Alsace is one of the regions in France that has experienced a unique history. Swinging between French and German cultures, it has not weakened its Alsatian roots. We invite you to discover the Mossig and Vignoble destination by exploring the traces and remnants of its past. Its historical richness is particularly evident in these lesser-known military episodes.
Colonel de Gaulle in Wangenbourg-Engenthal
Did you know that Wangenbourg-Engenthal hosted the future General Charles de Gaulle for nearly ten years?
Indeed, it was at the beginning of World War II that Charles de Gaulle, then a colonel, was hosted by the Rèbre family, an Alsatian family living in Wangenbourg-Engenthal.
The Nazi occupation on June 17, 1940, gave even more weight to General de Gaulle's clandestinely listened-to call the following day. It marked the beginning of heroic resistance with the networks of smugglers and resistant 'malgré-nous' (forced conscripts) hiding in the forests, until November 22, 1944, when American and French armored units forced their way through the Vosges Mountains at the present-day Col du Valsberg and the hamlet of Obersteigen under the command of General Leclerc. (source)
To help you become acquainted with this part of history, we offer you the Memory Trail.
For even more details and anecdotes on this subject, feel free to book a guided tour by visiting the tourist office.
Fort de Mutzig - Feste Kaiser Wilhelm II
To immerse yourself in Alsatian history and understand this special Franco-German relationship, we invite you to visit the Fort of Mutzig. While today it stands as a symbol of peace between these two countries, the monument was initially a military structure and the first modern fortification. In 1914, it was indeed the most powerful in Europe. This German relic on French soil holds even more significance as it served as a testing ground for various technologies (concrete, reinforced concrete, radio, electricity...).
Furthermore, while the monument is imposing, it also offers a panoramic view of its surroundings, allowing you to appreciate its natural environment.
If its history piques your interest, we invite you to book a visit.
