February’s portrait: Marie-Hélène Mattern, a passionate director working for Beau Jardin

2. 2. A career guided by a passion for tourism and the region

Before arriving in Truchtersheim, Marie-Hélène already had solid experience in the world of tourism. “I worked for eight years in Rhinau, in the Grand Ried, where I was involved in the merger of several tourist offices into a single one. In 2013, I took over as director before moving to the Kochersberg in 2015 to oversee the completion of the building that now houses our office

It was she who spearheaded the creation of the inter-communal structure, which in 2019 will become inter-communal with the Pays de la Zorn.

She owes her love of the region to some wonderful encounters. “I’ve always been attracted to tourism. When I was younger, I was impressed by passionate guides who passed on to me their love of the local culture. Today, I’m keen to promote Alsace, and more particularly the Kochersberg and the Pays de la Zorn, that famous ‘beautiful garden’

2. 2. Le Beau Jardin: a name full of meaning

The name often intrigues visitors, and Marie-Hélène likes to tell the legend. “It is said that Louis XIV, on his way down from the Saverne Pass towards Strasbourg, gazed out over the hills of the Kochersberg and exclaimed: ‘What a beautiful garden!
A symbolic name, rooted in the region’s agricultural vocation. “Our land is among the most fertile in Europe. And then there’s the ‘secret garden’: for a long time, the Kochersberg remained little-known. Today, it is gradually being revealed to the general public

So Le Beau Jardin is as much a place to cultivate as it is a place to discover, where nature, culture and heritage intertwine.

2. 2. A fast-growing office

Since its creation in 2017, the Tourist Office has come a long way: “At the start, there were three of us. Today there are five of us, and our remit has expanded. The business was fragile at the start, and we had to convince the local players of our usefulness. Many of them had been managing on their own for a long time

So Marie-Hélène and her team chose a strong positioning: supporting tourism partners. “This is what makes Le Beau Jardin so special. As well as welcoming and promoting them, we provide practical help to our accommodation providers, restaurateurs and producers to help them evolve, keep up with trends and improve their visibility and marketing

It’s a human, local approach that is now the strength of the office.

2. 2. A close-knit team with a wide range of skills

The Beau Jardin team embodies the diversity of modern tourism professions. “There are five of us, each with their own speciality

Marie-Hélène proudly cites her colleagues: “Manon is responsible for reception and manages the tourist tax, the database and the calendar of events. Valentina, who joined us last year, is in charge of the CSR approach and our partner meetings, the Pap’OT. Sarah – our communications manager – looks after the website, social networks and publications. Finally, the latest recruit, Sarah Gross, is strengthening the museum department and running the Maison du Kochersberg

An all-female team, dynamic and complementary, bringing the region to life all year round.

2. 2. A well-orchestrated annual rhythm

The work of the Tourist Office is not limited to the tourist season. “In January, we take stock and prepare for the new season. It’s also a time for training, like this year’s first aid course. Then we plan the Estivales du Beau Jardin, a much-anticipated programme

Summer is the peak season for visitors, tours and events. By September, the team is already thinking about Christmas. “The Christmas escapades at Truchtersheim have become a key event, as has the promotion of the destination during the festive season, a key period in Alsace”

For the rest of the year, the ‘invisible’ tasks continue: tourism quality, website, tourist tax, coordination with the communities of communes, etc. ” Even when it’s quiet at reception, we’re always preparing for what’s coming next,” smiles Marie-Hélène.

2. 2. A solid network of local players

Le Beau Jardin Tourist Office relies on a vast network of partners: accommodation providers, restaurateurs, museums, associations and local authorities. “We work with the Sentier du Houblon and the association Au Cœur des Houblonnières, the Maison du Kochersberg and the Villa Meteor in Hochfelden. We also welcome groups, including cruise passengers from Croisieurope

The links with the local authorities are just as close: participation in tourism committees, presentation of the activity report, annual general meeting attended by elected representatives and private players. “It is this public-private network that is the strength of Le Beau Jardin

2. 2. An area on a human scale with great potential

When asked what distinguishes Le Beau Jardin from other Alsatian destinations, the answer is clear: “This is still a region in the making, with a great capacity to welcome people. The Kochersberg attracts people who shun the crowds and are looking for peace and authenticity

Le Beau Jardin offers what many people are looking for these days: a rural Alsace that’s welcoming and soothing, far removed from the usual tourist routes but just as rich in experiences.

2. 2. A future focused on sustainability and excellence

Marie-Hélène believes deeply in responsible tourism rooted in the local area. “Sustainable development is at the heart of our strategy. We want to make Le Beau Jardin an eco-responsible destination

Agricultural tourism, a pillar of the local identity, remains central. “Visitors want to understand what they’re eating, where the produce comes from and how it’s grown. This is a strong asset for us

Another challenge: soft mobility. “Cycling and electrically-assisted rides are developing fast. It’s a trend we want to encourage

In 2026, the Tourist Office will be tackling a new challenge: obtaining the “Destination d’Excellence” label, a guarantee of quality and national recognition. “This label will enhance our efforts and strengthen our place in the Alsace tourism landscape

2. 2. An invitation to discover the Beau Jardin

What if Marie-Hélène had to play guide? She answers without hesitation:
“I’d start at the Maison du Kochersberg, with its magnificent headdresses and costumes. Then we’d head off to Wingersheim and its hop gardens, before finishing at Villa Meteor in Hochfelden, to discover Alsace’s only brewery tourism site. And of course, we’ll be sharing a tarte flambée with a good local beer!

2. 2. Conclusion

This February’s portrait focuses on a committed woman at the head of a key local organisation.
Under Marie-Hélène Mattern‘s leadership,Le Beau Jardin Tourist Office is establishing itself as a key player in local development, combining promotion, support, sustainability and authenticity.

Her work and that of her team perfectly illustrate the spirit of Le Beau Jardin: a living, welcoming, fertile and forward-looking region.