Illzach is a commune in Haut-Rhin, in the Grand Est region, north-east of Mulhouse, which it borders on.
Its 7.5 hectare territory is crossed to the north by the course of the Ill and to the south by the Rhône-Rhine canal. To perfect navigation, the small Napoleon Island which was located at the junction of several sections was razed in 1968 but the whole district kept this name.
Already occupied in Antiquity, Illzach then being a crossroads of Roman roads, the village was sold to the city of Mulhouse in 1437: it therefore depended for some time on the Germanic Empire or Switzerland but was not being not protected by the walls of Mulhouse, the city is destroyed on several occasions.
It was not until 1798 that Illzach was attached to France and became a municipality in its own right.
It now has nearly 15,000 inhabitants, boosted by its economic dynamism (river commercial port on the canal) and the growth of the Mulhouse agglomeration. If its heritage suffered from the two world wars, Illzach has a leisure offer of interest and a particularly green environment.
In terms of historical and built heritage, if there is no longer any trace of the royal palace mentioned before the year 1000 (under the Frankish era) and if the medieval seigneurial castle has given way to a residence (known as Le Cheverny), two religious buildings should be noted.
The first is the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Catholic Church, rebuilt in the 20th century and equipped with an organ by Richard Dott. The second is the Protestant church, built in the 17th and 18th centuries, renovated in 1886, and which houses a 17th century funerary slab, an 18th century bell and an organ.
More unusual, behind the town hall, a square is dotted with archaeological remains: these are the foundations of buildings from the Gallo-Roman or medieval period.
In addition to an old flour mill, one will still notice, near, the town hall square where water jets and contemporary sculptures are installed.
On the cultural side, Espace 110 is a multi-purpose center including a library, a performance hall with a quality program and open to artists in residence. The establishment also hosts workshops and exhibitions. Information on +33 3 89 52 18 81.
Another wealth of the small town: its many parks, some of which are located in the very center. Let us mention the Georges Urbann park, near the Quatelbach river, a vast 1.5 hectare. It includes a pond and trees of various species: be careful, it is advisable to respect the calm since the site adjoins the "City of the 3rd Age". There is also the Modenheim park with games for children, the Mühlenfeld which includes orchards and meadows, and finally the Espace Liberté, located on avenue des Rives de l'Ill. On 4 hectares, it has picnic areas, with water points, tables and benches, play areas for children, sports facilities and a "wetland" where many birds can be observed (mallard ducks, gray herons, moorhens, etc.), amphibians (green and red frogs, tree frogs, etc.), fish and dragonfly species.
To these public parks we will add the Jardin du Temps floral park, within a property with lodges and catering areas: a natural labyrinth, orchards, floral paintings dot the two highlighted hectares. Guided tour only. For more information, call +33 3 83 52 28 96.
For athletes, ping-pong tables, weight training equipment, beach volleyball, basketball and football fields are freely accessible within the Espace Liberté. In addition, in the heart of the Joseph Biechlin complex, indoor or outdoor tennis courts are available (contact +33 3 89 57 40 02 in advance).
It is also possible to take advantage of the Jonquilles swimming pool (property of the city of Mulhouse located in the municipality of Illzach). It includes a sports pool and outdoor play areas. Information on +33 3 89 46 35 45.
Finally, for hiking enthusiasts, routes departing from or crossing the town are available, notably along the Ill or the canal or heading either towards the center of Mulhouse or towards the Rhine valley, for example. Maps and information on +33 3 89 35 48 48.
