"Covered bridges" but not actually covered, the Ponts Couverts are three bridges and four towers…read morethat were built in the 13th century as a defense of the city. There was originally a wooden roof but it was removed back in 1784 and the name remained. The nearby marker in French, German and English reads, "The covered bridges comprised the city's wester defenses from the 13th to 17th centuries and formed part of the Episcopal wall. Three of the bruick-built towers have survived - the Heinrichsturn, the Hans von Altheiumturm and the tour des Français (French tower). The spur-shaped parts in front of the bridges were built by Daniel Specklin in the 16th century and fitted with loopholes for guns to fire through. The bridges' galleries were protected by a tilting roof, whence the name, and closed off by a wooden wall contained arrow slits. The galleries were replaced in 1784 by wooden footbridges and in 1865 by the sandstone bridges that can be seen today. From 1880 to 1950, the area in front of the second tower was taken by the Mathis Baths, which were divided into two pools, separated by covered pontoons surrounded by a fence and fitted with changing rooms." [Review 16450 overall - 84 in France - 1958 of 2021.]

Translates to "covered bridges" but the actual covered bridge is directly across called the Barrage…read moreVauban. Perhaps at one point these bridges were covered but definitely not anymore. It's a scenic area surrounded by water and large towers that once defended the city back in the 13th century. It would be neat to go up the towers and get a better vantage point of the Petite France quarter; however, the towers are off limits and inaccessible. It's worth coming here at night when the reflection of the water makes for a gorgeous photo.

What an undiscovered gem! Unconquered citadel in the Franco Prussian war of 1870. The self guided…read moretour with headphones starts in an unassuming building with mini theaters throughout. You head down into the various bays and rooms of the citadel where the story of the siege occurred projected in mini screens. It's very nicely paced and comfortable temperature down below grounds. It would be extremely difficult for handicapped visitors as there's no ramps, just deep stairs in places. But the whole tour (1hr) is informative and well done. Time flew!

Impressive fort built in 1700s but history of fortification goes back to 1200s. Saw action in 1793…read moreand again in the Franco Prussian War in 1870. Majestic views. Entrance until 5PM on weekdays and 6PM but can walk around grounds for an hour after although cafe closes at 6.

What a beautiful Alsatian village! Literally on the German/French border about 70 minutes drive…read morefrom Kaiserslautern, where we live. I don't know why but Wissembourg is not mentioned in any French travel guide books. Perhaps that is a good thing to keep hordes of tourists away. Wissembourg is a beautiful village worthy of a day trip. Patisseries and restaurants are great. There is a Saturday morning market (small) with a guy who sells soaps from Marsaille for cheap prices compared to store prices. Wissembourg has many sights and is a great village to walk through taking picture after picture. They also have a small Christmas market in December that we really enjoyed! Be sure to pick up some desserts from one of the many great patisseries here. We do that each visit!

Visiting for the Christmas markets and what an enchanting city. It's very walkable with so much to…read moresee. There is a museum of cultures that we didn't go into but we had a late lunch there at the cafe. Nice to have a place to sit and eat. At the market there are sausages and such that are offered along with gluhwein and hot chocolate but we also always want the convenience of a toilette!