Baker in Orbey (Tanach aera next to Orbey) in the Kaysersberg valley, for more than 17 years, Luc Reuller and his team make different kind of organic leavened bread using a biodynamic flour. They are cooked in wood  fire. The bakery is open on monday, wednesday and friday from 4pm to 7:30 pm. Turlupain is also present in the market, especially in Turckheim on friday and in Colmar St Joseph on saturday, and in organic shops. Enjoy it !

Europa Compostela 2010 is a big europeen hiking relay, which is organised by french associations of St Jacques de Compostelle path. It wears the following message: "pelerins solidaires de la terre et des hommes" and aims to preserve our cultural heritage, environment, and for the men dignity. It will start in Strasbourg, on April, the 28th, and on September, the 18th, .all the pilgrin baton which were carried between different hikers, will be collected in Santiago. More info on site des Amis de St Jacques.

Here it is: a website which presents all cultural news, leisure and celebration in the area of : Alsace, Pays de Bade, North-West from Switzerland and it is Hopla net. Small and big events. People who stay in Alsace will love it, with a lot of things to do, for young and older people, and it's a good occasion to meet the local population and to enjoy this area from the '3 borders" which was european very early... Another precious adress and more cultural:  Artour, . Anyway, if you come in this area, take the Pass Musées for the 3 countries to enjoy the maximum of offers. Next inevitable appointment : le carnaval de Bâle on february!

Not only in Alsace ! Organic Wine Tours is a young network, created by a few organic and biodynamic winegrowers from France, who are used to welcome guests on their wine estate (for one day or for a journey) for a few years. By choosing one of this place to do an animation (walk in the vineyard, aperitif in the wineestate, tasty workshop with wine and vine products...), you are sure to find a warm welcome and much enthousiasm to make you share their engagement in the sustainable development and in the responsible tourism.

You may offer some Klur wines for Christmas for sure ! but try combinations like sylvaner, muscat and gewurztraminer with flower chutneys, wild plant vinager... Gérard Verret proposes a lot of mysterios but very tasty preparations and you may order online here boutique de Gérard Verret . 2010 he will organise some workshops at the wine estate and tell you many secrets about cooking these ingredients...have a look at the date and book now.

Claude Ribeiro,  the president of Slow Food in the Bas Rhin, gives us her good tipps, have a look  on her website  for recipes, good adresses for restaurants in Strasbourg and elsewhere, links to greedy website...

Endly a new guide for organic wine at the Sang de la Terre edition ! Evelyne Malnic, Georges Lepré, Antoine Pétrus sign this guide, give tasting notes at 635 wines from 243 french wine estate and  insist on the organic wine history, the soils and the terroir taste, and also the vinification.
The guide gives also good adress where to find organic wines (wine-fair, wine cellar, wine shops) and the text of many vinification charter.  A real guide for the wine lover who is looking for the authenticity and the quality! 

The Kaysersberg Valley is welknown for its environmental engagements (solar energie, heating with wood for public buildings, swimmingpool without chlore, windenergie project etc. Know the cooperation of the 10 villages publisched a guide for building, renovating houses regarding sustainable materials etc. Vignoble Klur in Katzenthal is referenced as an exemple for green roofs, walls, garden on street side, solar heating etc

All things you may discover if you stop at our wine cellar or stay at our holiday house at Katzenthal 

Finally, a convivium in the region!!! The SCHNAECKELE (Alsacian word for small snail). Associated with Slow Food that supports the right to pleasure, at the table and in everyday activities, it was created as a response to the invasion by fast-food chains and the "rushed" lifestyle. Slow Food studies, protects and encourages agricultural and oeno-gastronomique traditions from every corner of the planet, in order to spread the pleasure of today to future generations, re-educate the sleeping senses, and teach to taste and appreciate. Something we all love!!

Le Schnaeckele is amall and brave snail that, at it's own rhythm strives to realise it's projects:
~ culinary workshops to rediscover forgotten savoir-faires;
~ farm visites, to reinforce the link with the origins of the authenticity of the dish, far from the pollution of industry and rushed lifestyles
~ diners that are 100% pleasure, to take the time to bite into life

Details of the program to be available in the near future

il n'y a aucune traduction disponible, svp choisissez une langue différente.  

