Nutchel Alsace – Forest village in the Bruche Valley

by | Updated on 28/02/2023 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

nutchel-alsace

Want to spend a weekend or a family vacation in a beautiful natural setting while staying in unusual accommodations? I think that Nutchel Alsace can please you! It is a “forest village” installed in Plaine, in the Bruche Valley. “Forest village” because it is a group of about thirty wooden huts installed on a plot of land in the heart of the Vosges forest: an original vacation rental! We can also say that it is glamping (you know this mix of “camping” and “glamour”), but I would say that we are on luxury glamping in this case 😉 Here is my detailed opinion.

From the former vacation village to the Nutchel estate

Nutchel already exists in the Belgian Ardennes and has settled in Alsace on the site of a former VVF vacation village that has been abandoned for many years. I didn’t know before but I was told that the place was quite gloomy: the work that was done by Nutchel is crazy because it is on the contrary really nice! I went there quickly after the opening, so you will see on the pictures that it still lacks a little vegetation, but everything is planted, there is nothing left to do but wait for it to grow.

The location is really sublime because we are on the heights of Plaine: the view on the Vosges summits is magnificent and we also benefit from a beautiful light. In addition, the wooden cabins blend in perfectly with the landscape.

The Nutchel concept

The idea at Nutchel is to live a beautiful experience a little different by getting closer to nature while keeping a great comfort. Thus, the cabins are heated only by a wood stove (that you will have to light, it is the occasion to learn for those which do not know!), lit thanks to oil lamps and candles, the refrigerator is an insulated case which one fills with ice blocks, there is no wifi…

So we learn to do things a little differentlyWe go to get our wood and ice loaves in reserves located in several places of the village, we put oil in our lamp, we learn to live without too much light (a little difficult to read at night but the atmosphere is still quite magical!) and, finally, we learn to slow down the pace and enjoy the surrounding calm. And it feels great!

In addition, creative and outdoor activities are encouraged: a book with lots of activity ideas is inside the cabin, there is a corkboard to hang whatever inspires us… Really nice, even more so with kids I guess!

Given the location of Nutchel, it is easy to go for a walk or a bike ride (bike rental is available). And as the nature of the Bruche Valley is superb, there is plenty to enjoy 🙂

My cabin at Nutchel Alsace

Several types of cabins are available, accommodating from 2 to 6 people. Some have their own Nordic bath, others a roof terrace. Dogs are allowed in some of them.

I stayed in a “Classic for 4” cabin. There were two of us and I admit that the space didn’t seem too big to me, but it must pass to 4 with children provided they go outside a lot during the day 😉 I also had a breakfast on the terrace of a canopy hut because I have friends who were staying there, the view was very nice!

The cabins are really nice, with a beautiful bay window. They are also well equipped. We won’t be cooking big, of course, that’s not the concept, but there are two small gas fires plus an outdoor gas barbecue as well. It’s enough and there are all the necessary utensils. There is no hot water at the sink, so you will have to wash your dishes with cold water or heat water with the kettle.

The beds are comfortable, even if it is better not to be claustrophobic given the space, and the bathroom is pretty. As a bonus, I reassure you, there is hot water in the shower😉

You will have to remember to bring, in addition to your food for the stay, the basics such as oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, which are not provided. I must admit that I wish it was, it always bothers me to have to carry all this stuff around even though it’s not very embarrassing when you know it.

Speaking of meals, it is possible to order breakfasts as well as barbecue formulas. The products are local and of very good quality but I found it too expensive for what it was.

Pleasant common spaces

Nutchel offers several very nice common areas. The “Cosy chalet” is the common chalet, which hosts both a large room with tea and coffee available, a nice play area for children and a small grocery store offering a selection of local products. Not to mention the terrace and its panoramic view! An outdoor, unheated pool is also available, as well as a sauna. Something to enjoy 😉

 

I liked

  • Beautiful place
  • Ideal location in the nature
  • Overall concept: original and rejuvenating
  • Comfortable cabins
  • Pleasant common areas

I liked a little less

  • Lacks a little light to read at night
  • Breakfast too expensive

My photos of the forest village Nutchel Alsace in Plaine (France)

Practical information

Prices and reservation

The minimum stay is 3 nights. The prices depend on the period and the type of cabin, but we are from 110€ the night for a classic cabin for 4 (the cheapest). Click here to see the rates and make a reservation.

Access

By car

The address is as follows: Nutchel 724 Rte de Salm, 67420 Plaine. You have to count:

  • 57km from Strasbourg (about 50 minutes)
  • 58km from Colmar (about 1h05)
  • 98km from Mulhouse (about 1h30)
By public transport

It is possible to come by train to the station of Saint-Blaise-la-Roche (direct train from Strasbourg) then to walk 3,3 km (it goes up though!).

Laurène

Laurène

Laurène est la créatrice du blog Mon week-end en Alsace. Bretonne installée en Alsace depuis 2014, elle est tombée amoureuse de sa région d'adoption au point de lui dédier un blog et d'acheter avec son mari une maison alsacienne dans un village du Kochersberg, près de Strasbourg. A pied, à vélo, sur ses chevaux ou au volant de sa voiture, elle aime partir explorer les moindres recoins de l'Alsace pour dénicher de bonnes adresses à partager sur le blog.

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