Jebsheim: Memorial, Church and Trails

Jebsheim offers several distinct points of interest for your stay: the Croix du Moulin Memorial, the Sentier de la Paix and Saint-Martin Church. Together, these places and trails lead to three themes: remembrance of the winter of 1945, the landscape along a route, and the church’s long history. Six cycling routes also offer a way to explore the region.

Croix du Moulin and Remembrance of 1945

The Croix du Moulin Memorial was inaugurated in 1988 at the site of the de Berckheim family’s mill and commemorates all those killed and wounded in the winter of 1945. Its central feature is a cross made of Vosges sandstone. It consists of three parts representing France, the United States and Germany. The site also includes a memorial garden where the ashes of veterans rest. The design makes the three countries visible, while the memorial garden adds another form of remembrance.

The Sentier de la Paix

The Sentier de la Paix starts at Croix du Moulin, one kilometre west of the village of Jebsheim. The route is seven kilometres long, passes through Riedwihr and runs from the memorial to the bridge de la Blind. Fields and waterways accompany the trail; walkers can learn about the local flora and fauna along the way. For travellers who want to combine the memorial and the landscape in one stay, the trail offers a clearly defined route: the monument is the starting point, and the bridge de la Blind is the destination. The route is therefore an activity in its own right, extending beyond a visit to the memorial.

Saint-Martin and Local History

Saint-Martin Church adds the architectural history of Jebsheim to this picture. It is first documented in 891 and was partially rebuilt between 1954 and 1957. On 19 February 1996, it was added to the supplementary list of historic monuments. This listing covers all parts dating from before the 20th century, as well as the stained-glass windows and the remains of the tower windows. The two historic sites contribute to local history in different ways: Croix du Moulin commemorates those killed and wounded in the winter of 1945; Saint-Martin represents the early church records and later structural changes.

Cycling Routes and the Fête du lait

There are six cycling routes for exploring the region. Unlike the Sentier de la Paix, for which a single seven-kilometre route with named start and end points is specified, the cycling routes offer several regional options.

The Fête du lait began in 1989; its 32nd edition took place in 2022. If you are considering visiting Jebsheim for the festival, check the event dates for your intended travel period before booking a hotel.

Discover more destinations: Lièpvre, Issenheim, Dessenheim, Rouffach, Mittelwihr, Lapoutroie, Ranspach, Sausheim

For the broader travel overview: Haut-Rhin.