Cette construction est très facile à réaliser chez vous, placez là dans votre jardin, votre potager ou sur votre balcon (un plus petit modèle évidemment...)et observez comment les abeilles sauvages, les bourdons, les cocinelles, ou les chrysopes prennent possession des lieux. Ce sont tous des auxiliaires très importants pour notre cadre de vie. Cet hôtel est installé dans l'un des gîtes PANDA de l'association vacances nature dans les Vosges, il s'agit de notre  la Maison des Etangs. A vous d'observer les clients de l'hotel durant votre séjour sur place

On sundays of april, the 18th und 25th, of may, the 2nd,16th,23th and 30th, of june the 6th and 13th , on fridays of may, the 1st and the 8th, on may, the 21st and on june, saturday, the 20th. One day, family outing, hiking shoes. price: 1.50 €/adult. Reservation at 03 84 49 32 97. Outing proposed by Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges.

Instead of everyone taking their own car, reserve Nicole's bus for the day (7 pers.) ! Following your wishes or the suggestions of the Regio à la carte discover the amazing sites on different sides of the border: lunch in the Vosges, rose gardens, cellar visits, rotating cuisine, wild plant meals, magic forest...Nicole knows everything and will tell you everything! It's a superb idea for a birthday gift added to a stay in Alsace ?

Discovering Alsace also means discovering the Rhin and its specific natural surroundings. The Rhin, a European river, has played a determining part in the history of the land.

The Association 'Rhin Vivant' (Living Rhin) created in 2005, strives to develop sustainable tourism in the naturel surroundings along the banks of the Rhin, in France and in Germany. It unites French and German tourist, environmental, sport, and down-time organisers and coordinates a European project to structure and extend the offer of sustainable tourism inthe protected spaces of the Rhin. This organisation develops French-German networks of ecotourism on the Rhin assuring the promotion of these unique areas.

Sculpted by the river, the marriage between the water and earth along the banks of the Rhin offers a diversity that is unique in Europe. This generous nature is preserved thanks to the establishment of protected zones: more than 30 000 ha of natural preserve is offered.

La Cuisine de 15
Have you ever wanted to try a cooking class that's different?  Well, that's exactly what you get to do with Anny Zipmayer who proposes menus according to the season made from fresh ingredients bought at the market place.  You eat whatever is ready first, even if it's the dessert!

Cardamome
Here, each seance follows a different theme and can even be directed towards kids, who actually get a chance to work with their hands.  The convivial atmosphere encourages disussion amongst the participants.  Children's workshop, Wednesday afternoons, adults workshops, other weekdays.

Support sustainable tourism by visiting Alsace by train.  With the PASS EVASION from the SNCFvisit all of Alsace with discounts for museums, natural parks, cultural sites, and more!  Basel, Selestat, Mulhouse, Strasbourg, the Val D’Argent, the Haut- Koenigsbourg, the Parc de Wesserling, the Vallée de la Bruche..everything is accessible! Interesting prices are proposed for individuals and groups. Think about the ticket Tri-Régio  that allows you to use French, German, and Swiss transportation. 

Escal’Arbre allows you to approach nature and trees without causing permanent damage because it's not a constructed course.  Perched on your tree you can observe the animals of the forest. For the bravest, you can even spend the night!!!!
 

This is an adventure for brave nature-lovers!  Discover Alsace from a different perspective by going on a two person paragliding session with the Centre Ecole du Markstein.  This activity doesn't pollute and allows you to admire the nature and reliefs of the country-side.  

Discover nature in an original way at the Farm of Pfeiferberg in Metzeral at 700m of altitude.  These animals are intelligent, sturdy, accustomed to the mountains, and not at all stubborn.  The expedition takes you to the glacier valley of Wormsa (la vallée glacière de la Wormsa).  You can go up to 1300 m.  Take the train TER from Colmar to Metzeral (you can start from the train tation, or it's a 45 min walk).  Reservations at 0389777158.

