of the visit takes place outdoors, and despite the thickness of the walls, the drafts are cold throughout the castle… dress warmly!
Bad weather doesn't stop the Alsatians!
Our vibrant region offers a wealth of experiences, whatever the weather. We hope this article inspires you to get out and enjoy our forests, activities, and attractions.
We are available to provide you with further information, either in our offices or by telephone.
Good visit !