La Broque is a commune in the Bas-Rhin department, in the Grand Est region, 25 km southwest of Molsheim.
Within the historical and cultural region of Alsace, its territory of 23 km² borders the southwest of the Vosges department, in the heart of the Bruche valley, on the northern third of the Vosges massif. The locality is in the middle mountains, its altitude ranging from 310 to almost 900 m above sea level.
If the town constitutes the south and west of the agglomeration formed with the neighboring municipalities of Schirmeck and Rothau, La Broque includes a number of villages and gaps.
Its landscapes remain very green, made up of forests (80% of its surface area) and meadows (6%).
If a priory founded in the 9th century gave birth to the village of marked local history until the Revolution. In the 19th century, industrial units were established in the valley (spinning mills).
Today, the town still has a number of craftsmen specializing in forestry and woodworking, but also breeders. However, La Broque and its various centers and hamlets (nearly 2,700 inhabitants in total) has also become, through its heritage and its environment, a popular stopover for lovers of green tourism (hiking).
The town has preserved an important heritage, with a number of sites protected as historical monuments. The most famous being Salm Castle. Accessible via a forest path, it was built between 1205 and 1225 by the Count of Salm Henri III, at the head of one of the powerful Lorraine families.
From the middle of the 13th century, the fortress was sold to the Bishop of Metz who, however, left it at the disposal of the Counts of Salm.
While foundry, metallurgy and pottery units developed nearby (a consequence of the counts' control over the mines of the lower Bruche valley), the castle was modernized around 1400. A new defense tower was added. developed, a barbican and a gatehouse were rebuilt.
However, the castle was badly affected in 1475 during the war between Charles the Bold and the Duke of Lorraine. Ruined, Salm Castle will not be restored. Later princes would build other, more residential palaces, notably at Senones.
Long invaded by vegetation, the ruins were included in the Inventory. An association of enthusiasts has undertaken in recent decades to secure the site, to carry out excavation campaigns and to highlight the leveled towers or dungeons, traces of the Gothic style dwelling, and the old lower courtyards.
Access is free but guided tours are possible. Inquire at +33 6 80 45 86 35.
Next comes the important religious heritage, most of the churches, temples and cemeteries being registered.
On the Fréconrupt gap which dominates the village, the Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours church was built in two stages: the nave and the choir were blessed in 1841 and the porch tower dates from 1900. Built in sandstone, it has a three-bay nave and a circular apse. Its porch tower gives it real character. In the locality of La Claquette, to the south of the village, the Immaculée-Conception church was completed in 1870. In neo-Romanesque style, it was designed by the departmental architect of Vosges (department to which the commune was for a time attached) François Eugène Grijolot. It includes a sandstone porch tower, a nave with three naves and a canted apse. The church houses a listed organ, a statue of the Virgin and Child and also listed furniture.
Next to see, still in the village, is the Lutheran church (1900) which has a unique interior layout: the choir gallery, installed above the porch, opens onto the nave through a large arch and is lit by a rose. The stained glass windows, furniture and organ are classified.
Still in the village, the Sainte-Libaire parish church was rebuilt in the 18th century (as evidenced by the porch tower). The choir and the nave were taken over in 1827 and 1869. The whole is built of sandstone rubble with the exception of the porch tower which is made of sandstone. The stained glass windows are of quality. The neighboring cemetery is also listed in the Inventory (numerous funerary monuments of manufacturers and industrialists from the 19th century can be seen there).
The Claquette cemetery with its enclosed wall is also protected, as is that of Albet (southwest of the town) with its imposing gate.
Furthermore, in the hamlets of Salm and Quel, in the southwest of the territory, Mennonite cemeteries can be seen (a branch of Protestantism where the faithful were only baptized once they reached the age of reason), while in general, these families preferred "isolated" burials.
To visit places of worship that may be closed, contact the town hall on +33 3 88 47 42 90.
Regarding cultural leisure, activities (readings, meetings, conferences, exhibitions) are frequently scheduled at the media library. Information on +33 3 88 49 67 17.
On the sports side, the Boiseo aquatic center has swimming or recreational pools. A pentagliss is also accessible, and well-being facilities (spa, sauna, etc.) can appeal to visitors. Price: 4 and 5 euros. Information on +33 3 88 48 04 48.
In another genre, located on La Claquette, the Vallée equestrian center allows you to consider horseback riding in hilly and green landscapes... Contact +33 7 71 87 90 47.
For hiking enthusiasts, several circuits are traced and marked in the area, dedicated in particular to heritage, Salm Castle and natural resources. Most of them are accessible to a family audience. However, a loop specially designed for adults with children, "the circuit of the little princes of Salm", has been set up.
Other itineraries include forays into neighboring towns or peaks, or allow you to go upstream of the valley... Maps and information on +33 3 88 47 18 51.
