Reichstett is a town in Bas-Rhin, in the Grand Est region, 10 km north of Strasbourg. Its 7.6 km² territory is crossed by the course of the Souffel and the Marne-Rhine canal. Despite the urbanization of the agglomeration, 40% of the land is still agricultural and forest areas cover 20% of the locality!
Reichstett appeared as a simple village of the Germanic Empire from the 12th century and became the seat of a small seigneury which lasted until 1486. The locality subsequently paid a heavy price for its border position: previously burned down by looters, the village was destroyed during the Thirty Years' War in 1622 and it was again devastated in 1678 during the annexation by France. It was not until 1833 that the threshold of 1000 inhabitants was crossed. Annexed by Germany from 1870 to 1918 - it remains from this period the Fort Rapp integrated into the belt to protect Strasbourg - in the second half of the twentieth century, the town developed more rapidly. It hosts an industrial zone which houses a refinery. It is closed today, but remains in particular a concrete production company.
Now counting nearly 4,500 inhabitants, the heritage and leisure offer of the small town will appeal to visitors staying in Strasbourg and Alsace.
Fort Rapp is the emblematic heritage site of the town. It was built from 1872 to 1874 during the German annexation and was then called Fort Moltke. Built in sandstone from the Vosges, it was integrated into the fortified belt intended to protect Strasbourg from any inclinations of reconquest, and to place it out of reach of the artillery. The fort stretches over 4.5 hectares, could accommodate 800 men and was armed with 18 cannons. It was surrounded by ditches where animals are now accommodated... During the First War, it served as a warehouse and a prison camp. During the Second World War, first integrated into the Maginot line, it became a munitions depot.
Nowadays, listed in the Inventory, restored and maintained by an association, it is open to visitors (whose circuit allows you to discover the barracks, the casemate, the powder magazine, the freight elevators, the caponier, the infirmary, the kitchen…). In addition, two rooms house a colonial army museum (exhibition of objects, documents and uniforms) and two others a school museum (exhibition of school furniture and educational objects from the past). Open the second and fourth Sunday of each month from April to September (or by reservation all year round for groups). Price: 3 euros. Information on +33 6 52 16 43 04.
Next, still in terms of heritage, the Parc de la Maison Alsacienne: this site is an eco-museum reconstituting traditional half-timbered houses. An association of enthusiasts leads the project which was carried out thanks to international work camps of young volunteers. It is a whole street of the old village of the city which will be recreated in the long term… All information on +33 3 88 20 59 90.
On the religious level, the parish church of Saint-Michel built in 1767 then enlarged in early 20th century (addition of transepts) is renowned for its organs.
On the cultural side, the municipal media library regularly schedules events (readings, conferences, workshops) and hosts exhibitions. Information on +33 3 88 20 45 37.
For athletes, the complex located rue de Picardie has a multi-activity room, climbing walls, football fields: information on +33 3 88 20 02 26. For tennis, the courts must be reserved with the local club on +33 3 88 18 12 32.
In summer, the town of Reichstett has a precious asset with its lake set in a green setting. Swimming is supervised there in July and August, and on the beach, in addition to idleness, it is possible to play a game of volleyball, basketball or table tennis. Free access. Information on +33 3 88 20 02 26.
The municipal area is also very interesting for hikers. In addition to the local club outings (contact on +33 3 88 20 28 29), Reichstett offers great potential with the old towpath of the Marne-Rhine canal, now converted into a greenway and integrated into EuroVelo 5 connecting London in Rome (access to pedestrians and cyclists). In addition, thanks to Fort Rapp, the city is located on the Franco-German cycle route of the track of the forts which follows the old fortified belt of Strasbourg (ie 85 km of circuit). Maps and information on +33 3 88 52 28 28.
