Saales brings together nature, local history and seasonal market culture. The 10 km Les crĂŞtes de Saales walking trail leads over summits and through the forest; other highlights include Voyemont, the National Necropolis, Chapelle Sainte-Barbe, historic fountains and the mountain market. When planning your trip, consider whether hiking, history or a seasonal market visit will shape your stay. This focus can also guide your search for a hotel in Saales.
Voyemont and the forest trail
Voyemont is one of the summits overlooking the village of Saales and reaches an elevation of 793 m. It is made of highly porous sandstone, which has allowed numerous springs to form. The mountain thus combines a specific elevation with a geological feature: the rock explains why so many springs formed here. If you are interested in the landscape as well as hiking, this offers a focus of its own.
Les crĂŞtes de Saales is a 10 km walking trail over summits and through the forest. Unlike Voyemont, a single summit, the trail is a route and therefore offers a distinct way to experience Saales on foot. Its length gives you a clear measure for planning. As trail conditions may change, it is best to check them before setting out.
Memorial site and Chapelle Sainte-Barbe
The National Necropolis of Saales contains the remains of 36 French soldiers. They fell fighting for France in the Bruche Valley in the summer of 1914. The necropolis was founded in 1921 and laid out in 1924. This distinguishes the events of 1914 from the later founding and development of the memorial site.
The main construction phase of Chapelle Sainte-Barbe took place in the first quarter of the 19th century. Following a restoration campaign, the chapel was blessed on 27 March 1881. It was associated with a small pilgrimage linked to a nearby spring and a fountain dating from 1802. The building’s history and the historic pilgrimage give the chapel distinct connections to different periods.
Several fountains in Saales also tell of everyday practices in the past: each has two basins, once used for washing and rinsing clothes. The village’s history therefore encompasses the former use of its fountains as well as the memorial site and chapel.
Mountain market and regional products
The mountain market in Saales brings together 30 mountain producers. Visitors can discover and enjoy regional products from highland farmers and artisans, made possible by their craftsmanship. The market offers a distinct focus: its emphasis is on the producers, regional products and the craftsmanship behind them.
In July and August, every mountain market has a snack stand serving light dishes. If you want to plan your visit around the market or its seasonal offerings, check the latest market dates and participation details before your trip.
Plan your stay around your interests
When searching for hotels in Saales, it is worth deciding first what you want your trip to focus on: will the walking trail shape your stay, are you mainly interested in the history of the memorial and chapel, or would you like to plan your trip around the mountain market? Each offers a different focus—from a set hiking route and historical context to seasonal products.
Discover more destinations: Rottelsheim, RĹ“schwoog, Bitschhoffen, Saint-Jean-Saverne, Gottesheim, Westhoffen, Dettwiller, Niedersteinbach
See the broader travel overview: Bas-Rhin.
