The source of the Ill

The Ill is born in the heart of the Alsatian Jura, in Winkel, in the middle of the Illensprung, at an altitude of 600m. The backbone of Alsace, 217 km long, it flows into the Rhine at GAMBSHEIM, north of STRASBOURG.

Since May 2003, a work by Anne Rochette has served as a backdrop for the nascent river. For the artist, the roundness of the sculptures evokes the surrounding hills as well as femininity, often associated with sources in popular art. Higher up, 10 large “pebbles” symbolize the drops of water which, like so many resurgences, remind us that the birth of a river is always diffuse. 

The site of the source of the Ill, accessible by car, is suitable for walks and hikes. You can also take advantage of your visit to discover the beech alley of Winkel, the Saint Laurent church and the Warth Chapel.