However, if you prefer poneys go to la Ferme du Chiblin.  The country side is magnificent and you'll discover the nature with calm and gentil animals.
Route du Col-des-Bagenelles
68650 Le Bonhomme
Reserve at 0389783502

Why not tempt an expedition on the water to discover the aquatic life and birds of Alsace?In the Riedyou can discover and listen to castors, king-fishers in the summer, herons, wagtails... You can choose to take the Bennwasser, Bornen, Schiwasser to travel the country-side.  Expedition solo, with the family, or with a guide. Visit:Canoë Kayak de l'Alpach, Itinerair' Alsace, Canoë Kayak Club de l’Ill Sélestat (Cakcis), Canoës du Ried.   

Le Centre de Réintroduction des Cigognes et Loutres (The Center for the Reintroduction of Storks and Otters) in Hunawhir is committed to the protection and conservation of endangered local species, especially the grand hamster, that is now only found in Alsace.  In the park, discover how this is done, play with the animals, and see shows about natural fishers.

At the forêt de L’Ill Wald  ("forest of the island") discover one of the biggest nature reserves in France that is home to more than 200 species of birds.  On the 23 waterways discover slamander, fish, frogs, and other aquatic life ...  Free and open all year round.  Route de Marckolsheim 67600 Sélestat.

This territory floods a couple of months every year and is an ideal space for the preservation of biodiversity.  Castors are being reintroduced in the area.  In Muttersholtz, La Maison de la Nature organizes guided outings during the year.  You can follow the circuits in place, ‘Mouette’ and ‘Belette’ with panels.  For more details call 0388851130. 

Don't forget to do a gondola ride with the Batelier du Ried, Patrick Understock, who talks about the activities of the Ried.

Since we love wine so much, we encourage you to visit the museum to discover the history of wine in Alsace and the methods of wine-making: a cellar, winepresses from the XVII century, as well as exhibitions on professions associated with wine, barrel and glass-making.  Take advantage of being there to visit the brotherhood of St. Etienne, winemakers  located right next to the museum. 

At the Musée de l’Impression sur Etoffes in Mulhouse you can work on impressions using methods from the XVIIIe century to decorate tableclothes, curtains, reversible bags, or bedquilts. Material will bring provided or bring your own cloth to decorate.  Don't forget to visit the museum and boutique while you're there.  To do something for the environment, take the train (the workshop is 400m from the train station).

L'Atelier Reliure du Val Saint- Grégoire.  Do you have an old book to restore?  Want to know how this is done?  This workshop is open all year except summer, Thursdays from 2pm to 5pm by appointment.  Phone 0389775185.  Take the bus n° 248 from Colmar direction Soultzeren. Get off at the Place du Marché, the workshop is 100m away.

Alsace, The Greenest Ever writes Philippe Farcy in la Libre Belgique May 25, 2008. "Seen in this way, Alsace shows an attentif aspect of respect for nature, omnipresent in this blomming region that must be preserved.  This is how tourism will endure." Thank you for talking about us in a country we love to receive visitors from. In Mont St Odile, in Ottrot à l'hotel Arnold, in Katzenthal at the Vignoble Klur, at the farm of Schmargult or at the Jardins de Gaïa there are so many ways to discover another image of this welcoming region.

The site of the ancient abbaye de Murbach is splendid though there rest very few vestiges from the Abbey (near Guebwiller). It is a high-ranking site in Alsace (as far as patrimonial value), and it's cousin the abbaye de Marbach closer to Colmar is worth the detour. A patrimonial path has just been installed. This is where the famous manuscript Codex Gustasintram was created. Both abbeys are found on the route romane d'Alsace (the Roman road of Alsace) which is home to festivals such as the voix et route romanes (voice and Roman road) and expositions like the Chemin d'Art sacré (path of sacred art). Take advantage and hike or bike around these beautiful sites.

