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Seltz
Seltz
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Seltz, view to the village with church (l'église Saint-Etienne) in the background

Key Information

Seltz (French pronunciation: [sɛlts]; German: Selz) is a commune in the Bas-Rhin department of the Grand Est region in north-eastern France.[3] It is located on the Sauer River near its confluence with the Rhine, opposite the German town of Rastatt.

History

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The former Celtic settlement of Saliso near a crossing of the Rhine river was mentioned as the Roman castrum Saletio in the Notitia Dignitatum about 425. Later a part of the German stem duchy of Swabia, Emperor Otto I granted the area to his wife Adelaide of Burgundy in 968. Saint Adelaide established Selz Abbey in 991 and died here eight years later.

In 1357 Emperor Charles IV of Luxembourg raised Selz to an Imperial city, after which the town joined the Alsatian Décapole league. It however lost its immediate status in 1414, when it was mediatised by Elector Palatine Louis III of Wittelsbach. Seltz finally was annexed by France in 1680.

Population

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Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1968 2,373—    
1975 2,570+1.15%
1982 2,637+0.37%
1990 2,584−0.25%
1999 2,985+1.62%
2007 3,189+0.83%
2012 3,281+0.57%
2017 3,235−0.28%
Source: INSEE[4]

Landmarks

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Église Saint-Étienne de Seltz was last built in 1954–6.

Ferry Seltz - Plittersdorf (Germany). The Rhine ferry Seltz - Plittersdorf (in France: Bac Seltz - Plittersdorf or Bac de Seltz) is a yaw cable (reaction) ferry across the Rhine south of Karlsruhe. It connects the French municipality of Seltz in Alsace on the left bank of the Rhine with the German village of Plittersdorf, a part of Rastatt, on the right bank of the Rhine. The operator is the French European Collectivity of Alsace, the use of the ferry is free.[5]

Twin Towns - Sister Cities

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Seltz is a small rural commune in the department of the Grand Est region in northeastern , situated near the and the . With a population of 3,208 inhabitants as of the 2023 census, it exemplifies a typical Alsatian town characterized by its lush green landscapes and proximity to natural waterways. The commune's ancient origins trace back to the settlement of Saliso and the known as Saletio, documented around 425 AD in historical records. Historically, Seltz has evolved from its strategic position along the , serving as a crossing point in , to a parish center with documented presence from the . The town experienced significant changes, including control from 1557 to 1682 and administration thereafter, before suffering destruction during bombings in 1940. Reconstruction efforts in the restored key structures, preserving its cultural legacy as part of official French heritage records. Geographically, Seltz spans 2,091 hectares of diverse terrain, including agricultural lands, forests, and significant wetland areas comprising about 9.44% of its surface. Bordered by the Lauter River to the north, the to the east, and the Haguenau Forest to the west, it forms part of the northern Rhin supérieur/Oberrhein cross-border , renowned for its . In 2022, Seltz was accredited as a Wetland City by the , highlighting its commitment to conserving the 486-hectare Sauer Delta National Nature Reserve, a protected area rich in botanical, ornithological, and hydrological features. The commune's historical heritage is prominently represented by the Église paroissiale Saint-Étienne, a registered historical monument inscribed in 2006, with possible origins and foundations uncovered during post-war excavations. Originally constructed in the late , the church features a choir and chapels from the early , rebuilt after wartime damage between 1954 and 1958 using a mix of traditional sandstone and modern . Beyond religious sites, Seltz offers community services like a France Services center and a médiathèque, alongside tourism amenities such as camping along the and cycling paths, fostering its role as a verdant destination in Alsace.

Geography

Location

Seltz is a situated in the department within the Grand Est region of northeastern . It forms part of the historical and cultural area, with administrative boundaries defined by the surrounding communes in the . The precise geographical coordinates of Seltz are approximately 48°53′39″ N latitude and 8°6′25″ E longitude. The commune is located approximately 50 kilometers northwest of the city of Strasbourg, the regional capital, making it accessible via regional roads and rail connections. To the east, Seltz lies less than 10 kilometers from the , positioned directly adjacent to the , which serves as the natural frontier between and in this area. The town is near the confluence of the Sauer River with the Rhine, enhancing its strategic position along this major waterway. Topographically, Seltz occupies a position in the , with an average elevation of around 122 meters above , ranging from about 107 to 165 meters across its terrain. This relatively low-lying landscape reflects the flat, fertile formed by the , contributing to the commune's rural character and agricultural suitability.

