Oltingue

Oltingue was the most populated of the 33 villages of the seigneury of Ferrette before the Thirty Years' War. The village has kept the imprint of the old terraced cultivation which gave pride of place to the vines favored by a dry climate attributed to the situation of the village, at the foot of a hill, in the blind spot of atmospheric currents. The Ill crosses the town with many sites to discover. 

To see :

-  The Peasant Museum of Oltingue : created in the 70s, it presents in a half-timbered farmhouse collections gathered by Abbot Etienne Bilger (1901-1980) and allows us to understand how the people of Sundgau lived before the rapid evolution of the countryside in the XXth century.

 - The church of Saint-Martin-des-Champs : former mother church of three villages, listed as a Historic Monument and dating from the fourteenth^e century, it contains tombs of the VII^e century and VIII^e century highlights and frescoes prior to 1350 depicting characters from the Old Testament and saints.

- Saint Martin's church : Built in 1824 by the bailiff of Ferrette, who found the Saint-Martin-des-Champs church too small and above all too far away, it contains a Callinet organ classified as a Historic Monument in 1973. Magnificent interior furniture is also to be discovered.

- The Saint-Brice Chapel : attested in 1361, partially rebuilt in 1669, it is located, isolated, 3 km north-east of the village of Oltingue in a clearing. Formerly Saint-Brice was a famous place of pilgrimage, appearing in 1576 on the map of Alsace under the name of Saint-Brixi. In 1567 a hermitage stood near the chapel, now replaced by a farmhouse which attracts many tourists in fine weather.

 - The path of the tall trees  from the parking lot of the St Brice chapel 

FAQ – Discover Oltinge

1. What is the historical importance of Oltingue in the Sundgau?
Before the Thirty Years' War, Oltingue was the most populated of the 33 villages in the seigneury of Ferrette. Its location at the foot of a hill, sheltered from the wind, allowed it to develop terraced farming, ideal for vineyards. This ancient system has left a lasting mark on the landscape and the agricultural and historical identity of the village.

2. What landscapes and natural features characterize Oltingue?
Oltingue boasts a rich and varied natural setting. The Ill River flows through the village, lined with numerous half-timbered houses, and contributes to the diversity of sites to discover. The hillsides, clearings, and surrounding forests offer wonderful opportunities for walks, particularly to reach the Auberge Saint Brice on the Franco-Swiss border. The ancient terraced fields, still visible today, bear witness to the inhabitants' adaptation to their environment and reinforce the village's authentic character.

3. What can you discover at the Oltingue Peasant Museum?
The Oltingue Peasant Museum, created in the 1970s, is housed in a half-timbered peasant house. It displays collections assembled by Abbot Étienne Bilger, illustrating the daily life of the Sundgauvians before the profound rural changes of the 20th century.¿ century. Tools, household objects and furniture allow us to understand the traditions and lifestyles of the past.

4. Why is the Saint-Martin-des-Champs church remarkable?
Classified as a Historical Monument, the Saint-Martin-des-Champs church dates from the 14th century¿ It dates from the 7th century and was the mother church of three villages. It houses tombs of the 7th century.¿ and VIII¿ centuries, as well as frescoes predating 1350 depicting biblical figures and saints. This place constitutes an exceptional testimony to the antiquity and spiritual richness of the territory.

5. What can one see in the Saint-Martin church in Oltingue?
Built in 1824, the Church of Saint-Martin was erected to meet the needs of the inhabitants, the old church being considered too far away. It houses a Callinet organ, listed as a Historical Monument since 1973, as well as high-quality interior furnishings. The ensemble reflects the artistic and religious expertise of the 19th century.¿ century in Alsace.

6. Why visit the Saint-Brice chapel and its surroundings?
The Saint-Brice chapel, documented as early as 1361, is located in a clearing three kilometers from Oltingue. A former pilgrimage site, it is now surrounded by a peaceful natural setting. Nearby, the path lined with tall trees invites leisurely strolls. A renowned inn, built on the former site of the hermitage, attracts many visitors during the warmer months.