La Fontaine de Hanau is an authentic French restaurant popular amongst tourists and the locals.
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La Petite Alsace
In the business for over 30 years, Corinne and Didier welcome you to their restaurant La Petite Alsace, located halfway between Hochfelden and Petite-Pierre, in the heart of the charming historic center of Bouxwiller. Traditional restaurant combining Alsatian specialties and Lyonnaise cuisine, you will find a very varied menu with new additions every week.
Visit The Jewish Alsatian Museum
“Artefacts and places recount history better than books” – this sentence welcomes you as you arrive at the Jewish Alsatian Museum. Located in the former 19th-century synagogue of Bouxwiller, the museum is unique in its kind. It highlights the culture of Jews in Alsace and recounts their history, telling of everyday life through the ages with their Christian neighbours. Visitors follow a trail around the museum with its original, varied presentations ranging from the reconstitution of life-size scenes and miniaturised tableaux using new technology. Ceramic models, architectural models, life-size figures, dolls in period costume and video films alternate with antique artefacts, which are all the more rare as much of the Jewish heritage disappeared during the Holocaust.
Haguenau Synagogue
Haguenau Synagogue: A Journey Through Jewish Heritage in Alsace
Step into the captivating world of Jewish history and culture by visiting the Haguenau Synagogue, a remarkable site that preserves the vibrant heritage of the Jewish community in Haguenau. Nestled in the picturesque Alsace region of France, this historic synagogue invites travelers to uncover its rich past, admire its stunning architecture, and reflect on its enduring significance as a symbol of resilience, faith, and community. For those exploring Jewish landmarks in France, the Haguenau Synagogue is a must-visit destination.
Built in the mid-19th century, the Haguenau Synagogue showcases an exquisite blend of architectural styles influenced by the cultural currents of its time. Its grand facade, marked by intricate details, and its beautifully adorned interiors offer a visual feast for visitors. Every corner of this sacred space tells a story of artistry, spirituality, and devotion. Beyond being a place of worship, the synagogue served as a central hub for Jewish life in the region, making it an essential landmark for anyone researching Jewish history in Alsace or the broader Jewish communities in France.
For history enthusiasts and Jewish heritage travelers, the Haguenau Synagogue provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of the Jewish community in Alsace. Guided tours allow visitors to dive deeper into the building’s history and the stories of those who worshiped here. Additionally, the town of Haguenau itself offers an enriching experience, with Jewish cemeteries, nearby heritage sites, and atmospheric streets that paint a vivid picture of the local Jewish way of life.
Haguenau’s Jewish heritage is woven into the fabric of the town and its surroundings, making this synagogue an essential stop for anyone exploring Jewish landmarks in France. Whether you’re visiting other historic synagogues, exploring Jewish cemeteries, or simply wandering the charming streets of Haguenau, the synagogue adds depth to your journey of discovery.
Plan your visit today to experience the Haguenau Synagogue’s unique blend of historical depth, architectural beauty, and cultural significance. This must-see Jewish heritage destination in Alsace offers unforgettable moments of connection, learning, and exploration of Jewish history in France.
Ettendorf Cemetery
This 16th century cemetery, covering 9 hectares, is one of the oldest in Alsace and was listed as a historic monument in 1995. It has served as a necropolis for many communities. This peaceful cemetery reflects the evolution of Jewish funerary art continuously since the 16th century: from the curved headstones of the 16th century to the late Gothic, the St Jacques shells, the German Renaissance of the 17th century to the Lutheran baroque of the 18th century, from the the gendarme helmets, the romanticism of the 19th century to the lying headstones of the 20th century, all the styles are represented, and for the oldest ones beautiful epitaphs in Hebrew characters are engraved (less frequently embossed).
The Jewish Story of Haguenau, France
Haguenau is the 4th largest city in Alsace, located about thirty kilometers north of Strasbourg. It is both an industrial and commercial city with a pleasant pedestrian city center, beautiful 18th century buildings, museums, green spaces, and diversified events throughout the year. You can discover the rich heritage of 18th century Haguenau on a self-guided audio walking tour available at the tourist office in French, German, or English. There is also a child-friendly version of the audio tour, and guided in-person tours during the summers.
Records suggest that Jews have lived in Haguenau as early as 1235. This was the year that many other Jewish communities were affected by the blood libel conspiracies, but thanks to the emperor’s protection they suffered no harm. The Jews had to pay taxes to both the emperor and the municipality, the latter of which protected them in 1338 against the Armleder bands, but unsuccessfully at the time of the Black Death. In 1349, the Jewish community was destroyed, but a new community was formed in 1354. A home on Rue du Sel was used as a synagogue and Haguenau became a refuge for the Jews from the surrounding regions.
Many Polish Jews settled in Haguenau during the second half of the 17th century, and a rabbi joined the community in 1660. There are a few notable rabbis who led the Jewish community in Haguenau including Meyer Jaïs, who later became the chief rabbi of Paris.
In 1735 there were 34 families in the Haguenau Jewish community; the community grew to 64 families in 1784, and 600 individuals on the eve of World War II. However, 148 of the 600 died in deportation and in battle and in 1968, the community numbered about 300. This number has since grown to 700 in the 21st century. The present synagogue that can be seen on the Rue des Juifs was built in 1821, and there is still a cemetery which has been in use since the 16th century.
Haguenau has three popular museums that will enhance your stay: the Luggage Museum, the Alsatian Museum and the Historical Museum. There is also the remarkable Haguenau forest (the 6th largest forest in France) which is located near the city center, perfect for hiking or cycling. You can also relax and settle on the terrace of the inn which is located at the place called “Le Gros Chêne,” a privileged place for families, in the heart of the forest massif.
The Jewish Heritage of Haguenau
La Synagogue de Haguenau was built in 1820-1821 is in neoclassical style. It was destroyed during the Occupation and damaged at the end of the Second World War. It was renovated and found all its splendor in 1959. Many vestiges from the old synagogue which were in a house in Rue du Sel, are on display there. This ancient synagogue was built in 1492, then fell victim to the fire in 1676, and was then rebuilt. It was an active synagogue until 1820, when the current synagogue was built.
Le Jewish cemetery of Haguenau is one of the most oldest in Alsace with burials dating from the Xth century. The types of stelae are different according to the times and according to the religious role of the person buried. These stelae are interesting to analyze and comment on in particular the front part on which we find epitaphs as well as sculptures. This cemetery has an area of approximately 1 hectare and 60 ares and hosts 3200 graves.
The cemetery was enlarged in 1766 and 1872. It was the victim of vandalism during Second World War. Walls and doors were gutted, and graves were also knocked down or destroyed. As a result of this, nearly a thousand graves are missing today.
Grains de Sel
An ounce of refinement, a touch of gluttony, a touch of passion: welcome to the GRAINS DE SEL restaurant!
In the heart of the city of Haguenau, in a chic and cozy setting, let yourself be seduced by the finesse and creativity of the cuisine prepared in this place where seasonal products are king.
Chef Gilles Schnoering, former chef at Cheval Blanc de Lembach, trained by Fernand Mischler, and his team will be delighted to welcome amateur gourmets and fine gourmets to give them a good time.
The GRAINS DE SEL restaurant opened its doors in a completely renovated and restructured building at 113 Grand’Rue in Haguenau, next to the Halle aux Houblons.
Table des Chevaliers
Maître Restaurateur since 2014, a guarantee of quality for entirely homemade cuisine. Fish specialties, scallops, homemade foie gras, fresh meats, and more. The establishment voted best bite by the Queen of Alsace in 2008.
Le Comptoir des Loges
A warm and friendly place, warm colors, a unique terrace, rock to the ears ….
To share our tapas, sandwiches and drinks!
A sample our gourmet burgers: 11 original recipes, artisan breads or rolls, 100% homemade.
To find a wide selection of estate wines by the glass.