Physical Features

Seltz is characterized by a predominantly flat terrain situated in the , with elevations ranging from approximately 107 meters to 165 meters above and an average elevation of 122 meters. This low-lying landscape features fertile deposited by the , which support extensive agricultural use and contribute to the area's rich natural productivity. The proximity to the Rhine influences the local topography, creating a mosaic of and modest elevation variations, with land cover dominated by (about 33% within 2 miles) and (38%). The climate of Seltz is semi-continental, marked by warm summers and cold winters, with partly cloudy conditions throughout the year. Average annual precipitation totals around 919 mm, with the wettest month being at 97 mm and the driest at 61 mm. Temperatures typically range from an average low of -1.7°C and high of 4.4°C in (yielding an approximate monthly average of 2°C) to a low of 13.9°C and high of 25.6°C in July (approximate monthly average of 20°C). This influence, moderated by the 's valley, results in mild seasonal shifts compared to more inland continental areas. Local flora and fauna thrive in the along the , featuring damp meadows, , , and Rhineland forests typical of . These areas host diverse species, including numerous , , , , fish, and adapted to . The commune includes protected natural areas such as the Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Delta de la Sauer, spanning 486 hectares across Seltz and neighboring Munchhausen, which preserves alluvial valleys and promotes in this ecologically significant Rhine tributary delta.

History

Ancient Origins

The ancient origins of Seltz trace back to the , where the settlement was known as Saliso, inhabited by such as the Triboci and Nemetes in the region along the . This name reflects its roots in the of , with the area serving as part of the broader tribal territories west of the Rhine before . During the , Saliso evolved into Saletio, a recognized settlement in the province of , initially under the administrative umbrella of until around 69-90 AD, after which it fell within . Positioned near the Rhine River, Saletio functioned as a strategic waystation and potential port along key trade and military routes, facilitating commerce and logistics in the , as evidenced by its inclusion in ancient documents like the and the . The site's role at the crossroads between the of the Triboci and Nemetes underscores its importance as a regional hub during the 1st to 4th centuries AD. Archaeological evidence from Saletio reveals a significant agglomeration, with key finds including Latin-inscribed pottery and stone artifacts dating primarily from the early Roman period, such as items documented in the Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum (CIL XIII) and the Carte archéologique de la Gaule (CAG 67.1). Notable discoveries encompass pottery shards with inscriptions from around 2 BC to 8 AD, indicating and settlement activity, alongside ruins that suggest structures related to trade and daily life near the Rhine. These artifacts, including examples like TM id 422744 and TM id 662905, provide tangible proof of continuous occupation and Roman integration into the local framework from the onward. As waned in the , Saletio transitioned toward .

Medieval Development

Following the decline of in the region, early medieval settlements emerged in Seltz as part of the broader integration of into Frankish territories after 's conquest of the in 496, establishing it as a Frankish duchy with influences from and rule. During the , , including and , shaped local development, with Alsace becoming part of the of after the in 843, fostering continuity from Roman-era sites like Saletio. A key religious and architectural milestone occurred in the with the foundation of Selz Abbey around 991 by , who established the Benedictine monastery dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, granting it under in 992, which supported and in the area. By the , the abbey fell under the patronage of noble families such as the , who managed and contributed to amid within the . In the , Seltz experienced shifts in control, exemplified by the 1281 donation of the town (referred to as Selse) by Margraves Herman and Rudolf of to the city of Strasbourg, reflecting evolving feudal lordships and potential fortifications tied to strategic positions, though specific defensive structures in Seltz remain sparsely documented. During the , Seltz gained prominence in the as a in 1357, followed by its incorporation into the by in 1358, which provided economic mutual aid among member towns and highlighted its role in regional conflicts and trade networks along the . This status ended in 1414 when seized the town, transforming it into a Palatine lordship and integrating it into broader Alsatian power struggles. Economically, medieval Seltz exemplified rural with shifts toward agriculture on fertile and -related trade, supported by the that facilitated inter-town commerce and resilience against feudal disruptions from 1358 to 1414.

