Illzach brings together Gallo-Roman traces and a parish church dating from 1936, along with parks, a signposted circular route and the Bédéciné comic festival. Local history, time outdoors and a cultural event with set dates offer different ways to shape your stay.
Roman traces and local history
From the 1st to the 5th century, the important Gallo-Roman city of Uruncis, recorded in the Itinerarium Antonini, stood on the site of Illzach. The Square lapidaire next to the town hall contains archaeological remains from Roman times. The parish church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste marks a different period: it was built in 1936 and inaugurated on February 16 of that year.
The Musée du Phare traces the institution’s history chronologically through archival documents and objects. These include relief books, educational documents, Braille typewriters, photographs, manuscripts, work by students and teachers, and hearing aids. The different types of objects complement the chronological account and offer insight into the institution’s history.
Trails and parks
The Parcours de l’oiseau is a signposted circular route of about 15 kilometres, most of which runs away from motor traffic. It follows the banks of the Ill, the Doller and the Quatelbach, passes through the Mühlenfeld and agricultural land, the Roedlen and Kaeppelein woods, and Parc Georges Urbann and Parc de Modenheim. You can join the route at any point or walk just selected sections, allowing you to choose how much of the route to cover.
Parc de Modenheim is open to the public and has a large play structure. At Espace Liberté, you’ll find picnic areas with water points, tables and benches, play areas, and facilities for a wide range of sports. The two parks offer different features: Parc de Modenheim centres on its large play structure, while Espace Liberté brings together picnic and sports facilities.
Cultural events
Bédéciné is an international comic festival in Illzach that brings together comics and performing arts. The 40th edition will take place on November 14 and 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at Espace 110 – Centre Culturel d’Illzach. The programme includes performances, exhibitions, signing sessions, workshops, drawing activities, a youth area and storytelling events. As the programme may vary from one edition to another, check the details for the 40th edition before travelling.
The 2026 Nuits d’été programme includes free public celebrations and performances for all generations at Parc de l’Espace Liberté and in the forecourt of Espace 110. If you’re considering future dates, check the relevant dates and programme details.
Getting around and choosing where to stay
Illzach is served by five Soléa bus lines: 16, 9, 15, 12 and C6. Routes and services may change, so check connections before travelling. The cycling network connects the town with neighbouring towns and villages, departmental cycle paths and cross-border cycling routes. Check the latest maps before setting out, too.
When planning your overnight stay, it’s useful to distinguish between a fixed event date and a flexible route: Bédéciné takes place over two specific days, while you can walk the Parcours in sections. This can help you decide whether a cultural programme or time on the circular route will be the main focus of your trip.
Discover more destinations: Soultz-Haut-Rhin, Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, Issenheim, Rammersmatt, Soultzbach-Les-Bains, Horbourg-Wihr, Kaysersberg, Ueberstrass.
Return to the broader travel guide: Haut-Rhin.
