The gateway to the Parc Naturel R&eute;gional des Vosges du Nord, Wissembourg is a welcoming town where you can enjoy a stroll. Its neighbourhoods invite you to take a stroll and discover a remarkable architectural heritage, including the town hall, the Maison du Sel, the Maison de l'ami Fritz and the Bruch district. Listed as one of the 100 Most Beautiful Towns in France, the town in bloom (2 flowers) has been part of an area classified as a World Biosphere Reserve since 1989. A charming town where you can rent a gîte or chambre d'hôtes Gîtes de France!
The 7th century development of the Abbey Church of Saints Peter and Paul led to the birth and subsequent prosperity of Wissembourg. To defend itself, the town was surrounded by fortifications, the ramparts of which date back to the 13th century, and 4 châteaux. Only the Saint Paul château remains to the north of the town in the vineyard. The abbey, dominating the roofs of the old town, and the fortifications are still visible.
For a cultural tour of the fortified town, we recommend the Westercamp Museum, housed in a magnificent winegrower's house, which is predominantly historic and contains major military collections relating to the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, examples of medieval architecture and fine examples of Alsatian furniture. For a poetic approach, the Festival International de Musique de Wissembourg offers a classical programme each year at the end of the summer, mainly devoted to chamber music and piano.
.The second-largest Gothic building in Alsace, the Abbey Church of Saints Peter and Paul is renowned for its cloister, stained glass windows and monumental fresco. This eleven-metre-high fresco of Saint Christopher is the largest free-standing fresco in France. It forms an important part of the Route Romane d'Alsace. Guided tours of the abbey church available by prior arrangement, and free visits every day. Float through the Schlupf (Little Venice) from a footbridge overlooking the river known as the Lauter, offering a romantic view of the Abbey Church of Saints Peter and Paul.
.The starting point of the Traversée du Massif des Vosges from north to south, the route is certified as « Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe ». Take to the skies and walk through the Vosges du Nord and Ballons d'Alsace Regional Nature Parks to Belfort, a 430-kilometre trail of excellence offering 19 stages. After a visit to the town of Wissembourg, the route leads through magnificent scenery over the plain and through welcoming forests. The route also takes you on a journey through the ancient world, including visits to the castles. All along the way, magnificent views over Alsace and the Black Forest are revealed and the day's walk ends with Obersteinbach, a charming little village in Alsace.
Find our gîtes and chambres d'hôtes à proximité de Wissembourg for a séjour in the Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord: