Rhodes lies on the shore of the 750-hectare Étang du Stock. The defining features of the area include the lake, the Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix, walking trails and traces of the village’s history. This offers a range of options for planning your trip, from water activities to nature and local history.
The Étang du Stock: water sports and life along the shore
Boats sail on the Étang du Stock, water sports enthusiasts go water skiing, and fishing boats are out on the lake. Fishing is possible near the village of Rhodes. Boats can be launched at the Quartier des Fleurs. The Étang du Stock is well suited to canoeing. Local rules apply to fishing and water sports; navigation conditions may vary when canoeing. Check the current regulations before your activity.
Along the shores of the Étang are areas known as Cornées. They are home to sensitive species such as marsh harriers, bitterns and water rails. These habitats are part of the lake’s character, alongside its water sports activities.
Walking trails by length and destination
The Circuit de Quartier des Paquis is an 8-kilometre family loop through fields and forests along the Étang du Stock. The 5-kilometre Circuit du Quartier des Fleurs offers a shorter option: this walking trail passes through Rhodes and leads to the Quartier des Oiseaux. By comparison, the Paquis loop is three kilometres longer and is specifically described as a family loop; the shorter trail passes through the village to its named destination.
Wildlife, agriculture and architecture
The Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix covers 130 hectares in Rhodes. More than 1,500 animals from 130 species live in five areas in natural, semi-free-ranging conditions. The Ferme des Vents is also open to visitors and showcases traditional livestock breeds and environmentally responsible farming practices. The one-hour Safari-train travels more than 3 kilometres through 50 hectares of protected nature.
The Maison d’Yvonne at the Ferme des Vents was built in 1723. A traditional building from the Moselle region, it is considered a testament to the rural heritage. In this way, agricultural themes and a historic building complement the park’s wildlife. The Safari-train’s operating schedule may vary seasonally, and the farm’s programme may also change. Check the latest visitor information in advance if you plan to visit these attractions.
Local history by the shore
The church’s location on the lakeshore is also linked to a change in the landscape: when the Étang du Stock was raised in 1935, the houses below the church had to be demolished and rebuilt at the crossroads. As a result, the church now stands on the shore.
The Cornée des Rèthes et Forêt de Rhodes circular trail leads through the historic centre of Rhodes to one of the three Anabaptist-Mennonite cemeteries in the Moselle; an information panel is located there. This cultural and historical feature complements the trails by the lake and through the fields. Trail conditions and signage may change; check the current signs before setting out on a hike.
Discover more destinations: Dabo, Le Ban-Saint-Martin, Lutzelbourg, Breidenbach, Cattenom, Rodemack, Talange, Seingbouse
For the broader travel overview: Moselle.
