Visit Rosheim, village of the Wine Route and Romanesque Route
Rosheim is a charming village located on the Alsace Wine Route, not farfrom Obernai, at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile. I’ve mentioned Rosheim to you several times before: for its amazing Venetian carnival, for its greenway leading to Saint-Nabor, and also for its Christmas market.
The essentials at a glance
- 📍 Where: a village on the Alsace Wine Route, between Strasbourg and Obernai, at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile.
- ⏳ Recommended duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes for the downtown area (longer if you take the time to explore the interior of the church).
- 👥 Who it’s for: couples, history buffs, and those seeking peace and quiet.
- 💰 Budget: On a tight budget? Visiting the village is free.
My Review of Rosheim
I liked
- Pretty village far from the tourist frenzy
- Romanesque buildings
- Location on the magnificent Route des Vins
I liked less
- It’s small—don’t make a special trip just to visit Rosheim; combine it with other nearby attractions or a bike ride!
Rosheim, a village with exceptional Romanesque architecture
Rosheim isn’t usually the most well-known village among tourists, but it’s still worth a visit. For its architecture, for one thing, since Rosheim has some interesting Romanesque buildings.
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Rosheim, built of yellow sandstone, dates from the 12th century. It is a marvel of Romanesque art and represents the most complete and consistent example of Alsatian Romanesque architecture. Be sure to take a close look at its details, both inside and out. For example, there are interesting sculptures and beautiful capitals.
Rosheim also has the Maison Romane (also called Maison des Païens), which also dates from the 12th century and is the oldest stone building in Alsace.
Along with the Saints-Pierre-et-Paul church, my favorite place in Rosheim is without a doubt the ensemble formed by the town hall, the Clock Tower (Rosheim has several beautiful gateways into the city, this is one of them) and the six-bucket well. I can’t help but photograph this place every time!
💡 Local tip: Don’t hesitate to go inside the church—it’s open every day. The interior is definitely worth a visit.
The Ropfkueche, Rosheim’s must-try brioche
Don’t forget to taste the Ropfkueche, the Rosheim brioche, which is a speciality of the city. It is a brioche covered with a mixture of nuts, cinnamon and cream. A little delight!
Things to Do Near Rosheim: Obernai, Mont Sainte-Odile, Boersch
If you’re looking for a village away from the crowds to visit, Rosheim is a good choice. You’ll find peace and quiet there, along with shops that aren’t specifically geared toward tourists.
Rosheim’s downtown area is very small, but it’s worth stopping by—perhaps as part of a trip that includes visits to Obernai, Mont Sainte-Odile, Boersch (the village is beautiful, and you can stop by the Parc de la Léonardsau or the Spindler marquetry workshop) or even Ottrott. Another option is to extend your exploration of the area with a bike ride along the greenway from Rosheim to Saint-Nabor.
💡 Local tip: If you’re biking, the greenway toward Saint-Nabor is perfect for extending your ride after visiting the village. Just a heads-up: it climbs gradually, so save some energy in your calves!
Also on the blog
Where can you eat and shop in Rosheim?
- To buy a ropfküche (or other!) in the oldest bakery of France (it dates from 1602!): Boulangerie Rohmer
- To buy lots of sweet things or to order a custom made cake: Marie B. (Draw me a cake)
- To buy Alsatian souvenirs: the store of the Tourist Office is full of beautiful handicrafts
- For lunch: Auberge du Cerf
Key Facts About Rosheim
Rosheim isn’t as well-known asObernai or Riquewihr, but it’s just as charming. It’s simply a smaller, more off-the-beaten-path village, which is why I like to suggest it as a stop.
- One of the most comprehensive collections of Romanesque architecture in Alsace
- A quiet village, far from the tourist hustle and bustle
- The ropfkueche—a must-try at Rohmer’s
- A great base for exploring Obernai, Mont Sainte-Odile, or going for a bike ride
So, are you ready to make a detour to Rosheim during your next weekend on the Wine Route?
Practical information
Guided tours
It is possible to take part in guided tours of the city but also of specific buildings such as the Romanesque church or the Maison Romane. More info here.
Access
By car
Rosheim is located in:
- 27 km from Strasbourg (about 20 minutes)
- 55 km from Colmar (about 45 minutes)
- 97 km from Mulhouse (about 1h05)
You will find several free parking lots.
Access
By public transport
Rosheim is accessible by TER from Strasbourg; the trip takes about 25 minutes. You can also check the schedules on Fluo Grand Est to plan your trip by bus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rosheim
How much time should I allow for a visit to Rosheim?
Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore Rosheim’s historic center on foot, depending on how long you spend inside the church. If you’d like to extend your visit with a bike ride along the greenway toward Saint-Nabor or a tour of Obernai, plan on spending half a day or even a full day.
What is Ropfkueche, Rosheim’s specialty?
The ropfkueche is a brioche topped with a mixture of nuts, cinnamon, and cream—a traditional specialty of Rosheim. It is available, among other places, at the Rohmer bakery, the oldest bakery in France.
Is Rosheim worth a visit compared to better-known villages like Obernai or Riquewihr?
Rosheim is just as charming as its neighboring towns, but less well-known and more off the beaten path. The village is quiet, with few tourists, and its Romanesque heritage—the church and the Maison Romane—is among the best-preserved in Alsace.
How do I get to Rosheim by public transportation?
Rosheim is accessible by TER from Strasbourg; the trip takes about 25 minutes.
What should you see first in Rosheim?
Be sure to visit the Romanesque Church of Saints Peter and Paul, the Maison Romane (the oldest stone building in Alsace), and the complex consisting of the town hall, the clock tower, and the six-bucket well on the central square.