| Valley of Villé | |
| Information | |
| Country |  France |
|---|---|
| Region | Alsace Bas-Rhin |
| Tourist information office | |
| Location | |
 48 ° 20 ′ 0 ″ N 7 ° 19 ′ 0 ″ E | |
| Official site | |
At the heart ofAlsace, the Val de Villé is located a few kilometers from the famous Wine Route and the Château du Haut Koenigsbourg.
Understand
In the valley of Villé, it is the festivals and the animations which punctuate the seasons. The associations are overflowing with imagination to offer original and quality events. The flagship events take place in summer with first the Décibulles Festival, an open-air contemporary music festival that has hosted artists of national and even international renown for 15 years (last year, Christophe Maé and The John Butler Trio were the headliners). The festivities continue at the end of July with the show Dream of a summer night, the biggest sound and light in eastern France, which enchants nearly 30,000 spectators at each edition. End of August, Albé in a suit of light.
The Val de Villé? A site unique in Alsace for its authenticity, you will go from one discovery to the next, whatever the season!
To go
Situation
Located 50 kilometers from Strasbourg and to 15 km of the famous Alsace wine route, the Vallée de Villé is nestled in the heart of the Vosges mountains. The Vallée de Villé is easily accessible in a minimum of time, from many European regions. So : Paris is at 460 km, Lyon To 330 km, Brussels To 400 km, Stuttgart To 170 km and Munich To 360 km.
By car
Highway A35 towards Mulhouse or Strasbourg, exit 17, RD 424 towards Villé.
By train
From Strasbourg or Mulhouse, take the train to Sélestat, then take the bus TER (line 510-511).
By plane
Two airports: Strasbourg-Entzheim Airport (03 88 64 67 67) / Bâle-Mulhouse Airport (03 89 90 31 11).
Cities
Albé : The only wine-growing village in the canton, Albé will seduce you with its many traditional houses, its museum of popular arts and traditions, and its many small walking paths through the vineyards. Note that the Albégeoise viticulture produces the only A.O.C wine in the valley: Pinot Noir.
Bassemberg : This small village located just next to Villé is a major tourist center thanks to its area of equipment and leisure activities (3-star campsite, Maison des Jeunes et de la Culture, nautical center, tennis courts, skate track ... .).
Breitenau : The small village of Breitenau occupies an original site in the Vallée de Villé and covers an area of 429 Ha. Breitenau is an ideal locality for a peaceful, quiet stay in unspoiled nature.
Breitenbach : Located at the foot of the Massif du Champ-du-Feu, this village 350 m altitude is the place for many hikes in the heart of a nature abundant with riches. Mainly known for its ski resort, its paragliding site and the Alsace Aventure Park, a real acrobatic course from tree to tree.
Dieffenbach-au-Val : Municipality located at the foot of the Altenberg (854 m au Rocher du Coucou), Dieffenbach-au-Val is very interesting for tourists looking for green holidays. The discovery trail "Rund'Um" which runs along the stream of the same name as the town, will make you discover the flora and fauna of the wetlands. Fitness trail and beautiful walks to the Frankenbourg castle.
Fouchy : Located at the foot of the wooded mountains, this charming little "welsche" village has an important woodworking industry to discover, in particular on the town's Heritage Trail.
Lalaye : This town and its annex of Charbes have a rich mining past: coal mines, silver mines and antimony mines to discover.
Drip houses : This village located 4 km de Villé, has a very beautiful church dedicated to Saint Antoine, which houses furniture from the abbey of Honcourt (Saint Martin) as well as stained glass windows by a local painter René Kuder.
Neubois : Dominated by the Schlossberg, Neubois has on its ban the medieval castle of Frankenbourg, former home of the counts Werde and the bishopric of Strasbourg. Note that this castle is surrounded by a pagan wall similar to that of Mont Sainte Odile.
Neuve-Église : This pretty village of 600 inhabitants has a rich built heritage and many old fountains in pink sandstone. Very beautiful church with Romanesque bell tower dating from the Middle Ages.
Saint-Martin : This village has on its territory the former abbey of Honcourt founded around the year 1000. Also at the start of this town, the Heritage Trail dedicated to distillation, very present in various villages of the canton.
Saint-Maurice : This small village is located 250 m altitude on the left bank of the Giessen. Pleasant, peaceful locality, suitable for many hikes in the heart of unspoiled and green nature, and close to the main tourist sites.
