Discover Marckolsheim through traces from different periods: from the moat of its medieval fortifications to buildings and memorial sites from the 20th century. A discovery walk, Casemate 35/3 and the Cité Paysanne each highlight a different aspect of the town’s history. For a different view of the surrounding area, a cycling route runs from Marckolsheim to Kunheim.
The town moat and houses along the walk
The town moat is a surviving remnant of Marckolsheim’s fortifications, built from 1330 onwards. Remains of the northern town gate can be seen on the bridge that crosses it. The “Sur les pas du loup” discovery walk passes the moat and also takes in traditional houses, post-war houses, 19th-century buildings and the Cité Paysanne district. The route brings together different architectural traces of the town. The walk is listed as taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes. As route information may change, check the current description before setting out.
Cité Paysanne: reconstruction and ensemble
The Cité Paysanne was built from 1941 onwards by the German government, with three housing models: small workers’ houses, medium-sized farms for farmers and large hereditary farms. It is a remarkable example of the reconstruction programme of the so-called “Ordre Nouveau” communities. It was listed as a “Monument historique” by decree dated October 24, 2012; the listing covers the Cité Paysanne in its entirety. This includes fourteen model farms—ten agricultural farms and four blockhouses—as well as the associated urban-planning and landscape features. The protected status therefore applies to the ensemble, not just to individual farms.
Casemate 35/3 and the 1940 fighting
Casemate 35/3 was Marckolsheim’s main defensive post and bears traces of the German offensive of June 1940. The Musée Mémorial de la Ligne Maginot du Rhin has been housed in the casemate since 1971. Its collection includes objects related to the fighting in June 1940. Marckolsheim’s casemate has two firing chambers and was intended to protect an important crossing over the Rhine. Guided tours of the museum are available for groups by prior arrangement, so be sure to arrange your visit in advance.
Church, historic buildings and Mauchenheim
The present-day Church of St. George was built from 1961 onwards and consecrated on June 7, 1965. It contains a Romanesque sandstone baptismal font from the 12th century. The church thus brings together 20th-century architectural history and a much older furnishing. Other buildings also bear specific dates: the former synagogue on Rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville was built in 1961, and the former cantonal court in Marckolsheim in 1864.
Another historic site is the Chapelle de Mauchenheim. It is the only surviving trace of the village of Mauchenheim. Above the chapel entrance, a reconstruction of 13th-century frescoes depicts part of the Book of Genesis. The church, former synagogue, former court and chapel offer different ways to explore the architectural history and historical remains of the town and its surroundings.
Cycling route and lock-watching
The “Euro Vélo 15 entre Terre et Eau” cycling tour is 29 kilometres long and takes about three hours. It is described as suitable for everyone and runs from Marckolsheim to Kunheim. Its route follows EuroVelo 15 and the Tulla Route, passing through villages in the Ried region and their cultural heritage. The tour offers impressions of varied landscapes, cultural heritage and nature, as well as a sense of tranquillity. When planning your ride, bear the approximate duration in mind and check the current route description before setting out.
The locks can also be experienced from a special vantage point: from a freely accessible observation bridge, you can visit them and watch ships pass through the locks. The options mainly differ in time and type of experience: the walk takes about an hour and a half and passes buildings and historic traces; the cycling tour covers 29 kilometres and takes about three hours. The observation bridge adds a view of ship traffic at the locks.
Discover more destinations: Baldenheim, La Petite-Pierre, Hilsenheim, Ranrupt, Gundershoffen, Muttersholz, Stundwiller, Kleingœft.
For the regional travel overview: Bas-Rhin.
