Kintzheim is a village in the Bas-Rhin, in the Grand Est region, 23 km north of Colmar, 50 km south-west of Strasbourg and 5 km west of Selestat.
Located on the Alsace wine route, near the famous Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, the municipality is overlooked on the north by the Hahnenberg hills.
Traditional village and typical of the region, known for its vineyards, Kintzheim was occupied from the Neolithic. From the early Middle Ages, the village is at the heart of a Merovingian domain. Then the stronghold falls under the German Empire, and when it is entrusted to the family of Rathsamhausen, a castle is erected. In the 14th century, the town of Sélestat acquired the locality, but the village and the castle were destroyed during the Thirty Years War, in the seventeenth century. Selestat then took possession of the commune, and it was not until the nineteenth century that Kintzheim regained its autonomy.
The village, with more than 1,600 inhabitants, became during the second half of the 20th century an essential stopover for visitors to the region: in addition to its wines and the authentically Alsatian charm of its habitat, the historic heritage has been value and several attractions (Eagle Park, Monkey Mountain, Stork Park) attract thousands of visitors throughout the year.
Before tasting (with moderation!) Its renowned wines, hiking on its hilly territory or enjoying its amusement parks, a stop at Kintzheim can begin with the discovery of its rich historical built heritage.
Thus, in the baroque town hall, several elements are exposed as a wrought iron gate of 1928 which adorned the portal of the Chapel of the Eagle, an intercommunal terminal dated 1800 which served as the boundary between Kintzheim of Châtenois, sandstone Vosges, decorated with the coat of arms of the city or a grindstone discovered in 2003 dating from the Neolithic and finally the old mechanical clock of the church, made in 1846.
Continue through the church of St. Martin, built on a promontory in the center of the town. It dates back to 1846, rebuilt in a style reminiscent of late Baroque, based on an older building that has become cramped. Note that the church houses a reliquary containing a tooth of Saint Jacques.
Other places of worship punctuate the city: the chapel of Clog-Strebler Street, inaugurated in 1887, built at the expense of sisters Jenny who wanted to make a stage "restoir" during processions of the Corpus Christi. See also in the forest, east of the town, the chapel of the Eagle, a locality Val d'Argent. It dates from the early nineteenth century. According to local tradition, it was built following the appearance of the Virgin, and long, other residents said they saw the Virgin or angels...
Back in the village where traditional Alsatian homes with half-timbered timber and timber are numerous, there are four beautiful fountains, two of which also functioned as drinking troughs. To mention finally the bench of Josephine, installed under the First Empire, which served as a restoir for the travelers and cultivators... One finds it on the edge of the CD 201, in the direction of Sélestat.
We keep the best for the end: the castle which have been preserved part of the dungeon, the wall and the chapel. It was rebuilt in the fifteenth century after the original building of the thirteenth was destroyed by the bishop of Strasbourg in the thirteenth. This is where the Eagles' Pie is now installed...
Many hiking trails have been designed and marked which include all or part of the historic sites of the locality, others are focused on vineyards or incursions into forest area and may lead to the site of Haut-Koenigsbourg. Most of the routes are dotted with remarkable points of view on the village, the vineyards and the grands crus, and the plain of Alsace in general. Documentation and information on +33 3 88 58 87 20.
Other less physically demanding walks will allow you to visit the medieval garden with flower beds and medicinal plants (free entrance, information on +33 3 88 82 04 87) and the park of the ruins of the castle. Located around a mansion built in the nineteenth century in the perimeter of the feudal castle, it adjoins the Volerie des Aigles, and presents plots of romantic inspiration and more wooded areas. Currently undergoing restoration. Free visit by appointment on +33 3 88 82 04 45.
Logically, then go to the Volerie des Aigles which has been built in the heart of the remains of the old castle overlooking the territory. Created in 1968, it is home to eagles, vultures, kites, hawks, buzzards, owls and owls. The place preserves some endangered species but the trainers also offer a show of peaceful falconry that raises awareness of biodiversity and showcases the unique abilities of different eagles and raptors in a grandiose setting... Open from March to November. Admission: 6.50 and 9.50 €. Information on +33 3 88 92 84 33.
In the direction of Sélestat, the Cigoland Park has two vocations: it raises public awareness of the specific flora and fauna of the region - and especially the white stork -, while offering fun attractions for all ages (small train, canoeing, electric car races...). Entry: 15.50 and 17.50 euros. Information on 03 88 9205 94.
Finally, there is still talk of animals and biodiversity with Monkey Mountain, at a place called La Wick, where on 24 hectares of forest, live more than 200 macaques Barbary. The guided route allows to observe them closely, in a preserved environment, and even to participate in feeding. Admission: 5.50 and 9 euros. Information on +33 3 88 92 11 09.
