Eguisheim: one of France's most beautiful villages
Eguisheim est un village alsacien. Typique de cette région de l'Est de la France, cette commune comporte moins de 2000 habitants. Eguishiem se trouve à 5 kilomètres au sud de Colmar, à la frontière avec l'Allemagne. Il fait parti des 188 communes du parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges Ce…
Eguisheim is an Alsatian village. Typical of this region in the east of France, this commune has fewer than 2000 inhabitants. Eguisheim is located 5 kilometres south of Colmar, on the border with Germany. It is one of the 188 communes in the Ballons des Vosges regional nature park
This village is steeped in history. Founded by Ederhard, the third Duke of Alsace, the castle was a prominent residence during the Merovingian period. There were five feudal courts in Eguisheim: the Girsberger, the Kyburg or Braunschweiger, the Catharinen, the Zorn or Escher, and finally the Keiserdinghof. These communities shared their harvests and gave a portion to Eguisheim.
Eguisheim is also a village known for its viticulture and Alsace wine crus. Since Roman times, these lands have welcomed vineyards suitable for wines such as Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer. The wine from the region was so popular that in the Middle Ages, it travelled throughout Europe, from Colmar, to the courts of the greatest European countries. The proximity of the Rhine facilitated the journey and the marketing of the local specialty. These Alsace wines have characteristics specific to the region: complex aromas.
At the heart of the village, the remains of the castle built from the 13th century take on an important place. Pope Saint Leo IX was born there, he gave his name to the chapel built between 1888 and 1894, in the castle courtyard. It rests on the foundations of the keep, in a neo-Roman style. Beside the chapel is the Saint-Léon fountain. Octagonal in form, it is one of the most imposing in the Alsace region. A statue of Saint Leo was constructed above the fountain.
The beauty of Eguisheim lies in its narrow cobbled streets. The half-timbered houses, typical of the Alsace region, are everywhere. The village is considered one of the most beautiful in France. It was notably elected “Village préféré des Français” for a popular programme on France 2.
Very close to Colmar, Eguisheim is easily accessible. This exceptional village, a typical representation of the Alsace region, is worth a visit. You will also be close to Germany, if the desire takes you to visit our German neighbours.
