The best cycling routes around plan d'eau de Michelbach

Please take the nature conservation restrictions seriously. Otherwise, you will not only disturb the fauna, but the rangers on site are also very conscientious and ensure strict adherence. Dogs on a leash, take your trash with you, stay on the paths, and do not picnic in the grass. But that goes without saying.

The 19th century was characterized by industrialization, especially in the textile sector. In 1860, one of the first workers' settlements of a textile company was built. Like all of Alsace (except Belfort), Cernay became part of the German Empire in 1871 after the Franco-Prussian War, where it remained until 1918. During the First World War, Sennheim was on the front lines and was approximately 80 percent destroyed.

Thann's sloping vineyards are famous for their south-facing orientation with slopes that can reach 45°, offering spectacular and dizzying landscapes. These hillsides, located between 350 and 450 meters above sea level, extend over an area of 22 hectares and are renowned for their volcanic terroir and their proximity to the Thur River, which provides the humidity necessary for the grapes to ripen. Among the grape varieties cultivated are Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat, all grown in often rocky and well-exposed soil, which gives the wines great finesse. Viticulture on these steep terrains requires harvests that are often carried out with ropes to ensure safety on these very steep slopes. These vineyards, particularly the Grand Cru Rangen, are among the most emblematic of the region.

The French and European National Cycleway is a great cycleway winding along side of the Rhine Rhone Canal with very little climbing, for those who do not like to climb. However those who are climbing shy, must be aware of the wind in this area. A lot of the locks still have the former lock man’s house which adds a bit of charm to every lock. One is never alone on this route as there is a constant passing of bicycles, both leisure and racing bikes.

Like all of Alsace (except Belfort), Cernay became part of the German Empire in 1871 after the Franco-Prussian War, where it remained until 1918. During the First World War, Sennheim was on the front lines and was approximately 80 percent destroyed. After two decades of recovery, German troops marched into the town again on June 17, 1940. From 1940 to 1945, the Waffen-SS Sennheim training camp was located here in a former home for the mentally ill, where mainly non-commissioned officers from French-speaking countries, such as those for the Charlemagne Division, were trained. According to Yad Vashem, fifteen former Jewish residents of the community perished in the Holocaust. The town was again affected during the fighting for the Alsace bridgehead (Poche de Colmar).

The gate was part of the city fortifications; the other two gates were demolished in the 19th century. Only the lower part of the Porte de Thann dates back to the 13th century; the superstructure with its battlements and battlements was added in the 16th century. After the destruction in the First World War, the city gate was restored, and only three of its four floors were rebuilt. A museum was established in the building (Wikipedia).

Rivers and canals crisscross the country, the latter in particular being a crucial part of the transport infrastructure in earlier times. Later, first rail, and later again trucks, took over the task of transporting goods. In the competition between different modes of transport, they were faster and cheaper than barges – and thus more efficient. When building the artificial waterways, however, it had to be taken into account that differences in elevation always had to be overcome, and so locks are often lined up along the canals – at varying intervals, depending on the local situation. Only with their help was shipping possible.

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