Independent travel and view of the city of Savern! History of Saverne Town The city of Saverne (French Saverne...
The city of Saverne (French Saverne, German Zabern) is located in the Alsace region in the northeast of France (Baz-Rhine Department, Grand Este region), at the foot of the Vosges, on the Zorn River and the highway connecting Lorraine and Strasbourg. Below is a detailed history of the city - from ancient times to modern times.
Prehistoric and ancient Roman roots
Geographically, the place where Savern is located was of strategic importance: the Vosges pass next to the Col de Saverne was one of the convenient ways through the mountains.
Already at the end of the II century BC. e. on top of the pass there was a Gallic fortification-oppidum called Fossé des Pandours.
In the first century A.D., the Romans established a resting post and transit point (named Usspann, or "Tres Tabernae" - "three taverns") at the lower part of the modern city, on the way between Metz (Divodurum) and Strasbourg (Argentoratum).
In the III century fortified settlement with a stone wall and towers, which served as a Roman garrison fortress.
In 357, the historian Ammianus Marcellinus mentions Tres Tabernae as the point of the Emperor Julian's operation against the Alemanns.
The Middle Ages: Episcopal Power and Transformation
After the departure of the Romans and the invasions of the Germanic tribes (Alemanns), the territory was Germanized; the name "Ziaberna" appears at the end of the fifth century.
From the twelfth century Savern gradually became a satellite city of the bishops of Strasbourg: they own the territory and exert great influence.
For example, bishops Albert of Bavaria (1478–1506) and Wilhelm von Honstein (1506–1541) initiated significant construction work in the city, including the Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité (Saverne) church and church buildings.
In 1525, during the Peasant War ("Bauernkrieg"), the city was occupied by rebellious peasants, then besieged by the Duke of Lorraine and subjected to mass destruction.
The Age of Absolute Monarchy and the Eighteenth Century: The Alsace Versailles
In the XVIII century, Savern experienced a period of relative prosperity: under the influence of the Rogan family (Cardinaux de Rohan), a majestic palace was created - Château des Rohan - and a park, magnificent festivities were organized.
The palace was striking in scale: the facade is about 140 meters long, the construction was completed by 1789.
During this time, the city's population grew from about 1,400 inhabitants at the end of the seventeenth century to about 4,151 in 1791.
XIX century: industrialization, transport, political change
After the French Revolution, Rogan's palace was confiscated; the city became the administrative center (chef-lieu d'arrondissement) and received a trial.
Significant infrastructural changes: in 1851 the railway came, in 1853 - the canal of the Marina-Rhine (Canal de la Marne à la Rhin).
Upon the annexation of Alsace to Germany after the Franco-Prussian War (1871), Saverne became part of the German Empire; the population increased from 5,905 (1871) to 9,153 (1910).
World War I and the Interwar Period: The Saverne Case
In November 1913, an incident known as Zabern-Affäre ("Zabern" is the German name for Savern) occurs in the city: a young Prussian lieutenant insults and maltreats the local Alsatians, which causes civil protests and interference by politicians.
This event became a symbol of the abuse of military power and gave rise to the word "zabernism" - "military arbitrariness."
After World War I and the Treaty of Versailles (1919), God returned to French sovereignty.
World War II, liberation
With the outbreak of World War II, Alsace was annexed again by Nazi Germany; the inhabitants of the region were subjected to forced service (the so-called Malgré-Nous) and repression.
The city was liberated by French troops on November 22, 1944.
Post-war and modernity
After the war, Savern developed as a city with a rich historical heritage: the city center was restored, tourist functions and transport infrastructure developed.
In 1964, an urban partnership with the German city of Donaueschingen was established, reflecting the spirit of Franco-German rapprochement.
Why the history of the city is important
Savern is an example of a place where geography (the pass through the Vosges), Roman and German history, the connection between church and state intersect.
The uniqueness of the city lies in the fact that it was a place of change of cultural, political and state regimes: from Romans, Germans to French.
Legacy – military history (like Zabern-Affäre), architecture (Rogan Palace, old churches), transport arteries (canal, railway) – all make the city rich in storylines to explore.
Saverne: the pearl of Alsace at the foot of the Vosges
Saverne is a charming town in northeastern France where history meets natural beauty. Located on the picturesque Zorn River, near the famous Vosges Pass, it perfectly combines cultural heritage, architecture and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Historical magic
The city is a living open-air museum. Its heart is the palace of Rogan, a majestic baroque castle of the XVIII century, known as the “Alsace Versailles”. Here you can walk through the luxurious halls, look at the museums of history and art, and around - well-groomed parks and alleys, where it is pleasant to walk at any time of the year.
