There are many reasons that people walk: for some it is purely to burn off some calories, for others to be closer to nature and for some people, walking in a beautiful place can be quite a spiritual experience.
Today we walked a 7.5km circular loop from Gueberschwihr, a village dating back to the 8th century, and of a style that we are beginning to realise, is typical of this north-east region of France. Nestled into the hillsides in lush greenery, although not as colourful as its neighbour Eguisheim, this is a charming village that has retained an element of charm and authenticity.
We walked from the church, following the narrow, cobbled streets uphill past the now familiar half-timbered houses with their carved doorways.
We quickly left the village behind, entering the forest and climbing steadily through dense woodland on a rough pebbled track, waymarked by stone crosses depicting the Crucifixion story.
After about 45 minutes we arrived at The Chapel Notre-Dame du Schauenberg, which was founded in the 15th century and has been a place of pilgrimage since 1483, when it is said that a princess was miraculously healed.
After once having served as a rest home for elderly or infirm brothers, the convent buildings have been restored and the sisters now provide refreshment for visitors to the chapel and pilgrims alike, its terrace providing magnificent panoramic views over the nearby countryside and the entire Alsace valley.
From the chapel, we took a steep uphill detour to 'The Druids Table', a naturally occurring rock formation, caused by telluric waves, which I had to investigate to discover are naturally occurring electric currents that move underground.
Back on the path, we now began to go downhill following the stone crosses, eventually leaving them to return to the forest, visiting the restored Chappelle Saint Leonard on the way.
Entering the vineyards, we followed the trail down to Pfaffenheim, before turning to return to Gueberschwihr on a gently undulating path that took us along the hillside and through the vines, eventually returning us to our starting point, in front of the 12th century church overlooking the village square, an essential stop-off point for anyone travelling the Route Romaine d'Alsace.
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