mont sainte odile convent

We visited Mont Sainte Odile Convent while we were staying in Le Hohwald.A pleasant drive through the forest, but quite a few bends to navigate, saw a motor bike accident where the rider took the corner too short and crashed.It was a very busy day when we were there and parking was a nightmare, with a long walk for one of my friends who has a walking problem. There were many tourist coaches parked and so many people everywhere.Interesting area inside the entrance with many people sitting under trees etc. A group of young people were gathered and commenced to sing hymns in such beautiful voices, so entertaining.Our walk around the Convent was interesting, showing vast areas of forests etc.Around the end of the building we came into a most scenic area, with beautiful gardens, a small chapel, painted with blue and gold, quite a sight. The views across the vineyards and hillside was just amazing, we were fortunate to have a very clear, sunny day, so could see vast areas of the countryside.Thought the eating areas were very commercial, and not appealing, and were very busy.Interesting experience, but hard to believe the fable of how it all came about.

After visiting Obernai, the birthplace of Saint Odile, we drove up to the convent. This is where Saint Odile set up her monastery. The land was given to her by her father. She has an interesting story. Born blind, her parents sent her away to a convent as a baby. She gained sight when she was baptized.When she wanted to come home, her brother was killed by the father in a fit of rage. After a chase where she hid in a rock that opened up to hide her, her father agreed not to force her into a marriage. Instead she set up this convent with the beautiful views.It is a complex of buildings and there is no fee, The Chapel of Tears, where she used to pray for her father is lovely with gold mosaic all over the walls and ceiling. You have to pay €1 for the lights to come on and for an explanation of the place. The other chapel, the Chapel of Angels, is also covered with mosaics.There is an interesting sundial on the grounds which supposedly tells the time of places all over the world. I saw Japan and Vienna among its many faces. This must have been advanced for the 16 th century.I would come up here for the views. The drive from Obernai is lovely, too,We wanted to eat at their cafeteria but it was very full. It was Sunday when we went. Perhaps some were there also after hearing the 11:30am mass.

What a wonderful experience. Don't only visit Mont Sainte Odile, but actually spend a few nights there at the convent which has been converted into a very nice hotel. They have done a great job of keeping the old charm. My first experience there was when a friend took me there and we used it as a base while we toured through the Alsace countryside. It's beautiful and charming, very reasonable and affordable, and it's very convenient to take day tours from. What a fantastic view of the countryside and small villages below. I then ended up going back three years later to share the experience with my wife and six years later to share the experience with my two kids. I'm headed back next year to treat my older sister to this great experience.

For this visit we are coming from the Village “Obernai” and are driving uphill in the direction of the small village “Saint-Nabor” and from there on we are following the sings for the Pilgrim place “Mont Saint Odile”.We drive some km uphill through the nice forest road before we arrive on one of the 3 parking places where we a leaving the car behind and are continuing by walking to the “Convent”.The convent who is supposed to be a “Pilgrim” place is for me more a commerce, because the convent consists out of a “Hotel” were touring busses are arriving with tourists, a restaurant and last but not least the church and two chapels, in the last once you also have to pay to get some more light on the inside, also when visiting the bathroom it will cost you 50cents.More than the views you have from there over the surrounding area you will have nothing particularly spectacular to see, this is our UN salted opinion on this place, and we enjoyed the views.

A not-to-be-missed experience. This convent, perched high above the beautiful Alasatian countryside, has a fascinating history and the tiny basilica contains the 8th century coffin of St Odile,patron saint of Alsace. Facilities include a restaurant /cafe. The tiny chapels have wonderful mosaic walls and ceilings.

Going up in Vosges and coming to Mont Sainte Odile is fanntastic. Learn the legend of Sainte Odile, her piety and her Life. There is a stunning view over Alsace, the vineyards, the small villages.Besides that you can join in prayer in the Chapel, talk to the many people coming there in faith hoping to be cured (from blindness).

We went on our bikes, and it is a LONG hill up - with a lovely panoramic view of the Alsace valley east of the Voges Mountains once you get there. The downhill ride is a thrill!

I visited this location with a family who live fairly close by. The monastery offers great views to the surrounding valley and it is worth a visit just for the views. Even though I'm not too religious the monastery itself was still a nice place to visit. After visiting the monastery we went to pick up some holy water from the spring nearby. Bring your own bottles and prepare to queue for some time.

Mont Ste-Odile is in the Bas-Rhin department. It is at an altitude of 2507 ft. Here you find a monstery church a Convent where pilgrims visit from all over the world. There are 2 very small but absolutely beautiful chapels that date from the 11th and 12th centuries. The setting is in the Vosges mountains amongst superb scenery and the pink sandstone of the area. There are lovely planted small garden areas and the most fantastic panoramic views. (you need a clear day). There is a high quality restaurant and a hotel if you want a longer stay. The restaurant is laid out in the style of the original convent refrectory with refectory style tables. The quality of the food is very good and well priced. Outside there are many walks to embark on on in particular is to see a wall that was built 10BC it is 5.5 ft thick and 10ft high! All in all a very beautiful and peaceful place to visit.

The convent is magnificent. We are not religious but the convent, its condition and presentation are very impressive as is its location.

Mount St Odile offers the best sights of Alsacian Valley. A wonderful View of the region and during Sunny days the Cathedral of Strasbourg can be seen.Happy Sharing Happy Inside recommends this visit to anyone.

must see when in Obernai area! the view is great, the convent nice, but what makes the place quite amazing (so we thought) was the surrounding walkingpaths.

On the top of the mountain this peaceful place has great views over the surrounding country side.the drive up is very beautifulOne thing to note is that if you dont get there early, the lower carparks are quite steep so the walk to the convent can be difficult

This place is still redolent of the intense spiritual presence of this early saint. The buildings are not ancient, but the view is wonderful, especially if you stay in the convent and can enjoy it after the day trippers are gone. This is the heart of the Alsace and an importance place to visit, if you want to understand this turbulent and prosperous heart of Europe.

Evidently Ste Odile was born blind, daughter of a noble and had sight after she was baptised. I am a Christian, doubt a bit the story, even though it might mean spiritual sight.Big convent sight, in the hills, interesting. But as usual the gift shop at the end!!