Modern Period

During the , Seltz experienced significant turmoil, including the Battle of Seltz on October 13, 1793, where defeated . Following the return of in December 1793, the town saw the "Grande fuite," a mass exodus of residents to the amid widespread fear. After 1790, Seltz was integrated into the newly formed department as part of under the , solidifying its place within the . In 1803, , as , convened the assembly of the at Seltz on January 9, an event documented in local archives that underscored the town's alignment with the . The brought further upheaval with the , culminating in the in 1871, which annexed Seltz to the alongside much of . This period saw economic changes, including the regularization of the , which prompted significant emigration from Seltz to destinations such as America, southern Russia, Algeria, and larger French cities due to and population pressures. During , nearly fifty Seltzois lost their lives on the battlefields while serving under German command, contributing to ongoing demographic fluctuations in the region. In the , Seltz endured the impacts of , with residents mobilized into the starting in September 1939, followed by evacuation to Mézières-sur-Issoire in . The town suffered heavy losses, alongside the destruction of the Saint Etienne church's steeple and nave by a German shell in 1940. Seltz was liberated twice—first by in December 1944 and again by under in March 1945—with post-war bombings further devastating homes and infrastructure. After 1945, the town underwent reconstruction, benefiting from that promoted , including the establishment of German companies and increased cross-border economic activity, which helped reverse population declines and supported steady growth through economic modernization and infrastructure development.

Demographics

The population of Seltz has shown a pattern of overall growth with some fluctuations followed by a decline and then a recent rebound, based on official census data from the . From 1968 to 2015, the population increased from 2,373 to a peak of 3,378 inhabitants, reflecting broader post-World War II demographic expansion in rural Alsatian communes driven by improved living conditions and limited industrialization. This growth averaged about 0.7% annually in later periods, such as between 1999 and 2010, supported by positive migration balances in earlier decades. However, between 2015 and 2021, the population decreased to 3,135, marking an annual decline of 1.2%, attributed to a negative natural balance (births minus deaths at -0.3%) and net out-migration (-0.9%). By 2022, the population rebounded to 3,168 inhabitants. Factors influencing these trends include the commune's rural character, which has contributed to depopulation through younger residents moving to urban centers for employment, as well as a declining birth rate that fell from 16.8‰ in 1968-1975 to 5.9‰ in 2015-2021, while mortality rates remained stable around 7.6‰ to 10.3‰. Although specific data on wartime impacts like World War II are not detailed in census records for Seltz, the region's history of conflict likely contributed to earlier fluctuations, with recovery evident in the mid-20th century figures starting at 2,373 in 1968. Recent census data from 2021 highlights an , with 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (591 individuals out of 3,135 total), up from previous decades as (0-14 years) dropped to 13.9% from 16.0% in 2010. Updated data for 2022 is not yet detailed for , but the overall population increase suggests ongoing demographic shifts. This , with increases in the 60-74 (16.3%) and 75+ (9.8%) groups as of 2021, underscores challenges like and the need for sustained local services, though the overall density remains at about 149 inhabitants per as of 2021, rising slightly to approximately 152 per km² in 2022.
YearPopulation
19682,373
19752,570
19822,637
19902,584
19992,985
20103,220
20153,378
20213,135
20223,168
Source: census data.

Ethnic and Social Composition

Seltz, as a rural commune in the of , exhibits a linguistic profile typical of northern Alsace, where the —a Germanic language variant—is predominantly spoken alongside French. This bilingualism is influenced by the commune's proximity to the , fostering cultural exchanges and the use of both languages in daily life and community interactions. According to regional linguistic studies, around 43-46% of Alsace's population, including residents in Bas-Rhin areas like Seltz, engages with the Alsatian dialect, particularly in informal settings, though French remains the official language of administration and education. The social structure of Seltz reflects a blend of traditional rural lifestyles and modern commuting patterns, with a mix of long-established farming families, retirees, and individuals who travel to nearby urban centers. In 2022, retirees constituted about 26.4% of the population aged 15 and over, highlighting a significant segment of older residents contributing to community stability, while approximately 20.4% were categorized as ouvriers (manual workers), many involved in local agriculture such as operations that sustain family-based enterprises. Overall, about 60.7% of the population aged 15 and over had an employment. Commuters form another key group, facilitated by efficient rail connections to Strasbourg, approximately 45 minutes away, allowing residents to access employment opportunities beyond the commune. This demographic mix supports a population of around 3,168 as of 2022, underscoring Seltz's role as a commuter-friendly rural hub. play a vital role in fostering social cohesion, with numerous local associations promoting sports, cultural activities, and mutual support among residents. Examples include the Judo Club Seltz, Handball Club de Seltz, and Groupe Espoir, which organize events and gatherings that strengthen interpersonal ties in this close-knit environment. The Maison des Associations in Seltz further supports these groups by providing dedicated spaces for development and promotion of associative life. Religiously, Seltz mirrors the historical diversity of , with a majority population reflecting the region's longstanding ties to Catholicism, alongside a notable minority, particularly communities in . This composition stems from the area's complex history of , where number around 23,000 in the department and a total of about 73,000 regionally (approximately 4% of the population). Such diversity influences local traditions and community events, emphasizing Alsace's multicultural heritage without significant ethnic divisions, as French policy emphasizes over ethnic categorization.

