Vauban Dam

The Vauban Dam, a remarkable architectural achievement of the 17th century, is located on the Bruche Canal cycle route, between the communes of Avolsheim and Wolxheim, about twenty kilometers from Strasbourg. Also known as the "small and large sluices," this dam was built in 1682 on the artificial Bruche Canal, designed by the engineer Vauban himself. Its essential role was to supply water to the Strasbourg citadel, constructed after the surrender of the free city of the German Empire to French troops on September 30, 1681. At that time, materials, especially sandstone, were transported by waterway, with barges pulled by men, donkeys, or horses along the towpath. The construction was complex due to the canal's 29-meter slope. To supply the canal, the Bruche was connected to the Mossig at Avolsheim via a trench dug by the "Champagne" Regiment. At this junction point, the large sluices, also called the "grand reversoir," were installed to regulate the flow of the Bruche Canal. Downstream, the Bruche’s course is bordered by flood meadows called "rieds," naturally undevelopable areas. Accessible to hikers, the dam is located on the GR 534 Stanislas-Kléber trail.