Illkirch-Graffenstaden can be explored in different ways, depending on your interests: marked trails through a nature reserve, swimming and beach destinations, walks along the canal, and cultural activities. If you are planning a stay, you can choose what to focus on—nature and wildlife watching, time by the water, or an outing to Fort Uhrich and La Villa.

Nature Reserve and Wildlife Watching

The Strasbourg-Neuhof/Illkirch-Graffenstaden forest massif is a national nature reserve. It was established by ministerial decree on 10 September 2012. The protected area is open to the public year-round; reserve regulations apply to visits. Marked trails lead through different habitats and provide clear directions for exploring nature. If you enjoy walking, this is a destination where the landscape and its diverse habitats take centre stage.

Wildlife watching is the focus at Parc Friedel: visitors can observe farm and poultry animals, aquatic species, and other species from different regions. The park also offers direct contact with a wide variety of domestic animals. Shaded paths invite you to stroll, and a footbridge leads to a pond. This makes the visit different from the nature reserve: here, you can encounter a diverse range of animals in a park with walking paths, while the reserve has marked trails through different habitats.

Lac Achard and Baggersee

Lac Achard is a destination for swimming and spending time at the beach. The beach has adapted facilities for accessing the water, including accessible signage, a water-access mat, and a chair to assist with entering the water. Lac Achard holds the Handiplage accessibility label. If these facilities are important to your plans, check their current status before visiting. Swimming conditions vary by season.

Swimming is also supervised at Baggersee: as at Lac Achard, lifeguards from the Eurométropole de Strasbourg sports department oversee swimming. This service is seasonal. In addition, numerous activities are organised at Baggersee throughout the summer; the programme may vary by season. This gives you two different options to consider when planning: a beach visit with adapted facilities at Lac Achard, and seasonal activities at Baggersee. Check the current programme for specific activities and dates.

Fort Uhrich and Canal Paths

Fort Uhrich, formerly known as Fort Werder, is the only fort with moats in the Strasbourg fortification belt that is still open to the public. Visitors can walk around the site on paths along the moats and ramparts. Fort Uhrich can be reached on foot or by bicycle via the Piste des Forts. Public access conditions may vary by season; bear this in mind if visiting the fort is an essential part of your plans.

The towpath along the Rhône-Rhine Canal offers another way to get outdoors. In Illkirch-Graffenstaden, it runs beside Fort Uhrich and is suitable for walking, cycling, and jogging. You can choose between different activities: walking around the fort on paths beside its moats and ramparts, or getting active on the towpath along the canal. Each of these routes offers a different way to enjoy your stay.

Cultural Activities at La Villa

La Villa offers year-round classes in visual arts, circus arts, dance, music, and theatre. There are also weekend courses under the title “Les Samedis et Dimanches à La Villa”. This adds a cultural option that differs from outdoor excursions. As classes and weekend dates may change, check the latest information if you are interested.

When choosing your accommodation, you can first consider what you would like to focus on during your stay: trails through nature and different habitats, animals at Parc Friedel, swimming and the beach, activities along the canal, or a visit to Fort Uhrich and La Villa. The places and activities cater to different interests; compare them based on what you would like to experience during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Puberg, Baldenheim, Neubois, Brumath, Ittenheim, Solbach, Merkwiller-Pechelbronn, Oberhaslach.

See the broader travel guide: Bas-Rhin.