One of the best-kept secrets of the North-East is Saverne. If you are not yet familiar with this town, you should really hurry to explore its history and its customs. The past history of the town of Saverne, shared between France and Germany, has given it two cultures. The town of Saverne, a stronghold of Alsace once fortified and protected by its town walls, is a magical place: the famous Saverne pass, very near Lorraine, led it to acquire, in the 18th century, the soubriquet of “key to the province of Alsace”.

Saverne and the eastern region, now that they are connected by the high speed TGV train, are a mere two hours from Paris. Saverne is twenty minutes from Strasbourg, which makes it easy to organise a weekend away, or a longer stay.

Your stay in Saverne: rest for mind and body

A magical atmosphere in Saverne? Legend has it that the waters in Saverne are holy waters, with curative properties. For many years a stay in Saverne was recommended in order to rest the mind and body! These days the guests who drop in appreciate the superb culinary heritage of Saverne just as much as its treatments for depression of the mind and body: flammeküeche, sauerkraut, kougelhopf and white cheese tart are just a few examples of the well-known specialities of the region. And you can’t disassociate your discovery of the gourmet delights from those of the route of Alsatian wines: Sylvaner, Pinot and Riesling, the most prestigious grape varieties are a mere stone’s throw from Saverne.

Saverne’s history stares you in the face. It has a rich and varied heritage, going from the Roman and medieval remains of its city walls to the typical half-timbered houses... Maison Katz, built in 1605, is the most magnificent example of this. With its elegant half-timbering and the magnificent wooden sculptures adorning its façade, all beautifully preserved, it is one of the most prized monuments in Saverne, and the town gives it pride of place at the heart of its pedestrian precinct

Saverne, the historic part of your week-end in Alsace

The opulent Château des Rohan, built in neo-classical style, is home to the museums of archaeology, art and history, not to mention the very recent addition of the Louise Weiss collection of ethnographic objects, paintings, drawings, ornaments from the 19th and 20th centuries, and other personal archives bequeathed by the famous journalist, herself a native of the region of Saverne. Take advantage of your stay to leave the beaten track: Saverne is at the heart of the Nature Reserve of the Northern Vosges, the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy a wide range of walks.