A hill, a church and a place name lead straight to local history in Haut-Clocher: the village was built on a hill, at the top of which stood a church; this connection is considered the origin of the name. For planning your trip, there are three distinct approaches: the origins of the name and the history of the buildings, the Saint-Ulrich traditions with specific dates, and a cycling tour with historical stops.
Local history in names and buildings
The place name also tells a story of change: the French name Haut-Clocher replaced the former German name Zittersdorf. Thus, the origin of the name and its history sit side by side: the explanation of today’s name points to the church on the hill, while Zittersdorf preserves the former German name.
The former presbytery was built in 1737 and is now the town hall of Haut-Clocher. From the beginning of the second half of the 18th century, this building housed the first novitiate for French-speaking teaching sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence. The change from presbytery to novitiate and later to town hall shows how the use of the same building changed over different periods.
The Church of Saint-SĂ©verin dates from 1770. In chronological order, local history thus proceeds from the construction of the presbytery in 1737, through the later start of the novitiate, to another dated religious building.
Saint-Ulrich: traditions and dates
The pilgrimage to Saint-Ulrich in the Pays de Sarrebourg dates back to the 11th century. The Saint-Ulrich celebration takes place in early July. On 15 August, the pilgrimage includes a Marian service, followed by a torchlit procession. These are two different dates to bear in mind when planning. Check the dates again before travelling for a specific event.
The August event follows a specific programme of a service followed by a procession; a separate celebration is held in early July. If you want to travel specifically for one of these traditions, this distinction can help you choose when to go.
Cycling to historical sites
Cycling also offers a different perspective on the historical themes. On the same cycling tour, cyclists can see the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa and the former Saint-Ulrich monastery near Haut-Clocher. The cycling route follows cycle paths alongside the country roads of Langatte and Haut-Clocher. The villa and the former monastery represent different historical layers that come together on the tour. Check current route conditions before setting off.
Accommodation and directions
Auberge St Ulrich is located at 4 Annexe Saint Ulrich, 57400 Haut-Clocher. Business locations can change, so check the address before travelling. This helps ensure that your dates, route and directions are based on the appropriate up-to-date information.
Discover more destinations: Vernéville, Sarreguemines, Farébersviller, Buding, Dabo, Danne-Et-Quatre-Vents, Augny, Fèves.
For the broader travel overview: Moselle.