Why scare the cows with your noisy vehicles?? From Jun 22 to September 28 2008 you can make a nice gesture for nature and take the Shuttle of the Crêtes !

Everyday, cars zoom on the road of the Crêtes, creating visiual, olfactory, noise, and air pollution, in a fragile and exceptional natural environment. Leave your car in the plain and use the shuttle on Sundays and holidays to reach the summits.  You can hike and hop back on the shuttle at another stop (there are 19 stops on the crête serviced every 30 minutes). You won't even have to worry about where you parked your car!!

Daily tarif: 3 euro. There's no reason not to try ! For more information and schedules please call: 03 89 77 90 34 e-mail : This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the train station, offices of tourism and information points. www.navettedescretes.com

Currently Alsace is home to more than 103 organic vineyards which is about 2,2% of the total wine production, covering 1083 hectares (which is 7% of the vineyard surface in Alsace). Organic vineyards represent 34% of organic producers in Alsace. The organic secteur has experienced strong growth in the past few years and has seen many local initiatives (participation in the Orwine project, brainstorming about energy use reduction on the properties, creation of companies for innovative action, experimentation at vineyards and sharing of results for collaboration of effective practices).
Organic agriculture emerged in Europe at the beginning of the last century under the influence of a number of threads of philosophical reasoning linked to agriculture.  The hope was to preserve the natural fertility of the soil, privilege the independence of agricultural exploitations, establish direct links between producers and consumers by providing quality produce while respecting the environment. Organic agriculture developed in France starting in the 1950s under the influence and impulse of producers who wanted to encourage and promote alternative agriculture that was based on social, ecological, economical, and ethical principles.

The legal definition of organic agriculture is agricultural production that does not use synthetic chemical products.  The agricultural definition is more comprehensive: « Agriculture based on the rational management of the living layer of the soil, while respecting biological cycles and the environment, permitting high quality, balanced, more independent, economical, and non-polluting production ». Organic agriculture pursues ecological, social, and economical objectives: the respect of natural ecosystems (balance between plants and soil, adapted species, and preservation of biodiversity, for example), the search for coherent economic development (balances between inputs and the creation of employment, cutting out the "middle-man", and ressource management for example), and finally the search for new cooperation (by privileging cooperation over competition).

For the consumer: organic agriculture is the guarantee of clean produce that limits as much as possible synthetic chemical residues in plants as well as various additives that are used in the transformation of produce.  Organic agriculture has as one of its main goals the eradication of GMOs in order to reduce the risk of genetic pollution and/or inbalance caused by the presence of GMOs.  By methodically applying the principal of precaution, organic agriculture forbids the use of conventional products that may pose a risk.  This is why only organic agriculture can offer consummers maximum genetic security.  Furthermore, organic agriculture allows producers to appropriate sales and become more economically independant.

Organics : Are we merely dreaming? Far from being a return to the past, organic agriculture finds itself at the crossroads of agricultural innovation and modernity.  Research is developping.  Specifically research to classify species (plant and animal) that are best adapted to organic modes of production, to ameliorate the cycles of rotations, to control weeds, and to bring in alternative products in the fight against anti-parasitism have seen many initiatives.  As well, the amelioration of knowledge of soils, of their fertility, and more generally their lifecycle are a part of organic agricultural research.  Agrobiologists develop innovative practices in the areas of fertilization (organic fertilizers, composts, etc), weeding (fake seeds), and association and rotation of compatable species. The battle against prasites turns toward biological control for solutions.

These habits, always being refined and improved, are for producers who are looking to re-evaluate their approach and revisit their savoir-faire.  Finally, they permit the producer to preserve their autonomy against large agro-industrial companies.

