The Legend of Alice of Forbach: Between History and Mystery at Mont Sainte-Croix
Office de Tourisme Pays de Forbach
08/11/2025
Here is a dark beech forest, which doesn't seem different from the surrounding ones in the nearby region - photo 1. Yet, it is steeped in history, with old gypsum mine galleries located beneath its soil. Two spectacular collapse cones bear witness to this, one of which is recent - Picture 2. It is therefore very dangerous to venture there.
If you decide to go there nonetheless - being very careful - the Klingel-Stauden forest reveals authentic botanical treasures between the columnar and massive trunks of the beeches.
I had already mentioned the Long-leaved Cephalanthera in Regards sur Théding #17. It is a rare orchid, whose beautiful flowers cannot leave anyone indifferent. I returned to the site last May and counted about thirty individuals, making it one of the most important sites in Moselle - Pictures 3,4.
But that's not all, as other charming plants adorn this forest, thanks to their flowers and also their silhouette.
I would like to introduce you to the Large-flowered Cephalanthera - a cousin species of the one mentioned just before, with cream-colored and less open flowers – Picture 5.
And another orchid, with a mushroom-like appearance. It is the Bird's-nest Orchid, which is difficult to spot due to the dark atmosphere of the beech forest - Picture 6.
Next, the Sanicle, which is a very original apiaceae, having very compact umbels and palmate, toothed leaves -Picture 7.
I will conclude with a gem among gems, represented by the Common Columbine. While its sublime flower displays a blue hue in meadows, here, in the Klingel-Stauden forest, it takes on a charming rosy violet shade - Picture 8.
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