Hôtel des Berges - Auberge de l’Ill: Iconic Two-Michelin-Starred riverside sanctuary in Alsace by the Haeberlin family with Spa des Saules by Jouin Manku

Set along the peaceful, willow-lined banks of the Ill River in the picturesque village of Illhaeusern in Alsace, France, Hôtel des Berges - Auberge de l’Ill opened as one of France’s most revered culinary landmarks. Run by the Haeberlin family for over 150 years and holding Two Michelin Stars (with a continuous Three-Star record spanning an astonishing 51 years from 1967 to 2018), the 16-room Relais & Châteaux estate merges legendary French haute cuisine with visionary contemporary architecture. Designed by master architectural duo Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku, the estate features thatched fisherman cottages, private riverside decks, and the spectacular Spa des Saules.

Arrival introduces travelers to the legendary warmth of Alsatian hospitality: Marco and Danielle Haeberlin welcome guests in the sun-drenched timber lounge with a glass of crisp local Riesling Grand Cru overlooking the weeping willows. Day-one logistics focus on coordinating bespoke Alsatian wine, cultural, and nature pursuits: boarding electric wooden boats from the hotel’s private river dock to cruise the Ill River, touring the famous Alsatian Wine Route (Colmar, Riquewihr, and Ribeauvillé are 15 minutes away), visiting the Unterlinden Museum, cycling through vineyards on estate bicycles, and preparing for the evening’s gastronomic feast at Auberge de l’Ill.

Riverside living balances epicurean excellence with architectural wellness: the Spa des Saules is a monumental timber sanctuary designed by Jouin Manku, featuring an indoor/outdoor heated swimming pool, cold river plunge pool, thermal steam room, and natural therapies. Dining is anchored by the world-famous Two-Michelin-Starred Auberge de l’Ill, where Chef Marc Haeberlin prepares legendary dishes including the Mousseline de Saumon and Pêche Haeberlin alongside rare Alsatian Grand Crus.

Accommodations comprise 16 rooms, luxury suites, and four thatched fisherman cottages ranging from 40 to 90 square metres. Each residence features custom oak woodwork, private balconies or decks overlooking the Ill River, king beds, and stone bathrooms with soaking tubs.

Culinary purists, architecture enthusiasts, and romantic travelers seeking Two-Michelin-Star Haeberlin gastronomy, Jouin Manku spa design, and riverside Alsatian peace should book Hôtel des Berges without hesitation. Travelers seeking busy city centers should look elsewhere. Grounded review consensus confirms legendary standing with a 4.9 out of 5 on Tripadvisor across 940 reviews and a 4.8 out of 5 on Google across 1,120 reviews.