To find out more: l'OPABA, a professional organisation of organic farmers in Alsace, the FNIVAB, la fédération nationale interprofessionnelle des vins de l'agriculture biologique, l'Agence Bio, and the agence française pour la promotion et le développement de l'agriculture biologique

Take the train to Sélestat (TER Bâle - Strasbourg) and then the shuttle that takes you straight to the castle from March 20 to December 26th, 2010 (1 hour by train+plus the shuttle leaving from Colmar or Strasbourg, departures of the shuttle are coordiinated with the arrival of trains ) avoid traffic jams, parking 3km from the entry ... 4 euro for adults and 2 euro dicount on the entry to the castly. Shuttle accessible by wheelchair, reservations recommended at 03 88 58 22 66. Le Haut Koenigsbourg  celebrates the 100th birthday of its restoration this year.

Let's travel responsably and equitably...

Travel responsibly and promote equitable commernce and solidarity

"Tomorrow's tourism will be ecological or it won't be at all." This is essence the message that the experts of the World Tourism ORganization (WTO) communicated at the 17th session of the General Assembly of the their organisation help from November 23 to 29 in Cartagena de Indias, Columbia. Tourism has become a victim of itself, of mass destruction of the environment. It emits 1,3 Billion tons GHG per year, or 5% of total world emisions. If no concrete measures are taken, the situations will only get worse. Some facts: 846 millions tourists traced the planet in 2006, and the World Tourism Organisation predicts that the number will icnreases to 1,1 billion in 2010 and 1,6 billion by 2020. It is urgent react quickly and intelligently. To start eco-friendly practices need to become mainstream and not only practiced marginally. Support tourism that creates local jobs and protects the environment. How many of you gave up because there wasn't enough information available ? Keep looking!!!  Try staying in a lodge that uses solar energy or camp out in a yourt in the Périgord, examples are endless... Do you need to travel far to travel well, think about the ecological impact during vacation time. France is lagging behind neighbouring countries such as the Scandinavian countries, germany, or Austria. Incentives should also emerging powers such as India and China to help them develop sustainable tourism..." etc. A review that poses interesting questions and invites people to thinkand reflect will follow.

The 17^th international Festival of cinema, art, and video of the vine and wine is held on May, the 13 to the 16th 2010 in  Nuits-Saint-Georges (France). The grand jury gave prizes OENOVIDEO 2010 French and English cinematographers. This festival is a great way to promote the vineyards and the work done. There were also photo exhibits. The theme this year is: stones and architectural heritage in the vines. More informations on www.oenovideo.oeno.tm.fr/index.fr.html.

Here's another easy everyday way to protest against the standardization of species of produce! Eat forgotten vegetables and fruits: Hokkaido squash, rutabaga (Swedish:yellow turnip), Jerusalem artichoka, parsnip, horseradish, crosnes (Japanese artichoke), parsley roots...Remember, pumpkins aren't only for carving jack-o-lanterns at Halloween, they can also be eaten!  Other related squashes are often forgotten.  The more the demand goes down the more likely the production will phase out and these species will be lost!!! So, to your gardens!! Same thing goes for fruits...say no to shiny apples at your supermarket et opt for smaller, juicier apples. Want to find out more ? Check out Croqueurs de Pommes. If you want, you can order seeds online (check out Kokopelli ) open all the time so that biodiversity stays accessible!

If you visit Alsace, you'll find a great variety of fruits and vegetables: Kress rue de l'est in Colmar, Zwickert aux saveurs du Ried in Holtzwihr, Les Chants de la Terre at the marketplace in Turkheim on Friday and at Colmar on Saturday. Rendez-vous at the Nouvelle Auberge in Wihr au Val where the chef Bernard Leray makes his specialities with forgotten vegies.  Stop by Klur for a visit and we'll make many more recommendations!

A new association: l'Age de Faire

LE PALMARES 2007 has just been published! 173 lodgings from everywhere in France France by La Clef Verte among which you'll find 161 campsites, 7 hotels, 5 cottages, country-rooms, residences...for more into go to www.laclefverte.org. In Alsace rendez vous at Vignoble Klur, at la Villa Rosa or at 4 Saisons and discover lodgings that make eco-friendly choices in each way possile giving them a unique personality.

La clé verte is a label of environmental management for lodgings...

Look at this homepage  www.energie-bio-nature.net and stay informed about the natural habitat, alternatives energy, ecology, excursions, and more.  There are some good jokes about composting toilets!!

