Guémar – History, Paths and Nature

Guémar is a good choice for a trip focused on historic buildings, paths and nature. There are several specific points of interest to help you plan: Saint-Léger Church and the Upper Gate reflect the area’s architectural history, while the Canardière features a botanical nature trail, a pond and a play area. There is also a historic circular trail, opportunities for cycling and a summer festival. You can weigh up which of these themes matter most for your travel dates and your search for a hotel in Guémar.

Historic Buildings in Guémar

Guémar’s Upper Gate, known as the Porte supérieure dite Obertor, is a listed historic monument. It was protected by decree on 11 May 1932. The present-day Saint-Léger Church was built in 1741 in the Baroque style. The church houses a Callinet organ, installed in 1842. A square tower base, probably in the Romanesque style of the 12th century, has also been preserved at the church; it is considered the only surviving evidence of earlier churches. For architecture enthusiasts, these features offer a comparison spanning several centuries: the tower base is probably dated to the 12th century, the present-day church was built in the 18th century, and the organ was added in the 19th century.

The Canardière and Its Nature

At the exit from Guémar towards Illhaeusern, the Canardière covers more than two hectares. A botanical nature trail runs alongside the one-hectare pond, with a diverse range of flora and fauna along the trail. The Canardière also has a children’s play area with a slide and a swing. The pond has been a fishing spot since 1967. The comparison of sizes also helps put things in perspective: the one-hectare pond lies within an area covering more than two hectares in total.

Paths and Cycling

The “Guémar à travers les âges” interpretive trail is a 2.5-kilometre circular route that takes an hour and a half. This gives you a specific timeframe for planning your day, alongside the history theme. The interpretive trail exploring historic and architectural heritage follows the Fecht River and passes the former Ladhof harbour.

You can cycle in Guémar and the surrounding area on country lanes, through the forest and on dedicated cycle paths. If cycling is the focus of your trip, you can choose between these different types of route.

Fête du Jambon and When to Visit

The Fête du Jambon takes place in summer on the third weekend of August. The festival features a tasting of “jambon braisé à la guémarienne.” If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for the current edition in advance. Comparing it with the circular trail can help with planning: the trail is listed as taking an hour and a half, while the festival ties your travel dates to a summer weekend. This lets you consider the duration of a single activity and the right time to travel as two separate questions.

Discover more destinations: Ferrette, Rixheim, Hunawihr, Sewen, Bartenheim, Cernay, Baldersheim, Dessenheim.

Go to the main travel overview: Haut-Rhin.