A 600-metre-long greenway and the history of the abandoned settlement of Littelsheim give Batzendorf two concrete points of interest for a stay. There is also the Église Saint-Arbogast, with several dated stories about its construction and furnishings, as well as seasonal discovery flights.
Greenway between Batzendorf and Wintershouse
The greenway connects Batzendorf and Wintershouse. It is 600 metres long, three metres wide and reserved for pedestrians and non-motorised traffic. This provides a clearly defined, short route for walking or travelling by non-motorised means. When planning your visit, you can include the connection as a separate activity; its length and width offer practical guidance.
Église Saint-Arbogast: Construction History and Furnishings
The Église Saint-Arbogast is dedicated to Saint Arbogast and was built in 1781 in the Neoclassical style. This followed the separation of the Batzendorf parish from the Berstheim parish, of which it had previously been a branch church. The church was built to the plans of architect Nicolas Alexandre Salins de Montfort. One of its features is an onion dome.
The furnishings also have their own historical associations: the church houses a painting depicting Saint Arbogast healing the son of King Dagobert. Michel Stiehr made the organ case in 1840; Edmond-Alexandre Roethinger reconstructed the instrument in 1926. The two dates therefore mark different work on the organ.
The Corps de Garde and the presbytery at 1 rue de l’Eglise feature construction campaigns dating from 1866 and 1869. Together with the church, built in 1781, they represent several dated building phases from different periods.
Littelsheim and the Earlier History of the Area
Littelsheim was an abandoned settlement southeast of Batzendorf. Its population had probably disappeared as early as the 17th century. The chapel that remained there, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, was still mentioned in 1758; it may have disappeared during or after the French Revolution.
The chronology distinguishes between the end of the settlement and the chapel’s later mention. Thus, the area’s history extends beyond the time when Littelsheim had probably already ceased to be inhabited. This look at an abandoned settlement adds another historical perspective to Batzendorf’s history, complementing that of the Église Saint-Arbogast.
Discovery Flights and the Fête de l’Air
The Club Batzendorf Ultra-Légers offers discovery flights to the public during the warmer months, allowing visitors to explore the region from the air. The offer is seasonal; check availability before your trip. The club also traditionally holds the Fête de l’Air every September, attracting a large and loyal audience. Check the specific event dates before making plans.
Village Character and Practical Information
Batzendorf is a rural village, five kilometres from Haguenau and about 20 kilometres from Strasbourg. Around ten farms grow or produce, among other things, hops, raspberries, oyster mushrooms and asparagus. This range is as much a part of the village’s character as its historic buildings, combining a variety of agricultural products with the village’s architectural and settlement history.
Local amenities include medical services, shops for everyday needs, craft services and a hotel-restaurant. If you plan to use a particular service or visit the hotel-restaurant, check what is currently available before your trip.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Schillersdorf, Mertzwiller, Rangen, Marmoutier, Dieffenthal, Neugartheim-Ittlenheim, Ingwiller, Hessenheim
Back to the main travel guide: Bas-Rhin.
