ヴィンケルのおすすめライド

Right on the border between France and Switzerland, near Pfetterhouse, lies one of the many watersheds. It's impressive to consider that a few meters here determine whether the water flows south toward the Mediterranean or into the North Sea. Apart from an informative sign, all that remains is a sports field and the abandoned Swiss border post.

In 1913 and 1914, following the ideas of Johann Knauth, architect of Strasbourg Cathedral and curator of the M.H., the nave, the side chapel of the Sacré-Coeur, the Saint-Joseph Chapel in the basement, and the sacristy were rebuilt in the Gothic style by the architect Alexandre Louvat from Mulhouse. The old Gothic nave, remodeled in the 18th century, was decorated with murals dating from 1491. To the south of the choir was a small chapel dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, with cross-ribbed vaults on consoles. To the north were the remains of the old priory cloister. On the site of the present Sacred Heart Chapel was the 18th-century Mount of Olives, the rood screen of which was removed in 1861.

Beautiful route without cars

Nice asphalted cycleway with mostly smooth surface, once in a while a few bumps created by the roots of trees below the surface. The only place where one must slow down and look where one is riding, is 1 km before Altkirch which looks to have been damaged from floods creating potholes and broken asphalt but this is the only real obstacle on this nicely well kept cycleway.

This cycling route for the most part is in very good condition, in some places a bit in need of repair from the roots of trees pushing up the asphalt, at times creating an uneven bumpy surface. The only place where one needs to pay attention is near the last 1 km before Altkrich where it seems the proximity of the cycleway to the stream has been damaged by floods, which has made the surface rough and a lot of potholes, other than that, one can really ride well on this cycleway.

Fresh public water fountains are sometimes scarce in France. A big thank you to the city officials of Hirtzbach for creating this public fountain. A perfect stop to tank up your water bottles and a lot of shade in the summertime.

Often overlooked on the descent.

The view continues towards the Vosges