Neuf-Breisach and Breisach

Meanwhile - once we had eaten it was back on the bikes and heading back the way we had come towards Neuf-Breisach. Once again, the ride was very pleasant. We stopped periodically to take photos - in particular some lovely (Van Gogh-esqu) rural scenes, an antique lock and the deep grooves on the bridges caused by the barge tow ropes. At one stage we became slightly diverted and ended up still at Neuf-Breisach but from a totally different direction!
Neuf-Breisach is a “model town” built in the shape on an octogon with a star shaped ourer Rampart – it was essentially a “show off” by the French in a massive act of “one-up-mans-ship” to the Germans in Breisach. We had a bit of a ride around the town and then climbed onto the wall to enjoy the view of the impressive outer ramparts – then we were off again. Returning to Breisach we swung around the back of the town and up to Badisacher Weinkeller (the largest bottling wine cellar in Europe) where we purchased some wine before parting ways in the centre of town with Henry and Lionel returning to the ship while Douglas and I made the climb to the Church of St Stephens which is located on a rocky outcrop above the town. Originally built in 1200 the church had various works and alternations over the subsequent 300years – however in 1945 it was essentially rebuilt from the ground up. We met a lovely lady who told up of the history of the church and of the patron Saints (twin Martyrs who’s relics are in the church in a silver reliquary). After a lovely chat we made our way back down, onto our bikes and back to the boat where we enjoyed yet another generous meal and then had our briefing for our final day’s riding.Read more