Lucelle: Abbey, Lake and Walks
Accommodation in Lucelle
Lucelle: Abbey History and Nature
Lucelle appeals to travelers interested in architectural history and nature. The former Cistercian abbey shapes the historic view of the town; at Lac de Lucelle, walks through the nature reserve and the forested valley take center stage. When planning your stay, these offer two distinct focuses: you can explore the abbey’s history or plan walks by the lake and in the surrounding area. A hike starting on the abbey grounds is another option Lucelle offers for planning your trip.
The Former Cistercian Abbey
The former Cistercian abbey of Lucelle was founded in 1124 as the first Cistercian abbey in imperial territory. In 1346, it received a Gothic church in place of the Romanesque sanctuary. After a fire in 1699, it was completely rebuilt between 1708 and 1750. Three phases can therefore be distinguished: the founding, the construction of the Gothic church in place of the Romanesque sanctuary, and the rebuilding after the fire.
The abbey is partly protected as a historic monument; it was listed on February 6, 1996. The protected remains include the former enclosure, with its main portal and bridge over the Lucelle; the large fountain at the entrance to the gardens; and the gardens with their terraces and grand staircase. They also include the portal of Abbot Delphis’s house, the original lower sections of the former barn (restaurant) and former forge (chapel), the former inn with its complete interior furnishings, and the ground and the remains it contains.
Another historical trace is the Chapelle Notre-Dame. Abbé Lidy built it in 1968 on the site of the former blast furnaces of the Cistercian monks of Lucelle. Along with the abbey’s different building phases, it forms part of the history of the place.
Walks and Hiking
The RĂ©serve Naturelle du lac de Lucelle nature reserve is located in the Canton of Jura and offers opportunities to observe the local flora and fauna. For planning your time, there are two walks to choose from: a peaceful trail in the nature reserve takes about 30 minutes, is accessible to wheelchair users, and is accompanied by information panels. A 45-minute walk explores the area around Lac de Lucelle. The lake lies in the quiet Lucelle valley, surrounded by forests.
The Lucelle les vieilles fermes hike begins on the grounds of Lucelle Abbey and, via a detour into Switzerland, leads to an unusual rock shelter above the river’s source stream. Unlike the walks by the lake, this route leads from the abbey grounds to a destination in Switzerland. The rock shelter gives the hike a specific endpoint; the walks focus on the nature reserve and the area around the lake.
Getting There and Planning Your Stay
The grounds of the Ancienne Abbaye Cistercienne de Lucelle are served by a regular bus or tram service. Check the timetable for your travel date if you want to use this connection. When looking for a hotel in Lucelle, you can choose according to the focus of your trip: the abbey’s history, walks by the lake, or a hike starting on the abbey grounds.
Discover more destinations: Ottmarsheim, Gueberschwihr, Herrlisheim-près-Colmar, Dannemarie, Ungersheim, Freland, Niedermorschwihr, Thannenkirch.
Back to the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
