Balschwiller: Church, Art and Trails

Balschwiller combines architectural heritage with distinctive landscapes and trails. The Church of Saint-Morand offers historical and architectural points of interest; other highlights include the Mont des Oliviers sculpture group and the washhouse dating from the late 19th century. For visitors interested in nature and outdoor activities, the Largue floodplain and several named hiking and gravel routes offer further points of interest. This makes it possible to explore the destination through its history and art as well as its landscapes and routes.

Saint-Morand: Building History, Architecture and Art

The Church of Saint-Morand dates from 1848. After being severely damaged and suffering a fire on 22 June 1915, it was rebuilt after the war and reopened for worship in 1926. Its building history therefore encompasses its original construction date, its reconstruction and its return to use.

The architecture also offers specific details: the portal's gable features a triglyph frieze and is supported by two fluted Doric columns. A triglyph frieze divides the gable with a repeating pattern of vertically grooved motifs; fluting refers to the lengthwise grooves on the columns' shafts. These are two distinct forms: the articulated frieze on the gable and the grooves on the two columns.

The Mont des Oliviers sculpture group is located in the nave, along the south wall. It consists of four painted polychrome wooden statues. This adds a distinct work of art in the church interior to the architectural design of the portal. The group's precise location, number of figures and material give it a clearly defined character.

Balschwiller's washhouse is also part of its architectural heritage. It is considered a landmark of architectural heritage dating from the late 19th century. Along with the church, it broadens the picture of the village's historic buildings with another named structure.

The Largue Floodplain and Trails

The Largue floodplain and its natural habitats border Balschwiller and are easily accessible. The Sentier du Soultzbach runs past stream banks, newly planted hedgerows, traditional orchards and wet meadows along the canal. The route description encompasses a variety of landscape features: waterways, vegetation, orchards and wet areas. It offers specific points of reference for visitors interested in nature, rather than focusing on just one type of landscape.

There are also different options to consider when choosing a route. The Balschwiller–Gildwiller–Balschwiller walking trail is 7.5 kilometres long; its length provides a concrete basis for planning. The La Porte d'Alsace gravel route reaches Balschwiller from Eglingen via a small road closed to motor vehicles. The walking trail therefore has a clearly specified distance, while the gravel route is distinguished by its approach from Eglingen and the vehicle restriction.

Discover more destinations: Stosswihr, Soppe-le-Bas, Gunsbach, Heimsbrunn, Wegscheid, Galfingue, Sentheim, Hunawihr

For the broader travel overview: Haut-Rhin.