The Abbey Church of Saints Peter and Paul, a Romanesque building dating from the 11th century with a centred octagonal floor plan, is a distinctive cultural landmark in Ottmarsheim. The Circuit de l’Abbatiale connects this heritage site with part of the vast Hardt Forest; the large figure-eight route can be shortened at the crossing by the irrigation canal. This brings together architectural history and a route with a shortcut option, alongside opportunities for cycling, swimming and exploring other cultural interests.
Romanesque architecture and heritage status
Saints Peter and Paul is a Romanesque building dating from the 11th century, with a centred octagonal floor plan. The two terms describe different aspects: “Romanesque” classifies the building in art-historical terms, while “centred octagonal” describes its floor-plan shape. The abbey church has been listed as a historic monument in France since 1841. Its date of construction, architecture and protected status therefore give you several specific ways to explore the same building.
One-hour historical guided tours are offered in the abbey church. If you would like to plan a tour, check the dates and booking conditions in advance.
The Circuit de l’Abbatiale and the Hardt
The Circuit de l’Abbatiale links Ottmarsheim’s cultural heritage, especially the abbey church, with part of the vast Hardt Forest. The route also includes the local discovery trail and the fitness trail. This circular walk brings architecture and a stretch of forest together under one theme, so you do not need to plan these two interests separately.
The route forms a large figure eight. It can be shortened at the crossing by the Hardt irrigation canal. This lets you choose between the full figure eight and a shorter option; the possible shortcut is a practical difference when planning your route, even without estimating a specific walking time.
Cycling on the EuroVelo 15
The EuroVelo 15 also offers a useful starting point for planning: from Bantzenheim, you can reach Ottmarsheim on this route in ten minutes. A section of the EuroVelo 15 towards Hombourg follows a cycle path through fields. These are two distinct points of reference along the route: the connection from Bantzenheim to Ottmarsheim and a section through fields towards Hombourg. Signposting and route conditions may change; check them before setting off.
More cultural and leisure activities
The “A la découverte du Patrimoine” series features, among other places, the Chapelle des Chanoinesses in Ottmarsheim. It provides another named connection to the local heritage, in addition to the abbey church. The Centre Nautique Aquarhin has several pools for swimming and leisure activities, as well as a wellness area. Operating conditions may change, so check the latest information before your visit.
The Centre Nautique Aquarhin programme also includes swimming lessons for children of all ages and ability levels. If a lesson is relevant to your travel plans, check the dates and registration requirements in advance; these may change.
The Association de Pêche et de Pisciculture “Étang aux Acacias” also contributes, with the help of its volunteers, to organising numerous festive and social events. These events are open to everyone. If you would like to include a particular celebration in your travel dates, check whether it is taking place then.
Discover more destinations: Hunawihr, Lucelle, Mittelwihr, Oderen, Andolsheim, Masevaux, Magstatt-le-Bas, Herrlisheim-près-Colmar.
Return to the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