Saint-Pierre-Bois : This charming village is full of riches. The church of Saint Gilles, located on a hill, dates from 1788 and houses two relics of the remains of the Saint invoked against ear diseases. The pilgrimage of September 1 is still very popular today. This hill is also each year the theater of an exceptional sound and light "Dream of a summer night".
Steige : This village-street located in the back valley has, like Urbeis, beautiful Vosges houses with decorated lintels. It is also the birthplace of Joseph Meister, who was the first human vaccinated against rabies by Louis Pasteur.
Thanvillé : Municipality located on the salt road, Thanvillé has the only plain castle in the valley: the Thanvillé castle dating from the XVIe century. From this town, a Heritage Trail retracing the importance of this village as a means of communication for the entrance to the valley.
Triembach-au-Val : This village surrounded by hills, formerly bearers of vineyards, is today a beautiful town where the walks are superb, especially in the educational orchard located outside the village.
Urbeis : Dominated by the Bilstein castle, Urbeis has been an important mining center since the Middle Ages (copper and silver). Rich in very beautiful Vosges farms, this village is a must for nature and history lovers, thanks to its Heritage Trail recounting the mining era and its transformations on the landscape.
City : Chief town of the valley of Villé, this commune of 1,800 inhabitants, is a privileged destination in Central Alsace. Located near the major tourist centers of Alsace ( 15 km of the Wine Route and 19 km of the Haut Koenigsbourg castle), you will be seduced by the 100% natural setting of this valley and its capital. The baroque Notre Dame church is a masterpiece of XVIIIe century. It is still today surrounded by an old bourgeois cemetery, and has stained glass windows by René Kuder, painter, child of Villé. Also discover the textile and hydraulic past of the town through its Heritage Trail.
To see
Patrimony
House of Val de Villé
Located in the middle of the village of Albé, in the shade of a lime tree planted in 1795, the Maison du Val de Villé aims to introduce visitors to the traditions and heritage of the region. It is in an atmosphere loaded with memories that the public will visit the dwelling house reconstituted with accessories and period furniture, the outbuildings (barn, stable), but also the annex: the museum of arts and traditions. popular devoted to temporary exhibitions. At the rhythm of the seasons, activities (folklore, guided tours), living workshops of traditional trades (clog maker, shingle maker ...) are offered. The full program is available on request.
Website of the Maison du Val de Villé
Miner's House
Frankenbourg Castle
From the castle, observing the surrounding landscape, the visitor will easily understand the choice of this conical summit (703 m.), slightly detached from the sandstone massif of Altenberg, for the construction of Frankenbourg. At the confluence of the two valleys (Val d'Argent and Val de Villé), shortly before their common outlet on the plain of central Alsace, this A natural belvedere made it possible to control the ancient Salt Route, the Silver Ore Route, the Vineyard Route, and there is a view of Sélestat, Ortenberg, Ungersberg, the Champ du Feu massif ... construction of the castle by the counts of Frankenbourg probably date back to the beginning of the 12th century. In 1196, the family of Frankenbourg-Werd acquired the function of Landgrave of Lower Alsace, therefore of representative of the Emperor for this region, in fact what we could call today the Bas Rhin. Moreover, the coat of arms of the department of Bas Rhin are still today those of the lords of Frankenbourg-Werd.The family quickly declined and the stronghold of Frankenbourg passed to the bishopric of Strasbourg which engaged it from 1393 to various families: the Lützelsheim, the Uttenheim zum Ramstein, the Bock, the Hohensteins. From 1489 to 1789, the Grand Chapître alone administered the castle and the Count Ban (villages on the right bank of the Giessen). Still inhabited during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), the castle was gradually abandoned from the 17th century. Its last mention dates back to 1634.
Bilstein Castle
Erected at the end of a granite ridge at 599 m. altitude, the Bilstein d'Urbeis controlled the eastern end of the Val de Villé. He is often called the Lorraine Bilstein, so as not to confuse it with the Alsatian Bilstein next to Aubure.
Thanvillé plain castle
At the entrance to the Villé valley, the Thanvillé castle has stood guard since the 11th century. The current house dates from the 16th century and was rebuilt in the 17th century. Burned down by the Swedes in 1633, the castle was rebuilt by Frédéric de Thanviller then by Bazin de Chanlas who gave it its current form. In 1814, the castle was acquired by the viscount of Castex. This family will remain the owner until 1981. Today the castle belongs to a family from the region. The tower porch surmounted by a steeple gives access to the courtyard. An old chapel is located in this tower. The outbuildings date from the 18th century. The 17th century stately home is flanked by four corner towers. The original Renaissance mullioned windows were replaced in the 18th century by large windows. This castle is partially classified as a historical monument.
