Table des Druides

Table des Druides is a natural rock formation atop the Schauenberg hill above Pfaffenheim, in Alsace, sitting at 481 meters above sea level. Three sandstone blocks, separated from the surrounding rock mass by erosion, have settled into a shape resembling a stone table — one flat slab resting horizontally on another set upright, forming something close to a dolmen. The site has long carried the legend of Celtic druids who supposedly performed sun rituals here, though the name "druids' altar" itself likely only dates back to the 19th century.

How do you get there?

The walk to the Table des Druides starts from the car park in Pfaffenheim, from where a marked Club Vosgien trail climbs through vineyards and communal forest toward the hilltop. From the chapel at the summit, reaching the stones themselves takes only about 10 minutes uphill, making this an easy outing even for casual walkers. The route forms part of a wider loop around the Schauenberg that can easily be extended to take in nearby points of interest.

What will you see along the way?

The formation itself stands out for its unusual geometry — the three sandstone blocks face east and northeast, and next to the main "table" there is a small rock platform offering a view toward the sunrise. A short distance further, about 5 minutes from the chapel, lies another curious boulder, the Pierre du Diable (Devil's Stone), tied to a legend about a gateway to hell and claw marks pressed into the rock. On the way up, it's also worth stopping at the Notre-Dame du Schauenberg chapel, an important pilgrimage site for the region.

What's the history behind it?

While the arrangement of the stones appears to be largely natural, archaeologists and local historians have long debated how much humans "improved" the layout by adding elements meant to reinforce the site's symbolic character. The name Pfaffenheim is sometimes translated as "dwelling of the druids" or "dwelling of the priests," a link some researchers draw to this formation and to a possible Celtic origin for the settlement. The Schauenberg summit also carries a rich Christian history of its own: a Marian pilgrimage was founded here in 1441 by the hermit Udalric, and the chapel standing today was built by Franciscans between 1684 and 1704, damaged during the French Revolution in 1793, and rebuilt starting in 1809.

When is the best time to visit?

The Schauenberg hill, surrounded by vineyards along the Alsace Wine Route, is best visited in spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild and the surrounding vine-covered slopes look their best. In summer the trail can get quite exposed to the sun since it runs through open vineyard land, so an early morning start is a good idea. Given how close it is to the car park, the site also works well as a short, few-hour detour during a longer stay in the Colmar–Eguisheim–Rouffach area.

Frequently asked questions

Is the walk to the Table des Druides difficult? No — it's a short, well-marked stretch of the Club Vosgien trail starting from the Pfaffenheim car park, and the climb from the summit chapel takes only about 10 minutes.

Is the Table des Druides an actual dolmen? The formation is natural in origin — sandstone blocks split apart by erosion — but its layout resembles a dolmen, and some theories suggest humans further shaped the site.

What else can you see nearby? Close by are the Pierre du Diable (Devil's Stone) and the Notre-Dame du Schauenberg chapel, an important regional pilgrimage site.

Is it worth combining with other attractions? Yes — Pfaffenheim sits on the Alsace Wine Route near Eguisheim, Rouffach, and Colmar, so a short hike can easily be paired with wine tasting and exploring nearby towns.