The best walks and hikes around La Colombe

The city was formerly known for its copper processing.

Beautiful church in the middle of a pretty little town. Great for a break.

In addition to the magnificent Baroque fountain, whose water falls over magnificent basins, there is a fountain gem on the Place de la République: a classicist fountain with a golden vase on top. A particularly beautiful example of historical drinking water supply.

A beautiful gargoyle addition to the special, happy statue of Saint Anthony in the church: Saint Anthony is often depicted with a little pig (Sly Pig). Less well known is his faithful dog Schlupp, whose name has been preserved in artistic circles with the color name "schluppfarben" for a cream-colored and brown mélange. Particularly in his role as a popular Schlamperltoni, as a specialist in finding lost objects, the resourceful Schlupp was an excellent and important addition to the saint. Here we find Schlupp immortalized as a stone gargoyle.

Saint Anthony is particularly important in our (Protestant) family. In professional circles he is revered as an eloquent church teacher or for his record-breaking canonization. In popular belief he is known as a Franciscan fish preacher. We have revered him for at least three generations as Schlamperltoni: a specialist for lost objects. My (Protestant) grandmother, who comes from Allgäu, passed down the saying "Saint Anthony, you brave man, I've lost something, lead me close to it." And now the saying still works reliably, especially with our (Protestant) eldest daughter, who is quite needy in this regard. It should be noted in passing that Anthony's writings deal with the explanation of Christian principles, but do not contain any polemics against heretics; he is obviously also open to Protestants and thus makes an effective contribution to ecumenism. Here in the church we find a more recent Saint Anthony who stands out for his cheerfulness. A remarkably good-humored saint with a happy baby Jesus. This is what one would like the church to be like.

Opposite the church begins the Rue Gambetta, flanked by old stone houses. After a few steps it leads over the La Sienne, a small river. The old stone bridge is lovingly planted with colorful flowers and opens up a green panorama of the water lined with old buildings.

You've heard of them: the famous French copper pots that you can get in Germany at bargain prices from Manufactum. There is a specialty copper shop here that offers all kinds of decorative items as well as a wide selection of pots for the ambitious amateur cook. And all this in a tiny town with only about 3,000 inhabitants.

A real artisan baker with a wonderful range of products that are worth a detour. Crispy baguette, finely wrapped croissants and simply fantastic dark baked bread with a crispy crust, nuts and raisins. Hardly to find in Germany, the land of bread, in the era of pre-baked bakeries; as a Wuppertal resident, you occasionally make a pilgrimage to Karlsplatz in Düsseldorf. Highly recommended.