Saint-Gangolphe: Building history and altar ensemble
The parish church of Saint-Gangolphe in Galfingue brings together a long history and the story of the present-day building. The church was first mentioned in 1260; the English destroyed it in 1376, and it was rebuilt in 1469. The present-day parish church was built in 1783 and restored in 1868 to a design by Schacre. This sequence highlights the distinction between the church’s early history and the later construction of the present-day building. The church ensemble also includes a monumental Calvary.
The main altar ensemble, comprising a retable and two statues, is titled “The Glorification of Saint Gangolphus.” The retable’s upper section is made of carved, painted and gilded wood, as well as stucco. Two flying angels part a richly decorated curtain to reveal the scene depicted in the title. Statues of Saint Agatha and Saint Augustine stand beside it. Alongside the building’s history, the altar’s materials, figures and subject are also central.
Domaine de Maurice and seasonal culture
Another cultural highlight is the Domaine de Maurice, at 3 rue d’Illfurth. Through a family treasure, it offers a glimpse of Alsace in times gone by; the collection has been passed down from generation to generation. Maurice is a meticulous collector with a passion for marquetry; he brings a world that has now disappeared back to life. Unlike the architectural and altar history of Saint-Gangolphe, the cultural experience here centres on a family collection and Maurice’s passion for collecting. The Domaine can be visited as part of a guided tour; the visiting programme may change. Check the latest information about guided tours before planning your visit.
Galfingue’s Christmas market also offers a seasonal glimpse: in 2025, it was held for the second time. That edition featured decorated chalets, seasonal treats and Christmas carols.
Circular walk with a tree discovery trail
If you would like to plan a walk alongside your cultural activities, try the route “L'Étang du Riedweiher par Galfingue.” It starts behind Galfingue’s salle polyvalente at 24 Rue du 25 Novembre 1944; there is a car park at the start, and the circular walk returns to the same point. The route is classified as easy, is 9.16 kilometres long and has an estimated duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes. The distance and estimated time provide a practical framework for planning your day. The route includes a discovery trail where you can spot numerous trees. This gives the walk a nature focus as well as a set distance. Trail and car park conditions may change; check them before setting out.
For planning your time, the walk and the Domaine offer different points of reference: the walk is estimated to take 2 hours and 45 minutes, while a visit to the Domaine depends on the guided tour format. This lets you weigh up a walk and a guided cultural visit as separate parts of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Turckheim, Bergheim, Wittelsheim, Willer-Sur-Thur, Berrwiller, Katzenthal, Bergholtz, Dannemarie.
For the broader travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
