Movinpark – Fun in Cernay
Enjoy a day full of movement and activities at Movinpark, perfect for families and young people.
Plizio Visual Lab
Best enjoyed for dinner at the traditional Winstub taverns scattered around the town center.
Try this incredibly hearty local specialty at the classic brasseries along the main streets.
Pick this up fresh in the morning from any of the traditional local bakeries.
For the best prices and experience, buy directly from the winemakers in the surrounding villages.
Visit the weekly farmers market in the central square to pick up the most pungent local cheeses.
Located on the edge of town, this is a quiet natural enclosure dedicated to the care and reintroduction of storks.
A peaceful, green walking path following the river through the town, first-rate for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
Water temperature…
Enjoy a day full of movement and activities at Movinpark, perfect for families and young people.
Discover WWI history through the personal objects of Captain Aristide Leblanc at the strategic site of Hartmannswillerkopf.
Every Friday morning, greengrocers, butchers, florists, and artisans gather at the Cernay market.
A charming small market in the village square featuring organic products and local specialties.
A nostalgic steam train journey through scenic landscapes, guided by passionate volunteers.
Engaging stories and book explorations for young children aged 2 to 5.
Explore the theme of water through art and promote environmental awareness in a creative guided tour.
An art exhibition featuring works by regional and international artists on the theme of mythical water creatures.
A celebration of faith and tradition, sustained by hundreds of volunteers and pilgrims for over 30 years.
A festive day with 100 exhibitors, local food specialties, games, and rides for the whole family.
Cernay, positioned at the mouth of the Thur valley, is a town deeply rooted in Alsatian heritage. Its history was significantly influenced by 19th-century industrialization, with textile and engineering factories reshaping the urban landscape. Before the industrial era, it served as an important fortified stronghold, with the massive medieval Porte de Thann remaining as a testament to that period. Geographically, Cernay marks the transition from the Upper Rhine Plain to the Vosges mountains, making it a well-suited starting point for hiking. Economically, the town has diversified and now hosts modern industrial and logistics firms. The architecture features a blend of traditional Alsatian half-timbered houses and grand 19th-century structures. The community takes special pride in its Stork Park, which played a vital role in reintroducing Alsace's symbolic bird to the region.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 78 | 63 | 69 | 60 | 94 | 83 | 78 | 85 | 67 | 84 | 78 | 90 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Your day begins at the historic Thann Gate, immediately immersing you in the rich medieval past of Cernay. A short walk then brings you to the peaceful Chapelle Saint-Henri. Around midday, the majestic Saint-Etienne Church will impress you with its striking architecture and colorful stained glass. You then head towards the river. The afternoon invites you to enjoy a relaxing stroll in the Rives de la Thur Park, perfectly blending urban life with scenic nature. The walking tour concludes gracefully at the Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Perpétuel-Secours, providing a quiet and spiritual end to an eventful day.
Cernay reveals a mystical side in the rain, with historic gates and churches providing perfect shelter. The morning starts under ancient arches, and by noon, the dry church interiors offer spiritual calm. In the afternoon, the misty banks of the Thur river create a unique atmosphere, and the evening ends peacefully inside a chapel, safe from the downpour.
A winter walk in Cernay requires warm layers, but the crisp air is refreshing. Spend the morning in the frosty old town and warm up in the churches at noon. Enjoy the park in the early afternoon before the 5 PM sunset brings the evening chill. The day concludes in the peaceful chapel as the town lights begin to twinkle in the gathering dark.
Your cycling tour starts at a relaxed pace at the Église Saint-Erasme, located slightly off the main paths. You then swiftly ride to the iconic Thann Gate. Around midday, you visit the nearby Saint-Etienne Church to soak in its splendor. The central streets are highly cycle-friendly and easy to navigate. In the afternoon, the Rives de la Thur Park provides the perfect setting to enjoy a scenic ride along the river on its well-maintained paths. Finally, a short and picturesque ride takes you to the Chapelle du Saint-Esprit, where you can quietly conclude your comprehensive exploration of the town.
Cycling in Cernay in the rain requires extra caution on wet roads. We start in the north with full rain gear, using central landmarks as dry rest stops. On the Thur paths, slow down to avoid slipping on wet leaves or mud. The day finishes quickly at the last stop before visibility decreases due to the persistent rainfall.
Winter cycling in Cernay offers clear views but requires thermal protection for your hands and feet. Start in the north in freezing conditions, using churches for brief warm-ups at noon. The afternoon river tour must end well before the 5 PM sunset. Plan to be back before the falling evening temperatures turn any damp patches into ice.
The day begins at the impressive Cernay Town Hall, followed by a quick drive to the idyllic Chapelle Saint-André on the outskirts. By mid-morning, you reach the center. The imposing Thann Gate and the majestic Saint-Etienne Church are testaments to the town's deep historical roots. After lunch, your car comfortably takes you to the Église Saint-Erasme, where you can discover further captivating facets of local architecture. The driving tour comes to a perfect, quiet end at the Chapelle du Saint-Esprit, offering a peaceful moment of reflection away from the bustle.
By car, exploring Cernay remains comfortable even in heavy rain, as we minimize time spent outdoors. The dry interiors of churches and public buildings are excellent destinations. The short walks from parking spaces to entrances are easily managed with an umbrella. The day ends peacefully within the comfort of your heated vehicle.
Winter in Cernay is best explored by car to escape the biting cold outside. Drive through the festively lit streets and enjoy the views from your warm vehicle. Churches serve as cultural stops with a pleasant atmosphere. Since it gets dark by 5 PM, we plan the route to see the outdoor landmarks in daylight, ending the day as the streetlights turn on.
