i 🏘️ Picturesque villages
Hunawihr
One of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, famous for its fortified church and NaturOparC, cradle of the reintroduction of storks in Alsace.
Overview
Hunawihr is a small wine village on the Alsace Wine Route and a member of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France association. Vineyards surround it on all sides. On a mound, the Église Saint-Jacques (St James’s Church) towers over the rooftops. It is encircled by a fortified churchyard whose walls once served as a refuge for villagers in times of attack. The church and its enclosure are listed historic monuments. Inside, 15th-century frescoes are devoted to St Nicholas. On the bell tower, the clock still has a single hand and a decoration of grape clusters and vine leaves.
In the lower part of the village, the Sainte-Hune fountain recalls the legend of a charitable washerwoman who is said to have given the village its name. Starting from Rue de la Fontaine, a vineyard trail leads through the grands crus. At the edge of the village, NaturOparC has been continuing since 1976 the work begun to save the white stork. This five-hectare wildlife park is also home to the European otter and the European hamster, and its keepers run sessions throughout the day. For a family day out, you can combine a stroll through the village, a stop at the park and a visit to nearby Riquewihr, two kilometres away.
Where to do it
In Hunawihr (Haut-Rhin (68)), in Alsace. Best season: 🗓️ All year round.
Good to know
The clock on the fortified church never received a second hand, and it bears a bunch of grapes and vine leaves as a tribute to the vineyards.
Tips
To see storks flying freely over the village, come between late March and early November, when NaturOparC is open; ticket desks close an hour before the park. Dogs are not allowed in the park, but a lockable kennel is available at the entrance.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Is Hunawihr one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France?
Yes. The village is a member of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France association, which presents it as a nature stop on the Alsace Wine Route. It also holds the Station Verte (green destination) and Villes et Villages Fleuris (floral towns and villages) labels, and lies within the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park.
Is the stork park in Hunawihr still open?
Yes, under the name NaturOparC. Founded in 1976 to reintroduce the white stork, it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. It is also home to the European otter, the European hamster and farm animals. In 2026, it is open from 21 March to 1 November, with opening hours that vary by period.
How long should you allow for NaturOparC?
The park recommends allowing half a day. You can picnic in the designated areas, and a hand stamp at the exit lets you leave and come back. Pushchairs get around easily, and the paths are suitable for wheelchairs.
Can I bring my dog to Hunawihr?
In the village, yes. Pets are not allowed in NaturOparC, however. The park provides lockable enclosures, for which you keep the key, where you can leave your dog during your visit.
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, prices and conditions may change: check the official website before you travel.
Nearby (within 20 km)
Weekend idea around Hunawihr
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