Niederhaslach Between the Collégiale and Village History

If you like to combine art and local history when choosing a destination, Niederhaslach offers a clear focus around the Collégiale Saint-Florent. Its architectural history, portal, stained-glass windows and furnishings span several centuries; nearby are a Marian chapel, the Vierge Bleue and evidence of village life.

Collégiale Saint-Florent: Architectural History and Works of Art

The Collégiale Saint-Florent was built from 1274 on the site of an older building dating from the early 7th century. The large portal dates from 1310 and depicts the Annunciation, the Coronation of the Virgin Mary and the legend of Saint Florent. The windows in the side aisles date from the 14th century and depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. Since 1846, the building has been classified as a French historic monument, a Monument historique.

At the Jardin du cloître, a bas-relief of the Mount of Olives dating from 1492 is set into the church wall. Some traces of its polychromy, or multicolored decoration, have survived. The garden also contains heraldic tombstones from the 14th and 16th centuries, associated with the canons and local nobility. The Marian chapel in the Collégiale houses a monumental Holy Sepulchre from the late 14th century, preserved in its entirety and without significant alterations. Together, these works give an impression of different forms of sacred art, from figurative depictions to tombs.

Chapel, Marian Statue and Religious Tradition

The Chapelle du Marxhof is also part of the local history. After being destroyed during the Revolution, it was rebuilt and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary on June 17, 1804. You can reach the chapel via Rue du Tir or Rue de la Chapelle; it is open during the day. Confirm its opening hours before your visit. In Korbel, within the municipality of Niederhaslach, stands the blue-clad Marian statue known as the “Vierge Bleue.” It was created by the sculptor Rebel from Urmatt. Its erection was prompted by a wish expressed by the workers from Niederhaslach who worked at the “Mullerhof” factory.

A recurring religious event is the Saint-Florent tradition: every year, on the Sunday after November 6, a procession carrying the relics passes through Niederhaslach. Check the date before planning your trip around it.

Village Walk, Trail and Natural Environment

Of the 12 recorded canon houses, 10 remain more or less recognizable. The municipality provides a leaflet for a walk through the village that lets you discover these houses. Separate from this is the signposted 9 km “Circuit des croix,” which takes you past some wayside calvaries. A brochure for the trail is available at the town hall. You can choose between a walk focused on the canon houses and a signposted route to the calvaries.

The natural environment is also part of the area’s description: Niederhaslach is affected by a Natura 2000 protected area of the “Zone de Protection Spéciale” type, located on the Donon-Schneeberg ridges. A 4.93-hectare succession island in the municipal forest is considered a favorable and stable habitat for the capercaillie.

For planning your trip, the options differ in their timing: the procession takes place annually, the Chapelle du Marxhof is open during the day, and the “Circuit des croix” is listed as 9 km long. This can help you decide whether to plan your stay around a particular date or a specific walking route.

Discover more destinations: Souffelweyersheim, Petersbach, Natzwiller, Eschau, Muttersholz, Heiligenstein, Grandfontaine, Harskirchen

For the broader travel overview: Bas-Rhin.