Presentation

Located by the Sonnenberg, Wihr-au-Val was created around the hunting castle of Frank Duke Bonifacius, which would have been built there between 660 and 671. The village is first mentioned in 896, and successively known as: Bonifacii Villare, Wihre, Weyer and Wihr-au-Val.

In 1100, the village turns from the abbey’s into the Ribeaupierre’s property. Wihr-au-Val is surrounded by remparts in 1279. Last devastated on June 18th, 1940, the village always rose from its ashes.

Only wine-growing village of the district, Wihr-au-Val is proud to own a label for its wines: "Côtes du Val Saint-Grégoire".

What to do - to see

Fortified door

Admire the fortified door standing at the entrance of the old medieval town. It was built at the same time as the ramparts, and destroyed by the artillery on June 18th, 1940. It was rebuilt in 1958-60, not far from the ruins of the castle.

Saint-Martin Church

A bit further away, on the right, stands Saint-Martin Church, built from 1868 to 1873 to replace the small one, which used to stand on the current cemetery. On June 18th, 1940, it is damaged by fire. The bell tower is down. Inside, you have 15th to 18th century statues, as well as a "Mutin-Cavaillé-Coll" organ from Paris.

Saint-Michel ossuary chapel

Near Saint-Martin Church, in the cemetery, stands an ossuary chapel. It shows the relation to death of the people in the end of the 15th century.

Sainte-Croix Chapel

Through the North exit, take the path to Sainte-Croix Chapel. It was built in 1736, where stood a miraculous cross, and an hermit became its guardian in 1763. IT was destroyed soon after the French Revolution, and rebuilt in 1806. It opened to the cult again in 1814. It is currently under renovation.

The Children’s fountain

Back through one of the last existing Stations of the Cross. At 200m, take the path to "Kìnderbrénnla" (the Children’s fountain), where the storks used to take the newborn babies from the water to bring them to the mothers, according to the legend.