The Thanvillé heritage trail?
Located at the front of the Villé Valley, the village of Thanvillé hides some little wonders of our territory as well as several ideas for walks.
Thanvillé is a small, dynamic village with 627 inhabitants, 2 associations, 7 businesses, a school and which has twice received the award for flowered village.
Today, in this article, we'll introduce you to its heritage trail. By following this marked loop, you'll discover or rediscover the secrets of the village streets as well as the remains of local heritage.
Other villages in the Valley offer walks focusing on the history and heritage of our region; you can find and view them by clicking on the link below:
https://www.tourisme-valdeville.fr/fr/bouger/randonnees
Let us now begin this walk of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes which starts in front of the castle of Thanvillé.
Thanvillé Castle is the most imposing building in the village and certainly one of the oldest, dating back to 1089. Historically, at that time, the castle was ideally located on the salt route. In addition to guarding the entrance to the valley, this fortress served as a trading post.
For centuries, four to be exact, the castle disappears from written records without any known reason. It would, of course, experience a whole host of adventures and misadventures, like many other buildings of its kind.
Today this castle is a private place which regularly opens its doors to allow the organization of events such as the Christmas market, farmers' markets or to celebrate weddings.
This castle is still undergoing renovation, but as you will see when you start the heritage trail, its condition already allows you to imagine yourself in the time of kings and thus escape into reverie for a few minutes.
But let's get back to our walk.
Walking back up through the village, you'll head towards the German cemetery. This memorial site is deeply moving and serves as a reminder of our region's military history.
By walking a few more meters, you will discover another theme of the heritage trail: nature.
Our valley is nestled in a haven of greenery and forest. Thanvillé is no exception, and you can discover a wealth of information about the village's natural heritage on one of the information panels along the route.
As you continue your visit to the village, you will continue to discover several heritage treasures such as the church, the presbytery, the oratory and many other curiosities that make up the richness of our villages.
Returning to the front of the village, you will pass the town hall, the old school and you will be able to discover a well just opposite.
To help you learn as much as possible about the history of the places you visit, you can scan QR codes located on the information panels along the route. Using your smartphone, you can then access a dedicated website and find even more information.
By scanning the QR code just below, you will have access to the circuit map and can download it to your mobile phone.
At the end of your walk you will normally be an expert on the secrets of the heritage that make Thanvillé such a rich and pleasant village to discover.
To provide you with some additional information about the castle and the heritage trail, we asked a few questions to Francis Adrian, who was the mayor of Thanvillé, and who is very involved in the life of the castle!
Hello Francis,
Francis, why did you want to show people around Thanvillé Castle?
It is an iconic monument of the Villé valley that arouses curiosity and questions. With its rich history, famous figures, and strategic location, the castle deserves to be known by the general public.
Have you had success in terms of attendance?
Attendance was good despite Covid-19.
Can you tell us a little about the castle? What are its secrets, and is there a place in this residence that attracts you more than others, and why?
Built in 1089, this lowland castle is surrounded by a moat, once filled with water, which provided protection against invaders. It was also a crossing point between Lorraine and Alsace. Prominent Alsatian families resided there, as did Lorraine lords. Thanvillé remained for a long time a Lorraine enclave within Alsatian territory.
Among the places that attract me most in the castle is the gallery of ancestors with its murals which allow you to go back in time and learn about the great Alsatian families who lived in the castle.
There is also the main reception room with its beautiful fireplace sculpted by Armand Gachon (a sculptor originally from Sélestat), which is a remarkable room. This room was visited by the President of the Republic, Raymond Poincaré, in 1919.
Will you be offering castle tours again in the future?
Further visits will take place next year, including the garden and terraces..
What are the current plans for the castle in terms of activities?
We will continue guided tours in groups of 10 people minimum and by appointment (€4 per person) including the garden (also €4 per person).
A reduced rate will be offered for the visit to the castle and garden. This rate will be €6 instead of €8.
magic The castle is also planned for 2021.
Why was a heritage trail created?
This trail allows villagers to discover their history and past through 17 illustrated panels. Flyers are available for self-service at the welcome panel.
Knowing your past helps you understand the present.
It is also a lovely walk for tourists young and old to discover all the little treasures of the village.
What aspect of this circuit most caught your attention and why?
The point that most interests me is...At the start of the tour, visitors discover the German military cemetery; a living memorial to the Great War. A must-see for young and old alike.
What recommendations would you give to a family coming to explore this trail?
We need pTake the time to read the information panels to discover Thanvillé. This walk is easy and suitable for young and old alike..
Thank you very much Francis for this information.
We hope you have a wonderful time and that this heritage trail has inspired you to explore all the other marked trails in the Valley. Of course, you'll have to wait until the end of the lockdown to enjoy this walk. We wish you all the best.