The reserve occupies the site of the first Imperial Fish Farm in France, commissioned by Napoleon III in 1852.
It is one of the few places in France where the rare European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) successfully breeds in the wild.
The reserve protects remnants of the 'Giessen' system, the old anastomosed river channels of the Rhine before its canalization.
It functions as a vital migratory stopover for over 180 species of birds, including the black stork.
The visitor center houses a museum dedicated to the historical role of the site in the development of modern pisciculture.
The landscape is maintained through a combination of controlled flooding and cattle grazing to prevent forest encroachment.
The Petite Camargue Alsacienne is a 900-hectare protected wetland located in the Rhine valley, representing the oldest nature reserve in the Alsace region. Established on the site of a former 19th-century imperial fish farm, it serves as a crucial habitat for endangered species including the European pond turtle and the black kite. The landscape consists of alluvial forests, former Rhine river channels, and managed ponds designed to mimic the historical Rhine floodplain environment. It is the only area in the region where the Rhine's original flooding dynamics are partially preserved. The reserve maintains a visitor center at the historic Pisciculture site, which exhibits local biodiversity and historical water management practices. It serves as a biological corridor connecting various wildlife populations across the Franco-Swiss border. The site is actively managed to control invasive species and restore indigenous flora.
The wooden observation platforms overlooking the central ponds provide the best vantage points for wildlife photography.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the marshland hides many species from the main paths.
Wear waterproof footwear, as the trails can become muddy or flooded during high water levels.
Check the visitor center for seasonal guided tour schedules before heading onto the trails.
Attempting to visit during severe spring floods when some trails are closed for safety and ecological protection.
The visitor center is typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; outdoor trails remain accessible throughout the year.
Stay strictly on marked paths to avoid disturbing nesting sites and sensitive wetland vegetation; dogs must be kept on a leash.
