MY PHOTO JOURNEY THROUGH ALTKIRCH, IN ALSACE
In 2019, my wife and I decided to sell our house and rent an apartment. I had been retired for 4 years and we wanted to make the most of our free time. Therefore, we wanted to get rid of the burdens and chores inherent to any property you own. This is how we landed in the small town of Altkirch / Alsace / Eastern France.
Right from day one, we enjoyed the place and the way of life it offers us. Therefore, little by little, I have started to take and collect photos of Altkirch, like lovers do about their love story. I would like to share them with you, readers, to be positively impacted with the karma of Altkirch.
WE LIVE CLOSE TO THE MOUNTAINS
When you live in Alsace, you have to cope with the geography that has shaped the local history. Three key elements are constant reminders of where you are because your eyes can’t run away from them:
- The Rhine River
- The Vosges Mountains
- The Black Forest Mountains
Altkirch is no exception to this rule, we enjoy a stunning view of the Vosges every day. Of course, with a panorama like this you can only start your day on the right foot.
WINTER AT ITS BEST
In winter, temperatures are low in Altkirch. Most of the time below -5° C / 23° F. Drops to -15° C / 5° F are common over the season. It means that you have to be prepared and organized, e.g. wearing thick winter coats, equip your car with snow tires, make sure your habitation is well insulated, etc. This does not bother us at all because we know how to deal with it all.
Winter is a fantastic season too with beautiful sceneries made of snow, blue sky, wintry sunlight, etc. I love the vivid colours Altkirch is made of at that moment.
In Alsace, winter lasts long. Therefore, to compensate for the lack of colours on the cloudy days, the local houses exhibit facades with bright paints, e.g. red, blue, violet, etc. Consequently, even on a grey day you are in a good mood, thanks to the colorful surrounding.
The peak of the winter season is Christmas. In Alsace, it is the season for decorating your workplace, your house, etc. with lights and other symbolic objects celebrating Christmas. Altkirch is strongly committed to that tradition. Hence, the town center is visited by many visitors admiring the illuminations.
WE LOVE LIGHTS
Because we love lights, we can’t help spreading them on our buildings. Both in winter and in summer. The mappings of the local church and the main theater are very popular. They are opportunities for enjoying beautiful evening shows with the rich local history as the main source of inspiration. I like this mix of advanced technology, with modern inspiration on ancient buildings.
EXPERIENCE AN IMMERSION IN THE MEDIEVAL TIMES
Like anyone living in Europe, the presence of ancient buildings is common to us. When I say ancient, in Altkich, I mean from the medieval times. It is like Disneyland Cinderella’s castle for real!! I have to admit that they are only remains of it. But they contribute to give to the town its strong character. They make a walk through the city a very pleasant experience.
I can even recommend wandering around at night if you wish to feel a bit of the mystery from the Middle Ages.
STREET ART MADE IN ALTKIRCH
Despite its long history, Altkirch is not afraid of modernity. As mentioned in the section about light, its inhabitants enjoy mixing up to date creations with symbols of a rich past. Therefore, you will admire several examples of street art in town. Another facet of this active city.
REMINDERS OF A TRAGIC HISTORY
Altkirch is the gate you have to unlock if you want to access the rest of France from Southern Alsace, or the other way around. Therefore, its control has been heavily disputed. During the cold war, it was a very active military garrison as well.
Thus, many celebrations take place at the War Memorial to remind people of the value of peace in a region heavily hurt by various conflicts since memorable times.
WHEN ALTKIRCH TURNED INTO A GHOST TOWN
COVID-19 pandemic was everywhere in 2020 and 2021. In Altkirch, like in the rest of France, lockdowns were established with social distancing measures. The city was in an idle state. Streets were empty and no noise could be heard all around. A strange experience that will be remembered by those who went through it. Altkirch pictures of that time are special and, we hope, unique because not to be repeated.
FESTIVALS
Altkirch inhabitants are very festive people. The local theater is often busy with musical shows, concerts, etc. In summer, there are two special moments for those types of events:
On June 21st, it is summer solstice and the music festival and on July 14th, it is Bastille Day. Both are the opportunity for outside concerts of various styles and people from all around gather there to enjoy summertime dancing and singing.
Photo copyright Xavier-Marie LEDRU
Even some of the official buildings wear their national suit on the National Day.
FINAL DESTINATION
We have reached the arrival point. It is the point where I like to make a break nearly every day. It is the combination of all the good ingredients of lifestyle in Altkirch: a nice surrounding, a cozy atmosphere, with good drinks available such as wine, coffee, tea, etc.
It is the local bookshop that is a wine bar as well. Isn’t it nice to have a location that synergizes intellectual enjoyment with food & drink pleasure. This is what you find in Atkirch.
