14 Things to Do in the Sundgau

1. Visit Ferrette and its castle

Ferrette is a village in the very south of the Sundgau region. We’re here in the Alsatian Jura, right on the border with the Swiss Jura. Ferrette was in the spotlight when it participated in the 2015 edition of the show “Le village préféré des Français,” where it finished in 6th place.

Brief history of Ferrette

The castle of Ferrette is mentioned for the first time in 1105. It belongs then to the counts of Montbéliard. It stood alone and the nearest village is now Vieux-Ferrette. 20 years later, the county of Ferrette is founded, which will become one of the most powerful lordships of Upper Alsace in the Middle Ages. From owners to counts and governors, the castle was renovated and expanded in the 16th century. It is at this time that the current village of Ferrette is born and that ramparts are built.

In the 17th century, during the Thirty Years’ War, it was first attacked by Swedish troops, who were quickly driven out, and then taken by French troops who burned and destroyed it. The lordship of Ferrette was offered to Mazarin by Louis XIV and gradually fell into ruin.

In 1777, it was given by marriage to Honoré IV Prince of Monaco. The Prince of Monaco still holds the title of Count of Ferrette, but the castle was sold to a private individual in 2011. Yes, it is an unusual detail: Albert II of Monaco is also Count of Ferrette! Astonishing, isn’t it?

Visit Ferrette and its castle

The village is nestled at the foot of the castle of Ferrette, located in the foothills of the Jura mountains. The castle is in ruins, but it is worth visiting. You have to park in town (follow the signs for the castle, then park in the parking lot in front of the public finance center) and then walk to the castle (about 5/10 minutes uphill). The view from up there, especially from the dungeon, is fabulous! It is also pleasant to stroll through the ruins.

There are actually two distinct castles: the upper castle, with its residential keep—of which only the outer walls, the manor house, and the well remain—; and the lower castle, built in the military style of the 15th century, where part of the curtain walls can still be seen, along with three cylindrical towers belonging to the castle chapel.

After the castle, the visit continues with the street of the castle, which has several houses with interesting facades. The tourist office publishes a small, free and very well done guide that is easy to follow. Apart from this street, the village has nothing special. Don’t forget to take a look at the Saint-Bernard-de-Menthon Catholic Church and the Town Hall. Special mention also for a point of view that I love on Ferrette: the Heidenfluh.

2. Hiking in the Alsatian Jura

The Alsatian Jura? Yes, you read that right: it’s not generally known, but the Jura massif also has a small section in Alsace! It lies in the very south of the Sundgau region, on the border with the Swiss Jura. There are some great walks to be had here, and these are some of my favorite hikes in Alsace. Here’s an article on hiking in the Alsatian Jura, with ideas for walks of varying lengths and levels:

3. Visit the Luppachhof Educational Farm with the family

Nestled at the foot of the Alsatian Jura, the Luppachhof in Bouxwiller is both an organic farm and an educational farm. Jointly managed by the La Clé des Champs association, this haven for nature and food awareness is a favorite spot for families and school groups.

The farm is home to many animals (from cows and ducks to rabbits and donkeys…) and also has a permaculture vegetable garden. The tour can be self-guided, with informative panels, or guided for a more rewarding experience. Numerous activities are organized on a regular basis, including farm brunches and donkey rides. A really nice place! Don’t hesitate to read my article on animal parks in Alsace for more information on my visit to the farm.

4. Visit the Grotte des Nains

The Caves of the Dwarves is a must-see attraction in the Sundgau and the Alsatian Jura. Its name is linked to a Sundgau legend, according to which a tribe of dwarves once lived in the cave (and not to the garden gnomes found inside the cave, which are actually a nod to this legend!).

The cave itself is small, but the surrounding limestone rocks form a 35-metre-high gorge called Erdwibalaschlucht. Above the gorge, you can reach the Plateau des Nains, which offers a beautiful panorama of the Ill valley and the villages of Bouxwiller and Werentzhouse.

This is the perfect place for a family outing or a hike, as it’s easily accessible. There are various trails—some very short, others a bit longer—that lead there. For more information, check out our article on hikes in the Alsatian Jura.

5. Go mountain biking on the marked trails in the Sundgau

The Sundgau, a paradise for mountain bikers

The Sundgau is home to the largest mountain bike area in Alsace: 33 mountain bike trails and more than 700 km of marked routes await you! The advantage of the Sundgau is that there is something for everyone. The Largue and Ill valleys offer easy routes suitable for families, while the Alsatian Jura region offers more technical trails for experienced mountain bikers.

You will find on this page a map with all the mountain bike trails in the Sundgau, which are all marked on the ground and classified by difficulty level. The big plus is that these routes and markings are checked regularly, so there are usually no nasty surprises. You can also order a topoguide, really well done, which gives you more information on each circuit, with notably the points of interest to see along the way, but also the restaurants where to stop for a gourmet break.

