Saverne, located on the border with Lorraine, is a good starting point for hikes in the Vosges mountains and the rest of the region, but the town itself is also worth a look. The majestic Rohan Castle, built at the end of the 18th century for Cardinal Louis René Édouard de Rohan-Guéméné and now a listed historic monument, is the first place to visit. Behind its immense Neo-Classical façade, which is 140 metres long, lie several structures including the Saverne Museum, housing rich archaeological collections and a section devoted to art and history, as well as rooms dedicated to the collections of the journalist Louise Weiss. Its vast park, overlooking the Marne-Rhine Canal and facing the marina, hosts many cultural events.
The historic centre of the town also attracts attention, with its steep-roofed period houses that are typical of the region. La Grand'Rue, opposite the castle, is lined by beautiful half-timbered houses, the most remarkable of which is the Katz House, with its magnificent façade featuring carved wood sections. The Unicorn statue standing on the fountain on Place du Général de Gaulle is the emblem of Saverne.
There are other sites of interest nearby, including the Recollect Church and the pink sandstone Gothic cloister from the 14th century, or the Church of Our Lady of the Nativity and its square tower. You can also enjoy a walk around the harbour and along the flowery canal that winds its way through the town.
In the surrounding area, don't miss the medieval castle of Haut-Barr, dating from the 12th century. Known as "the eye of Alsace", it stands at an altitude of 470 metres, on three rocks, and offers a superb view of the Alsace Plain and the Vosges. On a clear day, you can even glimpse the spire of Strasbourg Cathedral! Steps take you to the footbridge between two rocks called the Devil's Bridge (Pont du Diable).
Another place to discover is the Rose Garden at the foot of the Col de Saverne mountain pass, open to visitors from the end of May to the end of August. The second oldest rose garden in France, this haven of peace will delight you with its superb collection of nearly 5,000 rose bushes representing 800 different varieties! A rose festival is organised there in June every year.