Economy and Infrastructure

Economic Activities

Seltz's economy is primarily based on services and industry, reflecting its rural yet connected character in the Alsace region, where commerce, transport, and various services employ the largest portion of the local workforce at 42.0% and industry at 26.4% as of 2022, contributing substantially to the 's economic output. plays a minor role with only 1.8% of jobs, including crop farming focused on cereals such as and , as well as vegetable cultivation, which benefit from the fertile soils of the . is also present, with Seltz integrated into the Alsace wine route, producing notable varieties like and through local vineyards and cooperatives that support small-scale producers. In addition to these sectors, play a supporting role, particularly in , where local products such as wines, , and are transformed and marketed, often leveraging traditional . , including and , provide supplementary employment opportunities, though these sectors remain modest in scale compared to and industry. The in Seltz was 5.2% as of 2022, slightly below regional averages in at 6.2%, indicating a stable . contributes to seasonal economic activity, drawn by the commune's , such as its medieval church and , which attract visitors interested in Alsatian culture and generate income through accommodations, guided tours, and local eateries. This influx supports ancillary services without dominating the overall economy. , including regional roads and , facilitates the transport of goods to broader markets.

Transportation and Services

Seltz benefits from a well-integrated road network that facilitates connectivity to major regional centers and cross-border access. The commune is primarily accessed via the D468 departmental road, which links Seltz to Strasbourg approximately 50 kilometers to the southwest and provides direct routes toward the along the . Local bus services operate under the Réseau 67 system managed by the Compagnie des Transports du Bas-Rhin (CTBR), including line 313 connecting Seltz to Wissembourg and line 330 linking it to Beinheim and Haguenau, with additional rail options via the TER Alsace line for travel to Strasbourg and onward to Wörth in Germany. These transport links support daily commuting and economic activities by enabling efficient movement of residents and goods across the Alsace region. Utilities in Seltz are provided through and regional operators, ensuring reliable access to essential services in line with environmental and quality standards. Potable water is managed by the Syndicat des Eaux du Canton de Seltz (SDE), which pumps it from the alluvial phreatic aquifer of the at a dedicated station in Seltz using two exploited wells, serving the commune and nine neighboring areas under the oversight of the Rhin-Meuse water agency. Electricity distribution falls under Strasbourg Électricité Réseaux, which maintains the grid for over 400 communes in , including Seltz, guaranteeing a stable supply compliant with . Waste management is handled by the Syndicat Mixte Intercommunal pour la Collecte et le Traitement des Ordures Ménagères (SMICTOM) Nord Alsace, covering 81 communes and emphasizing recycling, waste reduction, and prohibition of open-air burning to align with principles, with 26,011 tonnes collected across the network in 2024. Healthcare services for Seltz residents are supported by nearby facilities, as the commune lacks its own hospital but relies on the Centre Hospitalier de , located approximately 25 kilometers away, which offers 625 beds and places including medical, surgical, and . Education is provided locally at the primary level through the École Maternelle La Capucine, offering , and École Élémentaire de La Fontaine, offering a since 1995, with the elementary school accommodating around 200 students from and including specialized inclusion classes for students with disabilities. The elementary school emphasizes , including international partnerships with schools in the and since 2010, alongside community activities like sports and . Secondary education is available at the Collège in Seltz, which offers bilingual sections, and advanced studies at the lycée in Wissembourg.

