La Ferme Aux Rennes, Reindeer farm and zoo in Stosswihr, France
La Ferme Aux Rennes is a reindeer farm in the Vosges mountains at 1096 meters elevation with about 30 to 40 animals roaming freely along an 800-meter forest trail. The six-hectare property showcases animals in a natural setting and gives visitors close contact with the herd.
The farm was founded in September 2005 starting with three reindeer named Vixen, Blixen, and Comete brought from Nordic regions. These animals were introduced to create a natural mountain habitat in the French Alps.
The site displays Sami traditions through exhibits showing herding tools and knowledge about reindeer management in Nordic regions. Visitors see how these practices shaped the relationship between herders and animals.
The experience works best on cloudy or cool days since the reindeer are less active in extreme heat. The location sits at higher elevation, so bring sturdy footwear and expect uphill walking to reach the forest trail.
Each afternoon the animals gather for feeding, offering visitors a chance to see how they interact and respond to their caretakers. These moments reveal natural herd behavior that is rarely observed in a mountain setting.
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