Uttenhoffen is a municipality of Bas-Rhin in the Grand Est region, 15 km north-west of Haguenau.
Belonging to the historic and cultural region of Alsace, the territory of the locality is modest (a little less than 2 km²), bordered by the course of the Zinsel of the north. However, the village today inhabited by some 200 inhabitants was already occupied during the Roman era, before passing under the domination of several seigniories during the Middle Ages and the Old regime. Before the Revolution, Uttenhoffen is considered as the most prosperous village of the lordship of Oderbronn, thanks to its mills.
Nowadays, if it keeps an agricultural vocation, the small town is famous for its charming traditional houses with blue half-timbering known as Hanau (or Prussian blue), a church famous for being the "smallest" of the region and carefully maintained gardens. A charming stage on the edge of the forest of the northern Vosges and near the spa town of Niederbronn-les-Bains.
A stroll through the village reveals charming houses and traditional half-timbered houses with blue-painted walls, dating back to the oldest of the 16th century. They are usually surrounded by small flower gardens and orchards that add to the picturesque surroundings.
A step is required at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, which has the distinction, like others in Alsace, to be considered "simultaneous": it can also celebrate the Protestant worship.
The modest building (the church is the smallest in the region) has a half-timbered bell tower and its vaulted choir dates from the 16th century. The Baroque nave was rebuilt in the 18th century (note that the date was engraved on the lintel of the door). The bell tower was remodeled at the same time.
Despite the narrowness of the place, a platform has been built which houses a small organ type harmonium. For a visit, if the church is closed, contact +33 3 88 72 92 33.
It is then time to change worlds by visiting the beautiful Gardens of the Blue Farm created by a passionate landscaper around a secular farm, also covered in blue paint. A series of small thematic universes sometimes equipped with basins makes it possible to highlight essences and varieties of shrubs and flowers which conjugate harmony and scenery. An Italian garden, an orangery, a garden with a gazebo, an arbor and contemporary sculptures mark the visit. Remains of earthenware and buildings add to the romanticism of places. The whole is labeled Remarkable Garden. Note that the site also houses a workshop dedicated to the creation of lampshades, a tea room and guest rooms. Open from May 1st to the end of September from Tuesday to Saturday from 12h to 18h and Sunday from 10h30 to 18h. By appointment for groups. Price: 2,50 and 4 euros. Information on +33 3 88 72 84 35.
For hiking enthusiasts, finally, from the village, marked trails can lead to the first foothills of the Vosges or the Rhine Plain while crossing vineyards and villages. Maps and information on +33 3 88 80 89 70.
The second weekend of June, operation "Rendez-vous aux Jardins", with open doors to the gardens of the Blue Farm and other private parks.
Niederbronn-les-Bains, spa town.
Soufflenheim and its potters.
The Vosges Mountains of North with its many castles (Lichtenberg, La Petite Pierre, Fleckenstein).
Many museums.
Bitche: the Vauban citadel, the Garden of Peace.