Culture and Heritage

Religious Sites

The principal religious site in Seltz is the Église paroissiale Saint-Étienne, a historic church with roots tracing back to the and significant construction phases from the 14th to 16th centuries. The surviving and lateral chapels, including the Chapelle Sainte-Adélaïde and the Fleckenstein funerary chapel, date to the late 15th or early 16th century, featuring built from . The church was severely damaged by bombing on May 28, 1940, during World War II, which destroyed the , , and much of the structure, leaving only the choir, , and parts of the walls intact. Reconstruction of the nave occurred between 1954 and 1958 under the direction of architect Jean Viallefond, incorporating reinforced concrete porticos and a wooden ceiling while preserving the . Inside the church, notable features include an 18th-century baroque main altar (maître-autel) installed around 1709, as well as historic tombs, such as those of Abbé Otto, Martha von Trotha, and Catharina von Cronberg, reflecting its role as a burial site for local nobility. Beyond the church, Seltz features other religious monuments, including small rural chapels scattered in surrounding hamlets, some dating to the and erected by local families as acts of devotion. , such as the communal monument aux morts located in the town center, commemorate victims of and II, with inscriptions listing civilian and military casualties from Seltz. These sites underscore the 's religious landscape, blending with remembrances of conflicts. Preservation efforts in the have been crucial to maintaining these sites' integrity, with the Église Saint-Étienne inscribed as a Monument Historique on March 9, 2006, ensuring communal ownership and protected status. renovations extended into the , while broader initiatives highlight the church's significance in as a symbol of resilience amid centuries of turmoil, from the to modern conflicts.

Cultural Events and Traditions

Seltz, as a rural Alsatian commune, participates in the region's vibrant cultural calendar, with annual events that highlight local heritage and community spirit. The town hosts a bustling Christmas market in December, featuring seasonal crafts, local products, and festive illuminations that draw residents and visitors alike to celebrate Alsatian holiday traditions. Additionally, Seltz takes part in the European Heritage Days in September, an autumn cultural event that opens up historical sites across France to showcase the diversity of national heritage. These events often incorporate Alsatian customs, such as , as seen in a 2012 soirée volksmusik organized in the town, where groups performed traditional tunes attracting over 250 attendees to the Maison des Loisirs et de la Culture. Traditional customs in Seltz embody the broader , including enjoyment of gastronomic specialties like , a thin-crust tart shared communally with local wines to foster social bonds. Community initiatives further preserve these elements, with associations promoting the through cultural programs.

Government and Administration

Local Governance

Seltz operates as a single within the , governed by a elected by universal suffrage for six-year terms. The council consists of 23 members, including the mayor, responsible for local decision-making on matters such as , , and . In the 2020 municipal elections, held on March 15 amid the , the list "Seltz d'Abord" led by Jean-Luc Ball secured 20 seats out of 23 in the , with 777 votes representing approximately 71.5% of valid votes cast. Voter turnout was 52.47%, a decrease from 74.68% in 2014. Jean-Luc Ball was subsequently elected mayor, serving a term from 2020 to 2026. As part of the Communauté de communes de la Plaine du Rhin (CCPR), which includes 19 communes in the , Seltz collaborates on intercommunal services such as , , and . The CCPR's headquarters is in Beinheim, and it focuses on within the Grand Est region. Local policies in Seltz emphasize rural development through initiatives like the Plan Local d'Urbanisme (PLU), which integrates by assessing project impacts on local ecosystems and promoting sustainable land use. The commune also participates in broader territorial contracts, such as the Contrat de Rivage et de Transition Écologique (CRTE) of the Plaine du Rhin, aimed at ecological transition and rural revitalization. Additionally, efforts, including potential via the 's 2014-2020 and , support the maintenance of historical sites while aligning with environmental goals.

Notable Public Figures

One of the most notable historical figures associated with Seltz is François-Joseph Hérold, a composer and pianist born in the commune on March 10, 1755. He studied music under in and later became a prominent piano teacher in Paris, where he composed and other works, contributing to the before his death in 1802. His son, Louis-Joseph-Ferdinand Hérold, also achieved fame as a composer, though born in Paris. In the , Aimé Schneider served as mayor of Seltz from 1945 to March 1971. As a member of the and a restaurateur by profession, Schneider's long tenure is documented in official records of Alsatian mayors. Léon Neunreuther, a and longtime curate of Seltz from 1976 to 2000, earned recognition as a citizen of honor for his religious and community service. Born around 1927, he previously served as in Seltz from 1951 to 1955 and as curate in nearby Kutzenhausen, contributing to the preservation of local religious heritage until his death in 2017.

References

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