I tested one of the most beautiful mountain bike circuits of the Sundgau

I tested the circuit “Au pays des sources” (MTB circuit number 5), reputed to be one of the most beautiful MTB circuits of the Sundgau. It is true that it offers varied landscapes, with a superb nature and charming villages to admire. With its 35km and its 875m of positive altitude difference, the circuit is noted as difficult and it is! It is the difference in altitude that makes it difficult, not the technicality of the paths (although there is a stony climb of more than 10% that combines both!), but you will have to be in good shape to do it.

As for me, I was riding an electric mountain bike that day, so I really didn’t have a hard time—the motor made the climbs much easier 😉 We discovered the At the source of the Ill (yes, the river that flows through all of Alsace and empties into the Rhine!), we cross a ford at Oberlarg, visit the pretty chapel at La Warth, admire the little village of Bendorf, ride alongthe Beech Tree Avenue, cross (very briefly!) the Swiss border, and enjoy lovely views of the rolling landscapes of the Sundgau… It’s varied and stunning—I really loved it!

6. Go for a bike ride in the Sundgau

In addition to mountain biking, the Sundgau is a part of Alsace that’s ideal for cycling: it features varied terrain and marked cycling routes, perfect for cyclists of all skill levels. I tried out the local Loop 106, called “Around the Canal, ” a 40-km ride through varied landscapes. The route included beautiful views of the Sundgau hills, a stop in Altkirch, the charming village of Ballersdorf (which I fell in love with), a lovely shaded bike path, and then the return to the Rhône-Rhine Canal.

7. Discover the beautiful villages of the Largue Valley

I recommend a stroll through the Largue Valley, home to pretty flower-filled villages with colorful half-timbered houses. Less picturesque than the Route des Vins, but also much less touristy: it’s also worth a visit if you have a little time in Alsace and want to explore some lesser-known corners.

You can drive from one village to another and take the time to stop in each one for a short walk. The villages are not big but they are pretty. I went to Ueberstrass, Friesen, Hindlingen, Strueth, Saint-Ulrich, Altenach and finally Manspach. Friesen is the place to be, with its many charming houses.

8. Gravel biking in the Sundgau

I’ve already mentioned road biking and mountain biking, but you should know that there are also specific gravel bike routes in the Sundgau. Whether you’re looking for a half-day ride, a full-day ride, or even a multi-day tour, you’re sure to find something you’ll love—there are plenty of routes to choose from!

9. Have a picnic at Charles de Reinach Park

The Charles De Reinach park is located in Hirtzbach, south of Altkirch in the Sundgau region. It’s an ideal place for a stroll or a family picnic. The park is an example of a 19th-century English garden, offering a bucolic landscape of water, trees and flowers. It also houses several Swiss chalets once used for storage, and a Sundgau icehouse (a real curiosity!). The area is also dotted with modern works of art. It’s a great place to relax and get away from it all! Read our article on parks and gardens in Alsace for more information on the park.

10. Admire the street art in Altkirch

Altkirch is the capital of the Sundgau region. It’s a small, fairly quiet town—not necessarily the kind of place where you’d expect to find street art… Yet there are plenty of murals to admire! Originally, the street art tour was created at the request of the town’s cultural department as part of the 15th anniversary of the International Film Festival: some of the works can still be seen today, and others have been added since then.

11. Try some fried carp

Fried carp is a culinary specialty of the Sundgau region. It’s one of those Alsatian specialties that’s relatively unknown but is actually very popular in this part of Alsace. There’s even a “Fried Carp Route,” and the restaurants serving it are always packed—the locals love it! Fried carp is a unique dish, since it’s literally fried carp… served with French fries! It’s basically the local version of fish and chips 😉 I’m not a huge fan of fried carp because, to be honest, I find the dish a bit bland and greasy, but I do enjoy eating it every now and then when I’m in the area. Here are two great places I know to try it (be sure to make a reservation!):

• La Couronne in Carspach
• The Collin hotel restaurant in Ferrette

12. Eat a slice of pie at Auberge Saint-Brice

This is a timeless spot nestled in the forest. You can drive to the Auberge Saint-Brice in Oltingue, but arriving on foot or by bike is much more charming. Be sure to take the time to visit the charming chapel before settling in—whether on the terrace or inside—to enjoy a delicious slice of homemade pie… A wonderful place to spend a relaxing and indulgent time!

13. Visit Landskron Castle

Landskron Castle, located in the Sundgau region on the Swiss border, is a wonderful destination for a hike that combines nature and history. Easily accessible from Leymen, it offers a remarkable panoramic view and interesting ruins to explore. Its rich history, shaped by the Habsburgs, Vauban, and the Napoleonic Wars, makes it a site steeped in history. Now maintained by a Franco-Swiss association, it is open to visitors year-round. It’s one of my favorite castles in Alsace!

14. Christmas Bonus: The Enchanted Forest of Altkirch

During the Christmas period, Altkirch offers not a traditional Christmas market, but an enchanted forest on the theme of tales and legends… Ideal for a family outing! Read our article on visiting Christmas markets with your family to find out more.

Sundgau activities map