Banc-reposoir d'Erstein

The Banc-reposoir d'Erstein is a stone resting bench with a carved backrest and armrests, surrounded by large trees that provide shade. The monument sits along the main road of the village and offers visitors a view overlooking the surrounding agricultural landscape.

This resting bench is part of a group of 125 benches built between 1811 and 1812 in the Lower Rhine region. They were erected as a memorial to celebrate the birth of the King of Rome and placed along routes throughout Alsace at that time.

These resting benches were practical stops for Alsatian farmers transporting goods to local markets who needed breaks during their journeys. They reflect the everyday life of a past agricultural culture where such rest points were necessary pauses on long travels.

The monument is easily accessible from the road and offers a peaceful spot to rest with shade from the surrounding trees. Visitors can come at any time since it sits on public ground and requires no admission.

Only about six examples survive from the original 125 benches that were installed across the region. This makes the monument here a rare remnant of a large-scale memorial project from the 19th century.