Ill*Wald, Regional Nature Reserve of the Ried de Sélestat

In the heart of the Alsace plain lies the Ill*Wald, a regional nature reserve spanning 1,855 hectares, making it one of the largest in France and the biggest in Alsace. The name, meaning "forest of the Ill" in Alsatian, reflects the close relationship between natural environments (forest, meadows, marshes, water) and human activity shaping this unique site. Recognized at the European level, the Ill*Wald experiences spectacular winter floods when the water table rises or the Ill River overflows, temporarily transforming the Ried de Sélestat into an aquatic landscape. This water dynamic supports a diverse flora combining forest, meadow, marsh, and aquatic species, as well as a varied fauna including mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates, with 78 species of heritage interest.

Among them, France's largest wild population of fallow deer quietly roams this preserved environment. To explore this natural heritage, the Sélestat City environmental service organizes themed outings and visits throughout the year. Part of the large marked loop trail by the Club Vosgien in the Ill*Wald is currently inaccessible due to the reconstruction of three bridges over the Hollockgraben.