The old town impresses with the atmosphere of medieval Europe: narrow cobbled streets, half-timbered houses with carved facades and cozy cafes serving traditional Alsatian dishes and local wine.
Nature and active recreation
For nature lovers, Savern is a real find. Savern Pass is a popular place for hiking and cycling routes, and the views of the Vosges are fascinating from any angle. The river Zorn invites you to quiet walks or fishing. In the vicinity - forests and vineyards, where you can have a picnic or tasting local wine.
Cultural events
The city is actively living a cultural life. This is where they go.
Festivals of historical reconstruction
Musical concerts in the open areas of the Rogan Palace
Crafts and gastronomy markets, especially popular during the Christmas period
Alsatian traditions are felt in everything from Christmas markets to folklore festivals with dances and national costumes.
Culinary pleasures
Savern is a gastronomic discovery. Restaurants and bakeries in the city serve:
Traditional Alsatian tart flambe
Succulent sausages and delicacies
Cheese and wines of regional production
Walking through the old town with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of local wine turns into a little time travel.
Why you should visit
Rich history: from Roman times to the events of the XX century
Architectural treasures: palaces, churches and ancient houses
Picturesque nature: Vosges passes, Zorn river and forests
Gastronomic impressions: Alsatian cuisine and wines
Atmosphere of tranquility and cozy provincial city with European charm
Savern is a place where you can simultaneously travel through time, enjoy nature and immerse yourself in Alsatian culture. Ideal for family holidays, romantic walks and active tourism.
1. High-end hotels (4 ★ and above)
Suitable for those who want comfort, additional services (restaurant, bar, perhaps spa villa) and more spacious rooms.
In Saverne, this level is an example: Hôtel La Garenne - rooms "Deluxe" with 25-28 m2, king-bed, mini-bar, Illy cafeteria, etc.
Approximate prices: the average price for 4 ★ hotels in Savern is about ~184 € / night.
2. Medium level (3 ★)
Good quality, but no frills premium; often family hotels, convenient location, standard services.
Example: Hôtel Chez Jean – 3★-hotel, rooms ~80 € per night with direct booking.
The average price of 3★ hotels is about ~119 €/night.
3. Budget options/alternative accommodations
Suitable for travelers with a limited budget: youth hostels, rental apartments, groups, non-standard accommodation.
Example: Auberge de Jeunesse de Saverne - youth hostel: price from ~20 € / night per person.
Also many apartments/rental apartments: 70+ options in Saverne.
4. Non-standard/unique options
For those who are looking for something original: houses, glamping, unusual accommodation.
Example: "Unusual accommodation" in Saverne - TriDomes Saverne or "L'Escale Royale: Cocon Intime Insolite".
1. Palace of the Rogans - Château des Rohan
The magnificent palace of the XVIII century, the former residence of the bishops of Strasbourg. Here is the museum of the city with collections of archeology and ethnography, and around - a picturesque park.
How to get there: Located in the center of Saverne, walking only a few minutes from the railway station Gare de Saverne. Trains from Strasbourg to Saverne run in about 40 minutes.
2. Katz House - Maison Katz
Historical half-timbered building of the XVII century with a carved facade and Renaissance elements. A monument of architecture, a symbol of the old city.
How to get there: Located on the pedestrian street Grand’Rue in the city center, easily combined with a walk through the old town.
3. Saverne Pass Botanical Garden - Jardin botanique du col de Saverne
Description: Botanical garden and arboretum, about 2.5 hectares on the slope of the pass Col de Saverne. In the collection of orchids, ferns and alpine plants.
How to get there: By car or bus from the center of Savern to the pass, it is also possible to walk for nature lovers.
4. Ruins of O Barr Castle - Burgruine Haut-Barr
Description: Medieval ruins on the rocks with panoramic views of the valley. Great place for photo shoots and walks.
How to get there: It is best by car or on foot along trails starting from the city. Lifting requires comfortable shoes, but the view from above is worth it.
5. Railway station Saverne - Gare de Saverne
The central station of the city provides convenient connections to other cities, especially Strasbourg.
How to get there: Trains from Strasbourg to Saverne run in about 40 minutes. Inside the city it is convenient to use walking, taxis or bicycle rental.
1. Mon Mouton est un Lion Festival for children and families
Time: late May – early June (for example, from May 27 to June 11, 2025).
Format: performances, master classes, animations for children and families.
Why tourists are interested: if you are traveling with children or want to combine a holiday with an easy cultural program - a great choice.
2 Les Alpagas Bleus - music festival
Time: mid-July (for example, 17-19 July 2025).
Format: three evenings of outdoor concerts, in the park at the Château des Rohan Palace.
