Lapoutroie is a municipality of Haut-Rhin, in the Grand Est region, 18 km north-west of Colmar.
The territory of the locality, with an area of 21 km², ranges from 329 to 1221 m altitude and is the transition between the plain of Alsace and the Vosges mountains, and therefore between vineyards and wooded landforms. Outside the village itself and the hamlets, the forests on the one hand and the pastures form on parity the landscape of the commune, in many ways already mountainous.
This distinction is also cultural and linguistic, Lapoutroie belonging to the Pays welche, between German-speaking Alsace and Roman Lorraine.
Archaeological excavations have uncovered Druidic places of worship and an ancient Roman road, but it is in the Middle Ages that the territory of Lapoutroie becomes a prosperous seigniory long disputed by several noble families of the region (Eguisheim, Ferrette, Ribeaupierre).
Already tested by peasant revolts, the village is ravaged by the Thirty Years' War (XVII) and it was not until the next century that the locality repopulated thanks to foreigners who came to exploit its resources (coalmines, sawmills). From 1850, small industrial units are born (mills, textile, breweries).
With nearly 1900 inhabitants, the economy of the town remains agricultural but also highlights the preserved and soothing surroundings of its environment. Lapoutroie will delight lovers of green tourism enthusiasts including hiking, near the major sites of Alsace and the Vosges resorts.
In terms of historical heritage, the church Sainte-Odile is the jewel of the town. The current building, with pink sandstone colors on the outside, was consecrated in 1912, succeeding several previous churches (a first was built in the 9th century), which were replaced because too small or after a terrible fire (1750).
Neo-Gothic, the church was requisitioned as a military hospital during the First World War. It houses four frescoes by Maurice Denis evoking the life of St. Odile (made in 1938), a beautiful altar from the 18th century from the Abbey of Pairis, a Rinckenbach type organ, quality woodwork. The church has just undergone a restoration campaign.
In addition to a chapel dedicated to Saint-Laurent dating from the eighteenth, in the middle of old farms of the same period on the hamlet of Ribeaugoutte, we also note on the town with the picturesque habitat of numerous memorials, steles and military cemeteries which testify the heavy tribute paid by the village and its inhabitants during the two world wars.
On the cultural side, again, a visit to the amazing and tasty museum of eaux-de-vie is not lacking in interest. It teaches the process of making the brandy with the material of time. Also presented is a collection unique to the world of more than 300 bottles of French liqueurs from the 1950s (from Calvados to Chartreuse, passing aniseed aperitifs and their ancestor, absinthe). Thousands of miniatures, stills from 5 to 1500 liters, posters are also on display. A tasting session (in moderation) can conclude the visit. Open every day of the year except December 25th. Free entry. Information on +33 3 89 47 50 26.
In another register, the municipal library offers throughout the year a varied entertainment program (club reading, exhibitions...). Information on +33 3 89 47 28 84.
Then, discover, through numerous trails and marked trails, the remarkable natural heritage of the locality.
Among the must-see sites are the summit of the Tête des Faux (1209 m), from which exceptional panoramic views can be seen. Hard fights took place there during the first war, the Germans having built fortifications and even a tunnel connecting this summit to Roche du Corbeau, one kilometer below. Explanatory panels have been installed.
Also worth a detour is the summit of Brézouard (1229 m altitude) which is the northern limit of the Hautes-Vosges and the peak of Faudé (773 m) which had two towers, destroyed during the wars of the twentieth century. An association mobilized to rebuild the highest.
The path of the Romans that is believed to date back to antiquity, in the direction of the town of Bonhomme, is a pleasant walk, and we will not forget the pond Devin, which forms the bottom of a ancient glacial cirque now offering the appearance of a peat bog. This protected site has a fragile flora and fauna. It is allowed to observe the site remotely.
Finally, this rich environment is completed by two torrents descended from the mountain, the Beine and the Weiss, which meet in a single river at a place called Hachimette to keep the name of the Weiss. Their variable regime doubles as a rich ecosystem.
Many hiking trails include or use these sites. The courses can obviously present difficulties related to relief. They are all synonymous with serenity and green landscape between forests, meadows and views of the plain or neighboring peaks.
For mountain bikers, 186 km of circuits are available from the village. Maps and information on +33 3 89 71 30 11.
For fishermen, in ponds or from the shores of trout-rich "mountain" streams, learn about suitable sites and regulations on +33 3 89 47 58 57 or +33 6 37 22 64 62.
Side sports and nature, again, a course of health is available on the commune. An association allows you to learn paragliding (contact +33 6 73 38 29 35 to benefit from breathtaking views), another to travel the town via pleasant horseback riding (join the center of Les Embets in +33 6 73 69 71 17). Finally, for a game of tennis, reserve a court at +33 6 62 27 26 73.