Holtzheim is a town in Bas-Rhin, in the Grand Est region, 9 km west of Strasbourg.
Its territory of nearly 7 km² belongs to the historical and cultural region of Alsace. Despite urbanization, it still has a predominantly rural character, covered in particular by agricultural areas (36% of its area) and arable land (21%).
The village was mentioned at the end of the 8th century as a possession of the monastery of Lorsch (today a small German town in the south of the Land of Hesse). Over the Middle Ages and then the Old Regime, dwellings were established on the right bank of the Bruche, a river that crosses the locality from south-west to north-east before flowing into the Ill a few kilometers downstream. Only the church is erected on the left bank. In 1757, a diversion was built on the course of the Bruche whose frequent floods did not allow the development of the village on the left bank.
Nowadays, Holtzheim, which has 3,600 inhabitants, benefits from the dynamism of the Strasbourg conurbation. Close to Entzheim airport (whose area includes a small part of the south of the town), its associative and cultural vitality should be taken into account during a stay in Alsace.
In terms of heritage, the locality has retained several sites of interest. Such is the case of the parish church of Saint-Laurent. A first building established on the left bank of the river, from the 13th century, itself surrounded by water, was forbidden for worship in 1778 because of its dilapidation. A new church was quickly erected on the right bank, completed in 1784, but less than a century later, it was deemed this time too cramped. Thanks to the mobilization of the faithful, the current church was built between 1866 and 1868. Traditional in style, it houses an organ whose case was made by Nicolas Boulay (18th century). It is decorated with rockery decorations and openwork foliage. A statue of Saint Laurent martyr is visible at the level of its facade. In addition, there is a Calvary in the church which recalls the memory of a little girl who died falling into the foundations during the construction of the building...
In another genre, it has been preserved in the town several farm buildings with traditional architecture, some dating from the beginning of the 19th century (rue de l'Eglise, rue de l'Angle or even rue des Sœurs, in particular). With their typical half-timbering, these buildings recall the agricultural past of the locality and give it its character.
On the cultural side, the Espace Marceau includes a media library where events (conferences, readings, meetings, exhibitions) are regularly offered (information on +33 3 88 78 82 26) and an auditorium devoted to the music school but which hosts also shows (join +33 3 88 78 05 84).
As for the Salle de Bruche, shows and association events are organized there throughout the year: inquire on +33 3 88 78 05 84.
In terms of sports and "nature" recreation, a field football, tennis courts (to be reserved with the club on +33 3 88 78 19 19) and a bowling alley are accessible to visitors. They can also take advantage of two fishing ponds and the river to practice their favorite hobby (find out about the regulations from the local association on +33 6 64 91 08 53 or +33 3 88 78 38 47). More surprising: a scuba diving club offers initiation sessions and observation of the aquatic ecosystem at the Gravière du Fort. Information on +33 6 84 42 74 09.
You will also appreciate the Parc de la Bruche, which runs along the river, for bucolic walks. Hiking trails and secure loops for two-wheelers are accessible on or from the town, which allow you to discover its natural spaces and heritage elements. Routes are also available to reach Strasbourg, for example. Maps and information from the agglomeration tourist office on +33 3 88 52 28 28.
