Explore Ferrette through two themes: its architectural and garden heritage, and the paths to the Grotte des Nains and the Tour du Rossberg. When planning your visit, it makes a difference whether you want to focus on historic sites, a garden visit, a gorge or a panorama.

Heritage in several forms

The ruins of the Château de Ferrette have been classified as a historic monument since 16 February 1930. The château can be visited independently year-round. As access information may change, check it before setting out.

The church of Saint-Bernard-de-Menthon preserves a Gothic choir from the 13th century and a massive tower that may date from the 12th century. The Re-Naissance museum space is on the ground floor of Ferrette’s town hall, built in 1572. This brings different architectural and historical traces into focus: the Gothic choir, the tower, which may date from the 12th century, and the town hall from 1572.

The medieval garden Courtil de St Fiacre is divided into separate beds for aromatic plants, medicinal plants, legumes and magical plants. This layout gives the garden its own theme alongside the historic buildings. The specific plants may change, but the concept of separate beds is part of its design. Guided visits are available for groups and must be booked in advance. As arrangements may change, it is best to confirm the details beforehand.

If you would like to combine several cultural sites in one itinerary, you can follow the official heritage discovery trail. It takes in the municipality’s main historic sites, notable buildings and emblematic places. The route may be adjusted over time, so check its current course before you set off.

Paths to the gorge and the panorama

Access to the Grotte des Nains begins at the Communauté de Communes car park in Ferrette, 3A route de Lucelle. From there, a red diamond-marked path follows the road towards Sondersdorf. The access route is 1.8 kilometres long and takes about 30 to 35 minutes. Route details may change, so it is a good idea to check the current route before setting out.

The Grotte des Nains is a gorge about 25 metres high, formed by water erosion in karst limestone. Its name therefore describes a natural attraction whose shape and formation also provide a distinctive point of reference for planning a trip: a limestone gorge shaped by water.

The Tour du Rossberg is about a 20-minute walk from the car park at the motorhome parking area in Ferrette. From the summit, the panorama takes in the Jura, the Black Forest and the Vosges; in clear weather, the view also reaches the Bernese Alps. Clear weather is specifically required for the view of the Bernese Alps. Access information for the tower may also change; check it before setting out.

The walking times given represent different timeframes: about 20 minutes from the motorhome parking area car park to the Tour du Rossberg, compared with about 30 to 35 minutes for the 1.8-kilometre access route to the Grotte from the Communauté de Communes car park. The respective starting points and destinations are part of this comparison. If you are planning a longer hike, you can extend the Ferrette–Château–Grotte des Nains hike into an 8-kilometre circular route that includes the Rossberg observation tower. The exact route may vary with trail conditions.

Discover more destinations: Habsheim, Kembs, Gundolsheim, Stosswihr, Oberlarg, Dessenheim, Saint-Amarin, Westhalten.

Return to the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.