What gives: a great opportunity to combine a visit to the city with a musical event, summer mood, the atmosphere of the festival.
3. Ambiance Steampunk is a steampunk-themed event
Time: early September (for example, September 7, 2025).
Format: costumed characters, music, “miracle market”, thematic atmosphere.
For visitors: an interesting option if you like original events, a non-standard atmosphere.
4. Mass traditional events and carnivals
Carnaval de Saverne is a traditional carnival.
Usually takes place in the winter-spring period (after epiphany).
Weekly and monthly events: markets with local produce (every Thursday morning), folklore celebrations, fireworks, summer evenings.
Spring (March-May)
Air temperature:
March: +6... +13 °C
April: +9... +16 °C
May: +13... +20 °C
Water temperature: about 10–14 °C (rivers, ponds) – too cool for swimming, but ideal for walking by the water.
Features: Nature, trees and flowers bloom. Mon Mouton est un Lion Festival.
Recommendations for tourists: Great time for walks, excursions, visiting parks and the botanical garden. The weather is comfortable for walking.
Summer (June - August)
Air temperature:
June: +16...+24 °C
July: +18 ... +27 °C
August: +17... +26 °C
Water temperature: about 18–22 °C (rivers, small lakes) – swimming is possible, especially for children.
Features: Long light days, many outdoor festivals, summer atmosphere.
Recommendations for tourists: The best time for outdoor activities, visiting castles, music festivals ("Les Alpagas Bleus"), nature walks and picnics.
Autumn (September-November)
Air temperature:
September: +15 ... +22 °C
October: +10... +17 °C
November: +5... +11 °C
Water temperature: about 12-16 °C is already cool for swimming.
Features: Autumn colors in parks and forests, fewer tourists, a cozy atmosphere.
Recommendations for tourists: Great time for photo walks, themed events (“Ambiance Steampunk”), excursions around the old city.
Winter (December to February)
Air temperature:
December: +1...+6 °C
January: 0...+5 °C
February: +1 ... +7 °C
Water temperature: about 5-7 °C – swimming is not recommended.
Features: Snow, Christmas and winter fairs, carnivals, cozy festive atmosphere are possible.
Recommendations for tourists: Good for lovers of winter holidays and Christmas atmosphere, but fewer opportunities for outdoor activities.
Language of communication
Official language: French.
Local features: Alsace is also spoken in Alsace, especially among the elderly.
English: In touristic places, hotels and restaurants, English is often understood, but in small cafes and shops it is better to use French.
Tip: A few basic French phrases will help settle the locals: greeting ("Bonjour"), gratitude ("Merci") and farewell ("Au revoir").
Traditions and customs
Greetings: it is customary to greet with a smile and a slight nod or handshake. Among the loved ones - a light kiss on the cheek (in French "la bise").
Lunches and dinners: In France, food is an important part of the culture, it is recommended to arrive on time, do not start eating before everyone at the table has received meals.
Restaurants and cafes: Tipping is included in the bill (service compris), but leaving a small amount (5-10%) is welcome for good service.
Public Behavior: Loud talk, street litter, and smoking in forbidden places are considered impolite.
Laws and regulations for tourists
Rights and duties: in public places to observe the rules of the road, do not cross the street at a red light, wear a seat belt in the car.
Smoking and alcohol: Smoking is prohibited in public buildings and transport; selling alcohol to minors is prohibited.
Photography: Permission is sometimes required in historic buildings and private areas; in museums, photos without a flash are often allowed.
Environmental responsibility: separate waste collection in Alsace is actively practiced, it is worth disposing of waste by category.
1. Greetings and goodbyes
Bonjour - Bonjour - Good afternoon
Bonsoir - Bonswar - Good evening
Salut - salu - Hello (unofficially)
Au revoir - o ruvoir - Goodbye
À bientôt - a bianto - See you soon
Bonne Journée - Bon Journe - Good Day
Bonne soirée – Bon Souvare – Good evening
2. Polite expressions
Merci - Merci - Thank you
Merci beaucoup - Merci beaucoup - Thank you very much
S'il vous plaît - sil vu ple - Please (if requested)
Excusez-moi - Exuse Moi - Excuse me / Excuse me
Pardon – Sorry (in case of accidental error)
3. Questions and basic phrases for orientation
Où est . . . . . . . . . . . where is . . . . . . ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Où sont les toilettes? - Where is the toilet?
Combien ça coûte? - Komyan sa kut - How much does it cost?
Je ne comprends pas - I don't understand
Parlez-vous anglais? - Parlez-vous anglais? - Do you speak English?
Pouvez-vous m'aider? - Can you help me?
