Ranger Daniël shares the best nature spots around Les Trois Forêts

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i, I'm Daniël, and I work as a ranger at Center Parcs Les Trois Forêts. Through forest walks and nature workshops, I help guests (re)discover the beauty of nature. I do this with great pleasure, because our nature is something to cherish and protect. In this article, I'll guide you through the hidden gems and most beautiful spots around the park. Enjoy your adventure!

Hidden gems at Center Parcs Les Trois Forêts

Luckily, you don't have to go far to find the most beautiful spots. There’s so much to discover right here in the park itself. If you ask me, you should definitely seek out the following hidden gems:

Tip 1: The tipis in the forest, built by visitors

There is a path in the park that leads you to a 58-hectare forest. If you keep following the river, you'll reach a special spot: a circle of tipis, built from branches by visitors. If you’re quiet for a moment, you might hear woodpeckers drumming on the bark. Also, keep an eye out: can you spot the deer tracks in the mud? Hint: look for heart-shaped hoof prints.

Visit the spot at sunrise with a thermos of hot chocolate or coffee. The moment the sun's rays break through the mist is a magical sight! Before you leave, it’s tradition to leave your mark too. Find a good piece of dead wood and add it to the tipi.

Tip 2: The hidden table by the water

At the end of the path through the forest, along the river, you’ll come across a wooden picnic table with a red lifebuoy. It’s a charming spot, full of sights and sounds. In spring, as the snow melts, it gives way to a lush carpet of moss and wild violets. You’ll hear the croaking of red-legged frogs in the pond, while dragonflies dance above the water. If you’re lucky, a deer might come to drink from the river (be sure to stay completely quiet).

A fun challenge here is to look for frogspawn in the marshes. It appears as a thick, translucent gel with frog eggs inside. Take a close look, but don’t disturb it. Bring a notebook to write down everything you see. Kids will love this little adventure!

Tip 3: The little wooden bridge

Hidden between slender tree trunks, you'll find a small wooden bridge, accessible by wooden steps. Come at 7 a.m. and watch the golden light sparkle on the water. The nocturnal bats are just returning to rest after their night flight: a truly special moment to witness! Also, have a look beneath the rocks, where you might spot black and yellow salamanders.

If you listen carefully, you’ll hear the rustle of the creek wagtails. These birds wiggle their tails up and down and love fast-flowing streams. My tip: bring binoculars so you don’t miss a thing! You’ll find the little wooden bridge at coördinates : Lat : 48°37'10.05744" N, Long 6°59'35.70828" E.

One more thing!

Before you head out: please don’t pick anything, stay on the paths, and keep your voice down. This way, you give nature the space to grow and thrive in peace. In the end, we all benefit from that!

The best routes for a walk or bike ride

As a ranger, I’m always on the lookout for new paths and untouched landscapes to observe the local flora and fauna. Here are three of my favourite routes:

1. The Sarrebourg Chagall Trail (20.2 km): A route through meadows, hedgerows, and forests where you can spot squirrels and songbirds. Head out at sunrise to see deer crossing the meadows, and don’t forget your camera to capture the stained-glass windows in the morning light.

2. Circuit des Deux Vallées (32 km): A challenging route through dense forests, marshes, and streams. Spot dragonflies, frogs, and kingfishers, and enjoy the colourful beech forests in autumn. Stop at the Charmine dam to search for otter tracks, kids will love it!

3. Local Walk in the Trois Forêts Area: An easy route for a short, spontaneous outing. The path winds through deciduous and coniferous forests, open spaces, and streams. Keep your eyes peeled, as you might spot salamanders and woodpeckers along the way.

The best activities in the area

Staying a bit longer in the Les Trois Forêts area? You're in luck, because there's so much more to experience. These 5 activities are definitely worth checking out:

1. Sainte-Croix Wildlife Park: Here, you can see wolves, deer, bison, and other animals while learning more about local biodiversity. Don't miss the wolf feeding time at 4 p.m. It's magical, no matter how many times you see it! And in September, you might hear the deer rutting.

2. Les Étangs du Stock: A lake perfect for sailing, canoeing or relaxing by the water. The wetlands attract many water birds and aquatic insects (such as dragonflies and damselflies). Rent a kayak in the morning to watch the herons fishing. You won’t want to miss this.

3. Le Donon: Climb this mountain at sunset to see the colours of Alsace at their best. At the top, you'll find a temple with remains from the Celtic and Gallic-Roman periods. It’s a good idea to bring a headlamp for the descent.

4. Le Plan Incliné d'Arzviller: Check out this impressive boat elevator where ships overcome a steep incline in record time. Definitely stay to watch the inclined plane manoeuvre at 2.30 p.m.!

5. Lehrer Crystal Works: Discover the art of hand-blown and hand-cut glass here, a local craft with a rich history dating back to the 18th century.

Another tip: join a biodiversity initiative

Nature is home to an incredible diversity of life, from mammals and birds to insects and plants. All these species are interconnected and rely on each other. That’s why I’m excited to share my latest tips for not only enjoying biodiversity but also preserving it. Are you joining?

No matter where you live, there are various initiatives you can join to help preserve biodiversity. Check out what initiatives are being organised in your area and do your part. Same examples include:

• Printemps pour la planète (April 1-30, 2025): A national French campaign that encourages people to take action for biodiversity.

• EU Green Week (June 3-5, 2025): The largest environmental event in Europe, with a focus on the circular economy and biodiversity in 2025.

• Natura 2000 Day (May 21, 2025): On this day, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Natura 2000 network, which protects Europe’s natural habitats.

• Earth Day (April 22, 2025): A global event held annually to raise awareness of environmental issues such as climate change and pollution.

• Biodiversity Day (May 22, 2025): A global initiative to increase awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.

Feeling inspired to uncover the secrets of nature? Book your stay at Les Trois Forêts and make a list of things you don’t want to miss. Some activities are best reserved in advance to guarantee your spot. Who knows, we might bump into each other soon!