Discover Rixheim: History and Trails

Get to know Rixheim through several themes: the history of the Commandery, the Musée du Papier Peint, a historical trail, marked routes, and green spaces. If you are looking for a hotel in Rixheim, these highlights can help you plan your stay. You can shape your visit around heritage, wallpaper design, or outdoor activities.

The Commandery and Wallpaper History

The Commandery of Rixheim was built between 1733 and 1745 at the initiative of Commander Philippe de Montjoie. It bears witness to the former presence of the Teutonic Order in Alsace and was listed as a historic monument in 2011. A wallpaper factory was established in the Commandery in 1797. The building and its former industrial use offer two distinct ways to explore its history.

The right wing houses the Musée du Papier Peint, which is recognised as a Musée de France. Its collection comprises more than 100,000 objects, ranging from printed papers from the 18th century to more recent designs. The museum opened in 1983 and preserves collections from Manufacture Zuber et Cie. The history of the building and the wallpaper collection thus offer distinct ways to explore Rixheim’s heritage.

Historical Trail through Rixheim

The historical trail through Rixheim features 24 educational panels introducing, among other places, the Commandery, the cemetery, the former forge, and the church. Materials for the trail are available in French, English, and German. The trail therefore extends beyond the Commandery to include other named sites.

Gardens and Parc de la Commanderie

The green spaces offer a variety of features. Parc de la Commanderie includes a landscaped garden, a kitchen garden with a rose garden and greenhouses, and an orchard. The greenhouse in the park was faithfully restored in 2015. Jardin de la Fraternité features a paved path, a shaded agora, an olive tree, and a sculpture of an open hand carrying the Earth.

Parc de la Commanderie is open to the public on Sundays and public holidays from 1 May to 30 September, from 2 to 6 pm. Access is via the de la Jumenterie car park on Rue du Temple. Check the seasonal schedule before your visit.

Walking Trails, Cycling Routes, and Getting There

For outdoor activities, Rixheim has marked walking trails for family outings and more strenuous hikes; they are accessible year-round. Conditions on individual routes may change, so check the relevant route before setting out.

For the five Pierre-LAVE walking trails, panels at the start of each circular route provide practical information and historical details about Rixheim. They offer guidance and a connection to the town’s history before you set off.

A cycling route runs alongside the Canal du Rhône au Rhin and follows the EuroVelo 6 route towards Rixheim. If you are planning this ride, check the current route, as conditions may change.

The Musée du Papier Peint can be reached on bus line 11, getting off at the Commanderie stop. Check the current service before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Muhlbach-Sur-Munster, Franken, Freland, Flaxlanden, Hartmannswiller, Soultz-Haut-Rhin, Logelheim, Rodern.

View the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.