This fortified French town on the Rhine River has a 17th-century Vauban cathedral and traditional Alsatian houses. Its historic center became a UNESCO site in 1981.
Saint-Louis sits at the meeting point of France, Germany, and Switzerland. From here, you can take a 15-minute train to watch kinetic sculptures move at Basel's Jean Tinguely Museum, spot herons in La Petite Camargue Alsacienne's wetlands, or try an Alsatian tarte flambée in a local restaurant. The EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, located just outside town, connects to major European cities with daily flights.
Cross-Border Travel from Saint-Louis
Two railway stations in Saint-Louis connect to the Mulhouse-Basel line. Trains run every 30 minutes to both French and Swiss destinations. With the Upper-Rhine Museum Pass, you can visit museums in all three countries. In Basel, cross the Rhine River on the Cable Ferry - a boat that moves using the river's current, guided by a steel cable above the water.
La Petite Camargue Nature Reserve
La Petite Camargue Alsacienne covers 900 hectares north of Saint-Louis. You'll walk through wetlands, grasslands, and flooded forests on marked trails. Look for grey herons, European pond turtles, and rare orchids throughout the year. Stop at the visitor center to pick up trail maps and learn about seasonal wildlife viewing spots.
Art and Museums
The Fondation Fernet-Branca, housed in a 19th-century distillery, displays rotating exhibitions of 20th-century and contemporary art. Take a 15-minute train to Basel's Fine Arts Museum to see works by Holbein, Picasso, and Van Gogh. At the Jean Tinguely Museum, press buttons to activate large mechanical sculptures - each piece moves and interacts differently.
Local Food and Wine
The hills north of Saint-Louis grow Gewürztraminer and Riesling grapes. Local restaurants serve Alsatian specialties that reflect French and German influences. Try tarte flambée - thin bread dough topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon - or choucroute garnie: sauerkraut served with various cuts of pork and sausages.
Weather Through the Seasons
Winter temperatures in Saint-Louis often drop below freezing, with occasional snow. Summer days are warm and humid, unlike coastal French cities. Spring and fall temperatures range between 10-20°C (50-68°F), making these months ideal for exploring La Petite Camargue and walking through Basel's old town.