Bourgeois cemetery
The old burghers cemetery of Villé is located right next to the parish church, inside the ditch that once protected this district. Today disused, it is listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historical Monuments because it preserves a good number of graves representative of the XIXe century: wrought iron cross, sculpted stelae. In its center, a monumental cross is dated 1673. The halo of Christ is made up of iron spokes, once gilded, which recall the crown of the head of Christ from the old large cross in the cemetery of Saint Martin. Following its inscription, the old cemetery of Villé was redeveloped for its conservation and enhancement.
Churches
Notre Dame de Villé Church : Villé is a very old parish dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the oldest in the Valley, it is the mention which appears in 1616 in a pastoral visit report. is not known. The plans drawn up from 1754 to 1757 on the occasion of the construction of the current church are very precious to us. They show us in fact the old building surrounded by the bourgeois cemetery. The building is connected to a Sainte Catherine chapel by a gallery where local personalities are buried.The whole is surrounded by a circular moat, already partly filled in XVIIIe century, last witness of a fortified enclosure as there are many in Alsace.
Saint Gilles d'Hohwarth Church : Tradition reports the eventful construction of the building in place of an old demolished chapel, where the relics of Saint Gilles were placed. This 'watchtower' which has stood on the Kirchberg hill since 1788, as attested by a corner stone to the left of the nave and the chancel, appears to us as a vast rectangular construction, of approximately 26 m. x 15 m., to which is appended, removed from 2 m. on the right, a second rectangle of 5 x 15 m. forming the choir. On the latter is still grafted the tower, square bell tower of 6 x 6 m.The two-leaf gate opens onto the south-facing facade. A side door to the east also gives access to the building, which is lit by six large bay windows. The ceiling of the nave was decorated in 1932 by the painter René Kuder, a painting that represents Saint Gilles the protector appearing on a clear cloud, beaming with holiness, accompanied by an angel.
Do
Walks
Heritage trails
Heritage Trail "Along the water": Villé : At the confluence of two rivers, Villé bears witness to the history of textile heritage in the valley. By taking the route of the old diversion canals, discover the first home weaving activities and the development by the water of the textile industries of the XIXe century. Urban route of 3 kilometers with evocation of the old ramparts, the houses of masters of XVIIIe century, the textile past and the hydraulic system.
Heritage Trail "In the footsteps of Wurzel": Thanvillé / Saint Pierre Bois : Between legend and local history, let yourself be guided by Wurzel, a little elf of the woods capable of crossing time. During a family walk without difficulty, he will reveal to you the history of his territory. Located at the entrance to the valley, at the crossroads of important communication routes, these lands have always been highly disputed. Route with superb panoramas where you will discover the castle of the Vicomtes de Castex, the site of the great sound and light show "Dream of a Summer Night" and the beautiful village of St Pierre Bois with its Swedish house.
Heritage Trail "A forest in Welsche country": Fouchy : Meet the clog maker, the shingle maker or the pipe borer, this walk will allow you to admire the forest species that these craftsmen work. Residents of Fouchy, they were renowned throughout the Val de Villé for their mastery in wood processing. Be vigilant on your way, you may come across the Sotré, a little genius of good and evil! 4 km course where you will discover all the old wood trades.
Heritage Trail "A history of time": Urbeis : During a stroll, come and discover and appreciate the heritage of Urbeis, in the heart of the Val de Villé. Along the path, the miner welcomes you and invites you to travel through the evolution of the landscape shaped by man over the centuries. 4 km course.
Heritage Trail "Mountain vineyard": Albé : Discover the history of mountain vineyards. The grape picker tells you about the wine-growing past of the place and takes you on a walk through vineyards and forests on the heights of the village.
Mauritius Trail
Above Breitenbach, on a site of great landscape recognition, the Association Espace Nature is developing 4.5 hectares of land on the theme of rural development and high environmental quality. Orchards, vineyards and educational apiary but also organic farming and materials healthy are all educational and demonstrative supports to make young and old alike aware of the challenges of sustainable development. Several hiking circuits allow the visitor to discover a magnificent nature of diversity and colors as well as a dynamic agriculture, based on very high quality . Le Sentier Maurice invites you to take a peaceful two-hour stroll around the village, with signs throughout the circuit on sustainable rural development undertaken by the municipality.
