I've already spoken to you several times about the Alsatian Ried, an area located on the Alsatian plain to the east of Sélestat, and home to incredible biodiversity. It's the ideal place to take a boat trip with family or friends and discover this very special environment.
My summary
I liked
- A pleasant and interesting outing
- Patrick’s storytelling skills
- Peaceful landscapes of the Ried
- Option to visit Ebersmunster Abbey
I liked less
- We were a little lost in the return, but nothing bad 😉
The traditional flat-bottomed boat of the Ried d’Alsace region
The flat-bottomed boat is the traditional boat used to move around the area: its bottom allows you to glide on the water no matter how deep it is (or almost!). The navigable waterways of the Ried are subject to major variations in level, and we need to be able to adapt.
The presence of water is very marked in the Ried, and this is part of its charm: many meadows are even completely flooded in winter! What better way to discover it than by boat?
A guided boat trip
I’ve already given you lots ofideas for things to do in the Ried, but here’s one that’s not to be missed: a flat-bottomed boat trip with the Batelier du Ried! It’s a great idea for an activity to do with children or friends.
The trip starts between Ennwihr and Muttersholtz. After settling into the flat-bottomed boat built by Patrick himself, we’re off for a lovely cruise on the River Ill in a soothing setting.
Take a flat-bottomed boat trip with Patrick, the Ried boatman, and you’ll be immersed in the magic of the Ried: its history, its unique landscapes, its flora and fauna, and its legends. Patrick is a true storyteller, taking you with him into a wonderful world as his boat glides along the water.
Everything is peaceful, and you can enjoy the moment to the full while learning a lot about the surrounding nature.
A choice of two tours
Two tour options are available:
- Tour 1 includes a boat trip and a return walk through the ried (unaccompanied). Allow 2 hours in total, 1 hour by boat and 1 hour on foot.
- Tour 2 also includes a guided tour of Ebersmunster’ s magnificent abbey church, followed by a return trip by minibus, or on foot if you prefer, or even by horse-drawn carriage (booking required).
In any case, a short break with a drink tasting, the elixir of the boatman, is planned along the way. Very nice!
Practical information
Dates and prices
The boat trips of the Batelier du Ried take place from April to the end of October. You can consult the schedules and prices of the different visits here. Don’t forget to book!
Access
By car
The address is: 21 Ehnwihr 67600 Muttersholtz. You have to count:
- 30 km from Colmar (about 35 minutes)
- 50 km from Strasbourg (about 40 minutes)
- 70 km from Mulhouse (about 55 minutes)
By public transport
Can be done from the train station of Selestat. Consult Fluo to calculate your route.
Hungry?
If you’re hungry for a traditional Ried dish, head to Les Deux Clefs restaurant in Ebersmunster for a matelote du Ried. A little-known Alsatian speciality (even Alsatians don’t always know about it!).