Villagers up with the lark for Noël des oiseaux

Residents of one Grand Est village miss out on their lie-in on December 26 for a special local tradition

Connexion journalist Connexion journalist
Published Modified

While many were enjoying a lie-in the day after Christmas, about 100 residents of a village in the Haut-Rhin were up with the larks to mark a modern local tradition.

For the past 59 years, villagers from Moosch, in the Thann Valley, have gathered before first light on December 26 for the "Noël des oiseaux", in which they embark on an early-morning nature walk.

The event has developed over the years, and now includes live music and a tree-decorating ceremony.

Those taking part also get to see the breathtaking sunrise over the Vosges mountains, before enjoying a welcome warm early morning snack at a local auberge, which opens especially to welcome the walkers.

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tradition magazine mag christmas walking routes nature

tradition mag christmas walking routes nature