Traubach-le-Bas can be explored through a range of discoveries: the history of the Chapelle de pèlerinage Saint-Fridolin, the raw-milk products of Ferme du Roetling, and a beekeeping tour arranged on request. There is also the “Route du lait,” for which a summer description published in 2019 provides details about the landscape, viewpoints and approximate route distances. Culture, local products and a hike are thus available as distinct areas of interest.
The Chapelle Saint-Fridolin: History and Architecture
The Chapelle de pèlerinage Saint-Fridolin is a pilgrimage chapel with a history dating back to an earlier building. Historically, Traubach-le-Bas had no parish church, only a simple chapel. Saint-Fridolin was rebuilt in 1829–1830 on the site of an 18th-century chapel. It formerly served as a pilgrimage site where people prayed for the protection of herds, particularly working animals. The chapel therefore speaks not only to its architectural history but also to an earlier religious practice connected with livestock farming.
The architecture also offers specific details: the choir terminates in three sides and faces northeast; four stained-glass windows illuminate the nave. A small wooden bell tower crowns the end of the nave. The floor plan, light through the stained glass and bell tower add distinctive features of the building to its historical details.
Raw-Milk Cheese and Beekeeping
Ferme du Roetling turns its cows’ raw milk into cheese and fresh dairy products. The farm’s raw-milk cheeses include Tuile du Sundgau and Crémeux de Marguerite. The farm’s address is 53 rue principale in Traubach-le-Bas. If you are making a special trip for a particular variety, confirm its availability before your visit; if you are planning a drive, it is also a good idea to check the address before setting out.
Famille Riche organizes beekeeping discovery tours at its premises in Traubach-le-Bas. The tours take place on request and last from 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. The described itinerary includes observing two glass-sided beehives, as well as a presentation and tasting of beehive products. Arrange your visit in advance and confirm the duration and tasting arrangements when enquiring. Unlike the farm, which focuses on dairy processing and cheese, the focus here is beekeeping.
The “Route du lait”: Scenery and Route
A route description published in 2019 gives the “Route du lait” loop as approximately 6 km, with around 60 m of elevation gain. It places the start of the summer hike at the parking areas in front of and behind Traubach-le-Bas town hall. A green circular trail marker is described there, except for the section between points 5 and 1. Before setting out, check the current trail markers and path conditions.
The 2019 route description mentions a stand of beech trees, a tall stand of fir trees, and views of the Black Forest and the Vosges. It also describes the path to the Oratoire de la Vierge, where a bench and views of Traubach-le-Haut and the Vosges are noted. According to the description, it is possible to go down to the pond below a small chalet. Check on site whether this optional descent is accessible. The approximate route distances provide an outline of the loop; viewpoints, woodland sections and the described descent each offer a different aspect of the route.
Discover more destinations: Levoncourt, Hartmannswiller, Jebsheim, Pfaffenheim, Ungersheim, Mulhouse, Flaxlanden, Durrenentzen.
Return to the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