We recommand visiting the following places:

Brasserie d'Uberach for three organic beers: one brown, one blond and one blond with honey. Mark "Brasserie d'Uberach"- Monday to friday 8:30am-12am and 01pm - 6:30pm.  Adress: 30 Grand Rue in UBERACH (67350)- Tél +33 (0) 3 88 07 07 77 - email: brasserie-uberach.com - www.brasserie-uberach.com     

Hélène MATHERN herself picks the plants and berries found in her syrups, liqueurs, herb teas and spices. By appointment . Tel +33 (0)3 89 74 33 88-  Adress:183, Hilsen in LINTHAL (68610) - www.liqueurs-alsaciennes.com  

At the Jardin de Gaïa, everything is organic: the teas (black, green, white...), the herbteas, the flowers, the flavours and also the packaging! 70% of the production comes from fair trade. Monday to saturday 10am - 12am and 1pm to 6pm. Adress: ZA, 6, rue de l'église à WITTISHEIM (67820).      Tél +33 (0)3 88 85 88 30 - http://www.jardinsdegaia.com                        

2 days  along of merry festivities in the open air of the 14th century's rampart of Bergheim. Music young public, a selection in original concerts for young and older, you can sing, dance and dream. Regional storytellers. Many jugglers will surprise you. Workshops. Also funny hats, organic fruit juices , animals… Paradise for children. On June 2009, the 6th and the 7th, on the ramparts of BERGHEIM (68). More infos, call 06 21  15 83 38 or www.louftibus.net. Others outings  Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges, click herer.

-> This year it doesn't take place : Appointment in 2011

How to make a bio-dynamic  compost . On July 2010, saturday the 17th at 2pm in HEILIGENBERG (signed starting the church), more info, call 06 62 64 80 58- and also on September the saturday11th 2010, between 10.am and 5.pm in SENGERN, rue Felsenbach- More infos, call              03 89 76 32 82       . Excursion ALSACE NATURE 2010

Demonstration of the fabrication of nut oil by ancient methods. April 2010 the 18, May 2010 the 2nd, 20th, July 2010 the 4th, 18th, August 2010 the 1st, 15th, September 2010 the 3rd, 17 th, November 1010 the 7th and the 21 from 10am to 6pm at the Moulin "mill" de Storckensohn -

demonstrations Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from now until August 31st, août 2008, from 2pm to 5:30pm, at the Moulin de Storckensohn - demonstration of the fabrication of apple juice, Sundays the 5th and 19th of October, 2008, from 2pm to 5:30pm, at the Moulin de Storckensohn. Other outings proposed by le Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges, click here.

The festival of the water is a course of contemporary art, in the middle of the village of Wattwiller during a whole week. The inhabitants welcome works and the artists there. This event is  a meeting with the artists and their creation: in the schools, in the village, exhibition in close cultural places. The water is the symbol. It helps to think about our our relation with the life, the others, the nature. On June 2010, from Sunday, the 13th to wednseday, the 123th, from 2.pm to 7.pm. More information at 00 33 3 89 75 50 35 or www.fetedeleauwattwiller.org. Other outings Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges, cliquez ici.

from July 2010 the 14th to 18th, le 24th, 25th and 31 and August 2010 the 5th to 8th, du 11th to15th, from 18th  to 22th  and the 28th at 3pm Un coeur mangé- chivalrous epopee. Now he goes  in crusade and gives his angry wife up in  its castle. Now he meets in way the carnages of the holy war and fells in the blood of Buckwheats... A promise of hell...
And, on August 2010, from the 25th to the 28th, at 8:30pm: Gilles- poetic cabaret. An old senile clown, enlightened actors and crazy acrobats. Troop of strange artist who likes the  and the madness. Your brain sleeps, it's normal. Don't wake up.                                                                                                                                                                Billetery opened from Monday June 2009, the 2nd. Reservation at 03 29 61 50 48 or on http://www.theatredupeuple.com/. Other outings proposed with le Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges, click here.