The best road cycling routes around Orschwihr

The former mill of Lautenbach-Zell is today the "Museum Vivarium du Moulin". There, vivaria of various insects, ants, but also of different spider species can be seen. The mill is visible from the departmental road D430 and is located on Rue du Moulin. https://www.vivariumdumoulin.org

The Wells of Lautenbach The monks who founded Lautenbach settled in this area because of the abundant water resources. Over the centuries, population growth led to a multitude of wells, both public and private. Many wells, like the Stockbrunnen (a type of well), played an important role in the daily life of the village. The use of solid sandstone testifies to the wealth and prosperity of the village, which had developed into a small industrial town by the end of the 19th century. The wells remained in their original state until the construction of a water supply network. --- The Wells of Lautenbach The monks who founded Lautenbach settled in this area for its water resources. Over the centuries, population growth led to a multiplication of wells, both public and private. The names of the fountains, comme le Stockbrunna, participate in the vie quotidienne of the village. The large size used is signe of the richness and the prosperity of the village qui devient, à la fin du XIXe siècle, a small industrial town. Les fontaines conservent leur état d'origine jusqu'à la creation d'un réseau d'adduction en 1896.

Das Rathaus befindet sich im ehemaligen Klostergebäude der Stiftskirche Lautenbach. Die Tür des Ostflügels trägt die Jahreszahl 1517. In diesen Gebäuden befinden sich das ehemalige Propsthaus, die Sakristei der Domherren, der Kapitelsaal und eine Gewölbegalerie. Der Nordflügel wurde erst im 19. Jahrhundert errichtet. Im Winkel zwischen den beiden Flügeln stehen noch ein Turm mit seiner Wendeltreppe. Der Gotische Kreuzgang, der durch ein Spitzbogenportal zugänglich ist, weist Rippengewölbe auf. --- The town hall is housed in the former convent building of the Collegiate Church of Lautenbach. The door of the east wing bears the date 1517. These buildings house the former provost's house, the canons' sacristy, the chapter house, and a vaulted gallery. The north wing was built only in the 19th century. In the angle between the two wings, a turret and its spiral staircase still stand. The Gothic cloister, accessible through a pointed arch doorway, features ribbed vaults. To the left, the house, arranged as a central block, was acquired by the municipality in 1978 and then demolished in 1985, making way for a more suitable urban development.

A paved forest road leads to the Col de Boenlesgrab from behind Lautenbach. The sign on the right side of the D430 for "Petit Ballon" shouldn't mislead you into thinking the road isn't entirely paved. The paved forest road ends at the top of the Col de Boenlesgrab, where you'll find a hiking parking area and a farm inn (Ferme Auberge). From the inn, there's a beautiful view of the valley to the northeast. From there, forest paths, mostly with firm surfaces, continue to the Petit Ballon to the left and to the Col du Firstplan to the right. The route from the D430 up to the pass is just over 5 km long and involves an ascent of approximately 450 meters with a gentle to moderate gradient.

Steady climb.👍

A pleasant section to ride, with moderate climbs and little traffic. There were a few racing cyclists on the road.

The Langenstein menhir (a 4-meter-high long stone) was erected in 1904 by a Soultzmatt industrialist, who recognized this block as an overturned menhir. Legend tells that on full moon nights, fairies, or White Ladies, come to dance around the Langenstein. During this ceremony, the stone is said to begin spinning!

Nice climb, very good asphalt. Little traffic (during the week in early June).