Culture and History
In Valff, the 42-metre-high bell tower of Saint Blaise Church rises above the town. It formerly served as an observation and defensive tower in the grounds of a château that was demolished at the end of the 19th century. From its third platform, visitors can look out over the houses, gardens, orchards, fields and meadows of Valff as far as the distant Vosges.
The Chapelle Saint-Blaise, standing in an isolated location on a rural path south of Valff, was built in 1699 by the Andlau family and bears their coat of arms. In the Chapelle Sainte Marguerite, the Gothic choir appears to date from the 15th century. The nave was rebuilt in 1566 and 1568, as indicated by the dates on the nave and on a post supporting the organ gallery.
At the foot of Saint Blaise Church in Wihr, the Jardin du Livre lies in the former castle moat. The garden explores the major episodes of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, presenting them along a pathway through the symbolism of plants.
Nature
The 1001 Chemins de la Kirneck is a 7-kilometre nature trail starting in Valff. It offers panoramic views of the vineyards and Mont Sainte-Odile. The route passes through meadows, along a gravel pit, near the confluence of two rivers and through the forest.
Visitor Information
Access to the Jardin du Livre is free of charge; donations are welcome. The garden is open year-round by appointment. From the end of May to the end of September, it is open on Friday afternoons from 5 p.m.; visitors should first check whether a volunteer guide is present.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Valff can include the town in their travel plans.
