Colchicums and Marshes

On site you will find the trail under the following name: COLCHIQUES ET MARAIS

A beautiful variety of landscapes and sceneries are to be discovered during this stroll on the southern part of the destination Sarreguemines Confluences, which now and then crosses the Albe, a small river and a tributary of the Saar, which is well worth a visit.

Once you've finished Kappelkinger, head south on the cycle path and continue towards Audviller and Val de Guéblange. This section joins the route of the “The Hamann oak” (Le chêne Hamann) trail, which may be of interest to you.

You will cross the natural surroundings of the meadows and wet areas of the Albe, classified as Natura 2000, comprising the valleys of the Saar as well as Isch - The Francaltroff marshland is home to a remarkable array of plant species, many of which are regionally protected, due to the area's richly humid and exceptional conditions. The 27-hectare Val de Guéblange nature reserve includes three beautiful wetland ecosystems classified as the Marais et prairies du Val de Guéblange. In late summer, you can admire the meadows adorned with colchicums, which add a touch of charm and colour to this already biodiverse landscape. It's well worth a visit!

In addition to the natural treasures, this 11.3 km trail will also draw your attention to the small villages in the countryside and their remarkable cultural heritage: the half-timbered houses and the church of Saint-Jacques dating from 1733 in Kappelkingen, the half-timbered house of Maison de Leo dating from 1738 (currently being restored by the town council) and the 12th century church tower in Val de Guéblange are not to be missed. The numerous Maginot Line blockhouses along the way are also worth a visit.

Continuing north of Val de Guéblange offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

- Alternative route: Can be completed by the circular route “The Hamann Oak” (Le Chêne Hamann - 12.6 km), to the south of the route. Part of the route (1.9 km) is common to both trails.

- Connections: The "Colchicum and Marshes" trail (Colchiques et Marais) is linked to several other ones: “The Hamann Oak” (Le Chêne Hamann - 12.6 km), “From the Farm to the Pasture” (De la Ferme aux Pâturages - 10.8 km), “In the Footsteps of the Marsouins” (Sur les Pas des Marsouins - 13 km) to the pond of Hirbach. A beautiful connection also allows you to reach "The Sainte-Anne Loop" (La boucle de Sainte-Anne - 3.5 km) in Insming.

- Trail-Marking : yellow rectangle

- Geographical area: The Albe Valley, in the heart of unspoilt nature

- Starting point: Kappelkinger > rue de l'Albe - Cemetery