The town of Molsheim is in the Alsace region of France, not far from the German border. As with many of the communities in this part of the country, the architecture, food and even language is influenced by the proximity of their neighbours. Restaurants here serve specialities like sausages, stews and smoked cheeses, rather than delicate fine dining. The countryside surrounding Molsheim is a great area for hiking, or hiring bicycles and exploring some of the nearby villages, but there is more than enough in the small town to keep visitors amused on a day trip.
Much of the medieval layout of the town of Molsheim is still standing today, including some of the old ramparts and many of the winding streets and half-timbered houses. The town's church is unusually large, and the entire population could actually attend a service there! Built in the 17th century in the Gothic style, the interior of the church features some ornately decorated chapels, fine examples of religious art and a huge four-metre tall cross that was taken from the town's Carthusian monastery. Music lovers will appreciate the impressive 18th century pipe organ which is still used in church services today.
The Metzig, or town hall, is an impressively maintained 16th century building, constructed in a very typically Alstaian style. The Chartreuse, the French name for the town's Carthusian monastery, is now home to two museums, but many of the original architectural features remain in place.
One of the museums housed in the Chartreuse is dedicated to the history of Molsheim and the surrounding area, while the other is dedicated to the history of a very famous local company; car manufacturer Bugatti. Famous for decades as a maker of sports cars, the museum features photos and artefacts from the factory's long history. The other part of the museum features archaeological and artistic exhibits telling the story of the region from medieval times to its importance during World War II.
Although German culture is more associated with beer, Molsheim is close to a region that is well known for its wine. The Alsace wine trail winds its way close to Molsheim, offering tourists the chance to visit vineyards and caves and to sample some of the local produce. If you can't imagine visiting somewhere so close to Germany and not sampling some fine ales, then there is a Bavarian beer festival in the nearby town of Mutzig each September.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Molsheim? Then below is a selection of gites in Molsheim and villas in Molsheim that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