Educational pond
Discovery trail - Educational ponds - Saulaie. The course, of an hour and a half, runs along the stream 'the Dieffenbach' and will make you discover the valley of Dieffenbach. Signs, designed and produced by the volunteers of the Rund'Um Association, will allow you to recognize trees and shrubs, to familiarize yourself with the ponds, their hosts and their environment and will make you a willow specialist.
Botanical trail
350 km of marked trails by the Club Vosgien.
Sporting activities
Aquavallées nautical and fitness center
The Aquavallées nautical center opens widely to light and greenery thanks to a fully glazed South-West exposure. Sun all year round for the well-being of the body, here you are at the heart of your element, water in all its forms. Activities for young and old. A magnificent setting. Aquavallées also offers a fitness area all year round with sauna, hammam, jet shower and relaxation room. All these services will give you a feeling of well-being. A fitness room for form, 5 training zones containing varied and progressive exercises allowing you to choose your rhythm and the type of desired result: bodybuilding, body shape, strength development.
Alsace Adventure Park
Close to major axes, far from urban pollution, in a setting of unspoiled nature, a natural, sporting and educational site at the same time. The Alsace Aventure Park is a multi-activity structure accessible to all (from the age of 4), including: courses in the trees from 2 to 25 m from the ground, the "Tyrolean Valley" (3 000 m from sliding to 40 m du sol), the "Tour de l'Extrême" (unique novelty in France: a vertical and frantic race, from the end of a pontoon with a height of 35 m, a giant slide as well as a magnificent observatory of the surrounding nature and an authentic viewpoint over the valley), the "Paint Aventure" (a new sporting and colorful paintball course), the "Bike Aventure" (mountain biking activities through the massif) and the "Foot Aventure" (a human and giant table football at the same time).
Cycling, mountain biking
150 km of marked circuits for mountain bikers.
Villé / Elzach cross-border cycle path : If formerly an upheaval made of the same massif two twin mountains and if the river which skirted it came to water this fissure, it was to offer us a luxuriant plain, bordered by the Vosges and the black forest. Today the links continue and this cycle path of 85 km connects the twin valleys of Villé and Elzach. Besides the diversity and the beauty of the sites crossed, the interest of this course is that it can stretch in time according to your desires and your physical condition. Seasoned cyclists will take one or two days, others will be able to multiply the stages and thus hike for several days. From Villé going east, or Elzach going west, the clearly marked trail is pleasant and easy. From west to east, it first runs along the valley of Villé, then takes the Wine Route dotted with typical villages, crosses the astonishing Ried plain, crosses the Rhine, runs along the banks of the Elz and s' stop at the foot of the Black Forest.
Escalation
Climbing at the Rocher du Falkenstein with the Club des Vosges-Trotters (initiation and improvement).
Paragliding
2 sites in the Vallée de Villé: Breitenbach and Altenberg. The Breitenbach site is managed by the "Grand'Vol" paragliding school, open all year round for autonomous pilots. Supervision for initiation, improvement and tandem flights. The Altenberg site offers paragliding and hang gliding with the "Les Cigognes" club (experienced pilots).
Tennis
2 indoor courts and 4 outdoor courts in the Villé leisure area.
Skate park
Skate track for children and teenagers in the leisure area of Villé.
Ski
Horse riding
In the Vallée de Villé, equestrian tourism is well represented. 3 providers offer horse or pony rides: the Ferme de la Fontaine in Fouchy, Equivallée in Albé and the Ferme Equestre du Silberberg in Triembach-au-Val. La Ferme de la Fontaine invites you to rediscover the simple and peaceful joys of hiking. Possibility of guided hike or over several days (donkeys and ponies). Equivallée provides you with an adapted cavalry (ponies and horses), new infrastructures (arena, stable, saddlery, toilets, showers) for an efficient practice of horse riding according to a pedagogy adapted to the aspirations of all, whatever your age and your level. Suggestions for lessons, courses and walks. The Silberberg Equestrian Farm invites you to explore historic sites along the paths of the valley. Activities for children and adults, beginners or experienced.
Peach
25 kilometers of river (first category). 2 fishing ponds: Fouchy and Villé.
Fitness trail
Hiking: some suggestions- Le Climont (965 m)- Frankenbourg Castle and Coucou Rock (855 m) - Ranrupt and Bellefosse
To buy
Distilleries
Local producers
Farms
Craftsmen
MJC