4. Restaurant and café
Une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît - yun täbl pur de, sil wu ple - Table for two, please
La carte, s'il vous plaît - la carte, sil vo ple - Menu, please
L'addition, s'il vous plaît - ladsion, sil wo ple - bill, please
Je suis allergique à . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - I'm allergic to...
Eau / Vin / Bière - o / van / bier - Water / Wine / Beer
5. Hotel dialogues
Registration
Bonjour, j'ai une réservation au nom de Ivanov.
bonjour, je yun reserve about nom de Ivanov.
Hello, I have a reservation in the name of Ivanov.
Tres bien, voici votre clé.
Tree bien, voissy glue.
All right, here's your key.
Questions about the number:
À quelle heure est le petit-dejeuner?
What about the cell?
What time is breakfast?
Le petit-dejeuner est servi de 7h à 10h.
I'm a servie-de-se-se-d-d-d-er.
Breakfast is served from 7 to 10 a.m.
6. Purchase and market
Je voudrais -- I'd like to --
Combien ça coûte? - Komyan sa kut - How much does it cost?
C'est trop cher - Setro cher - It's too expensive
Avez-vous . . . . do you have any?
Merci, c'est parfait - Merci, se parfe - Thank you, perfect
7. In case of an emergency.
Au secours! - oh shokur - To help!
J'ai besoin d'un médecin - Je bezoua den medsen
- Police! - Police!
Je suis perdu - I'm lost.
1. Food and drink
Alsatian cuisine is famous for a combination of French and German traditions:
Tart flambe (Tarte flambée / Flammekueche) is a thin dough with cheese, onions and bacon, served hot. It's a great snack in a cafe.
Shukrut (Choucroute garnie) is a traditional dish of sauerkraut with sausages and meat.
Bretzel is a soft salted pretzel that is prepared fresh in bakeries.
Alsatian wines – The region is famous for its white wines, especially Riesling and Gewurztraminer.
Locally produced honey and jams are often natural, with the aroma of forest berries and fruits.
What to take home: small bottles of local wine, spicy jams, mini-bretzels or packages of sweets, such as marzipan or handmade chocolate.
2. Medicinal and useful remedies
Although Savern is not a resort city in terms of thermal waters, Alsace is popular:
Essential oils and herbal teas are sold in pharmacies and health food stores, help with colds, stress or for relaxation.
Honey and bee products - local honey, propolis, beeswax are used in cosmetics and as a natural means of strengthening immunity.
Cosmetics based on Alsatian herbs - creams, balms and handmade soap.
What to take home: small jars of honey, essential oils, herbal teas or cosmetics on a natural basis.
3. Souvenirs and gifts
Figures and miniatures of castles - in Saverne there are many ancient buildings and palaces, their mini-copies are sold in souvenir shops.
Alsatian ceramics and dishes - plates, mugs, cups with traditional patterns.
Christmas decorations – Saverne is known for its winter fairs and handmade decorative products.
Local textiles - scarves, napkins, embroidery with Alsatian motifs.
1. Safety of rest
General level of security: Savern is a small and calm city, the crime situation is low. Petty thefts in tourist destinations are possible, as in any European city.
Precautions:
Keep an eye on personal belongings in cafes, markets and transport.
Carry a passport or a copy of the document, the original is best kept in a hotel.
Avoid empty streets late at night, especially in low-light areas.
Road safety: rules are observed on the roads, tourists need to wear belts, strictly observe speed limits.
2. Documents and visa requirements
Passport: Citizens of most countries need a valid passport.
Visa: If you are not from the EU, a Schengen visa is valid for a short stay (up to 90 days).
ID card: EU citizens need a national ID card to enter.
Have a copy of your passport and visa separately from the original.
3. Health insurance
It is mandatory for all tourists from abroad.
What covers: emergency medical care, hospitalization, sometimes transportation to your home country.
Recommendation: Get insurance in advance, make sure illnesses, accidents, loss of luggage and travel cancellations are covered.
4. Emergency phones
Police: 17
Fire service: 18
Ambulance: 15
Common emergency number (mobile or fixed): 112 is valid throughout Europe.
Tourist Police/Information: You can contact the local Tourist Information Office of Savern for language and navigation assistance.
5. Mobile communications
Local operators: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free.
International roaming packages: Most EU operators and major countries offer profitable roaming, including the internet.
Tip for tourists: you can buy a local SIM card with a data package for 1-2 weeks, especially if you plan to travel to Alsace and neighboring regions.
6. Term of stay of the tourist
For citizens of countries with a Schengen visa: up to 90 days within 180 days without the need to leave.
For EU citizens: stay without visa and term limits.
Tip: check the dates of the visa and stamps in the passport, so as not to violate the rules of stay.
Create a query and local guides will offer you the best options
