Wattwiller

Wattwiller is a village in the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace, nestled at the foot of the Vosges mountains, just a few kilometres from Cernay and Thann. The village is best known for its natural mineral water spring, exploited since the 19th century and sold commercially under the Wattwiller brand. Sitting on the edge of the Vosges massif, it makes a good starting point for forest walks and hikes towards nearby peaks such as the Grand Ballon. Wattwiller is also home to a Tibetan Buddhist temple, a retreat and meditation centre open to visitors, which adds a distinctive character to the village. The surrounding landscape combines woodland, rolling hills and the beginnings of the Alsace vineyards, with the Alsace Wine Route running close by. Traditional half-timbered houses can still be seen in the village centre, reflecting the region's classic architecture. The climate, semi-continental and softened by the Vosges, makes for pleasant stays from spring through to autumn. The area also offers easy access to Colmar and Mulhouse, as well as to Alsace's Christmas markets in winter, making Wattwiller a quiet base for exploring the Haut-Rhin countryside.