From Mount Sainte-Odile to the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle

To the south-west of Strasbourg, spread the hills, vineyards and the prosperous villages of the Barr country. A steep road leads the cyclist from Barr to the Mont Sainte-Odile, an impor-tant place of pilgrimage. Down below, the village of Hohwald welcomes you in a vast clearing before you ride up the Kreuzweg pass (col du Kreuzweg). It opens onto the Val de Villé valley, the land of fruit brandies. Descending the Liepvrette valley leads you to the superb Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle (755 m), with its grandiose panoramic views. At the foot of the castle, the village of Kientzheim is famous for its Eagle Centre (Volerie des Aigles) and the Montagne des Singes monkey reserve. At Châtenois, stop off in front of the Witches' Tower (Tour des Sorcières). The return journey is a peaceful one through the vineyards. A stop in Andlau is a must to admire the abbey church, a masterpiece of Romanesque art.