Fancy an unusual walk in the heart of Alsatian nature for a family weekend? The Chemin des Cimes Alsace – the nature attraction in northeastern France – is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ways to rediscover the forests of the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park from a different angle, literally above the trees.
Awalk for the whole family at a height of 29 meters
The Chemin des Cimes is a 1,050-meter aerial trail that winds through the treetops to a 29-meter-high observation tower. Accessible even to families with strollers and people with reduced mobility thanks to its gentle slope, this trail combines discovery, play, and nature, with educational stations on local flora and fauna. At the top, the 360° panorama of the Rhine plain, the Black Forest, and the Northern Vosges is a breathtaking sight, and in good weather, you may even be lucky enough to see Strasbourg Cathedral!
Great fun for young and old alike
The visit doesn’t end with the view: you can descend from the tower via a giant 75-meter slide. Designed for children (and older visitors who dare!), the slide is available for ages 6 and up.
Adventure and gourmet food in the heart of the forest
To extend the nature adventure, the neighboring Forêt d’Aventure Alsace offers games, zip lines, and trampolines over 14,000 square meters, ideal for children to continue to let off steam while their parents enjoy the bucolic setting. And after all that effort, it’s time to relax: just off the trail, you’ll find the Chez Emile restaurant, perfect for enjoying regional dishes, seasonal snacks, or ice cream on the terrace.
The ideal spring getaway
The Chemin des Cimes is open all year round, but spring is undoubtedly the season when the forest is most alive, with birdsong, wild flowers and mild temperatures. The visitor car park is a few kilometers away, with a free shuttle bus taking you directly to the trail entrance (or a marked hiking trail if you prefer to walk a little further).
Other ideas for a weekend visit to Alsace in the spring
To complete this nature getaway, consider including these Alsatian must-sees:
The Alsace Wine Route
Wine tourism at its best, with stops in wine-growing villages such as Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Eguisheim, tastings of wines such as Riesling and Gewurztraminer, and landscapes of vineyards in bloom in spring as far as the eye can see.
The Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
A spectacular medieval fortress perched on a hill, ideal for a cultural family outing with panoramic views of the Alsace plain.
Hikes and nature walks
The Vosges are full of trails suitable for everyone: from the more challenging Sentier des Roches to gentler walks in the forests or around mountain lakes, perfect after a visit to the Chemin des Cimes!
