A short overnight trip to the protected massif of Grand Ventron (also known in German as Winterau) in the Vosges (vel Vogesen) Mountains offered a chance to experience the special atmosphere of the French-German borderlands. However, rather than dwelling on the imperial history of unnecessary conflicts, this journey was about appreciating nature’s recovery from human influence within the well-preserved natural reserve. This area is exceptionally valuable in such a thoroughly over-developed region of Europe. A pristine natural forest — what more could one ask for in a rewarding trip?