This small town, strategically placed between the Plain of Alsace and the Plateau of Lorraine, was an ideal defensive position from before Roman times. In the surrounding countryside are the remains of once numerous castles and keeps, many dating from the Middle Ages. The Rohan Castle Museum houses a superb collection of artefacts dating from the Gallo-Roman period and Medieval times.
Saverne has one of the finest rose gardens with 8,500 plants and 550 of different rose varieties, situated between the Route de Paris and the Rue de la Roseraie. The town also has a number of churches and old houses as well as the museum. A colourful town during the summer, Saverne has a festive feel and look during the run up to Christmas, culminating in the ‘Marché de Noêl’ Christmas market.
Saverne is at the southern end of the Parc Naturel Régional and forms the southern gateway into the area. The Parc is labelled ‘Réserve de Biosphère’ by UNESCO and has over 250 kms of paths of discovery where flora and fauna can be viewed in its natural surroundings.
For more tourist information and history, see Premier Pages (Wine Regions, Places of interest)