Top Things to do in Wattwiller
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The 5 Best Sights & Landmarks in Wattwiller, Grand Est
Discover the best top things to do in Wattwiller, France including Hartmannswillerkopf, Francois Schneider Foundation, Musee Memorial du Vieil Armand, Historial franco-allemand du Hartmannswillerkopf, Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Wattwiller.
1. Hartmannswillerkopf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Le massif du Hartmannswillerkopf est un éperon rocheux pyramidal surplombant la plaine d’Alsace. Culminant à 956 mètres, cette position stratégique est l’enjeu de furieuses batailles qui s’échelonnent entre décembre 1914 et janvier 1916. Le champ de bataille porte les traces des combats qui ont causé la perte de 30 000 soldats français et allemands. Fortifié tout au long de la Grande Guerre, on peut aujourd’hui encore y voir de nombreux abris et des kilomètres de tranchées dans un état de conservation remarquable.
Reviewed By Sc6874 - Tisbury, United Kingdom
Such is the nature of the terrain in the Vosges that the battlefields of over 100 years ago remain remarkably intact. This important national monument is clearly visible from the Route des Cretes and now has a modern museum opened in 2016 by the President of France as well as a moving memorial and cemetery. The museum tells the story of the battles of 1914 -15 well, but the essential is to walk to the Vieil Armand itself. Although this is quite strenuous, the experience of exploring the trench complexes which remain almost unchanged is both uncanny and deeply moving. There are stunning views of Mulhouse from the top which bring home the proximity of the fighting to the daily lives of those living in Alsace, (and the contrast between the British and French experience on the Home Front in the Great War). Some care is needed on the site: strong walking shoes are essential; and, it is very easy to become disoriented in the trench systems so close attention is needed when exploring. This is a most important site, that is complimentary to others, such as Le Ligne also on the Route Des Cretes. It should be on every serious military historian's "to do" list, but is strongly recommended for general visitors as an unusual opportunity to see at first hand what warfare is really like.
2. Francois Schneider Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Created in December 2000, and recognised for its public utility in 2005, the Fondation François Schneider has been carrying out its dual educational and artistic roles ever since it was founded. The Foundation enables secondary school pupils from underprivileged backgrounds to access higher education by offering them grants. It also assists contemporary artists working on the theme of water, supporting their creative process and the diffusion of their work. Founded in 2013 in a former spa resort in the Alsatian village of Wattwiller, the Centre d’Art Contemporain offers visitors over 2,500m2 of exhibition space dedicated to the theme of water. A former bottling workshop transformed and expanded to become an art gallery, its architecture is bright and transparent. The building also boasts a panoramic terrace, a bookstore, a café and an auditorium.
3. Musee Memorial du Vieil Armand
4. Historial franco-allemand du Hartmannswillerkopf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
5. Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Wattwiller
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