Following in the footsteps of Jewish heritage across Alsace

Your exploration of Jewish heritage begins in Mulhouse. Take the time to visit the synagogue there, as it is a beautiful example of fascinating local Jewish heritage. The tour also provides in-depth information on the Dreyfus affair. 

Continue your experience at the Israelite cemetery, a place of remembrance. 

Grab a quick bite to eat at Au Petit Marcel, a simple rotisserie but you won’t be disappointed with the great food on offer.

Your trip then continues to Thann where you'll be visiting an iconic synagogue. This place of worship was partially damaged in 1915 and can be recognised by its Byzantine Revival architecture. The synagogue was restored with great care and attention by the Haut-Rhin Israelite consistory, and there are some architectural treasures there such as the cupolas, the Mikvé - a ritual bath - and a remarkable roof. 

Spend the night surrounded by greenery at the Domaine du Hirtz.

On the second day, head to Colmar to explore the synagogue there, lit up inside by an opaque glass pyramid that follows the sun’s path. The façade was built in the 19th century, taking inspiration from the Kabbalah tradition. Look up, this is the only synagogue in the region with a bell tower! 

Enjoy a delicious gourmet bistro-style lunch at Épicurien.

A few kilometres from there, come and learn about the history of the Wintzenheim synagogue. 

Then head to Sélestat and venture inside the beautiful synagogue surrounded by fountains. 

Spend the night at the elegant, comfortable and sustainable hotel Vaillant (the hotel produces a part of its own hot water supply thanks to 48 m2 of solar panels). 

Your Jewish heritage trail then leads to Benfeld. Stop off in Rosheim on the way and listen to the story of Yossel, a Jewish lawyer who fought against anti-Semitism.

Make another stop at the Rosenwiller Israelite cemetery which is one of the best preserved in Alsace. 

Make the most of the nearby forest and go for a picnic there for lunch.

Visit Benfeld synagogue and its mechanical organ dating from 1895. 
 

Then get back on the road and head to Obernai synagogue. This synagogue was desecrated by the Nazis during the war, it boasts many religious objects and has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1984. 

Go for an evening meal at the ‘natural restaurant’, Thierry Schwartz.

Then, spend the night at Le Parc, a spa hotel in a typical house of Alsace, close to the historic centre of Obernai.

You’re in for a fascinating morning at the Musée du Patrimoine et du Judaïsme Alsacien in Marmoutier. 

After that, make your way to Saverne to see the cemetery and synagogue there which celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2020. 

For lunch, treat yourselves to the best Flammekueche in the region at Marronnier.

Your journey continues to Strasbourg, where you can discover the medieval Jewish ritual baths, the great Synagogue de la Paix, the collection of Jewish objects of worship at the Musée Alsacien and the collections of Judaism remembrance in Alsace.

Spend the night at Maison Rouge. This hotel has the Green Key label and provides the perfect blend of comfort and environmental initiatives such as waste management, reduced energy consumption and the promotion of local and sustainable products.

For this sixth day, head to Bischheim and the Musée du Bain Rituel Juif. In a half-timbered house, this is one of the most surprising Jewish ritual baths in Alsace. 

Make your way to Pfaffenhoffen and the Musée de l’Image Populaire inside a former synagogue.

There are two synagogues on the programme for this afternoon: Ingwiller which is over 200 years old, and Haguenau, a remarkable building that was rebuilt after the war with several original light fittings and windows that were restored thanks to the work of local people.

Finally, in Jungholtz you can explore the oldest Jewish cemetery in the Haut-Rhin.

Begin the day by visiting Bouxwiller and the Musée Judéo-Alsacien which can be found in the village’s former synagogue.

Then head to Soultz and the Château-Musée du Bucheneck, where you can also have a picnic in the gardens.

Your Jewish heritage trail ends at Reichshoffen synagogue. This synagogue is a blend of tradition and modernity and Ben Jack Nash is the resident artist there. 

Visit l’Alsace et l’itinéraire européen du patrimoine juif

Further reading : 

10 Alsatian specialities to munch on

What to do in Alsace & Lorraine ?