Travel Guide Eguisheim, France | One of the most beautiful villages in France

Eguisheim is near Colmar in Alsace in the Haut-Rhin department in northeastern France. In fact, Eguisheim is now almost a part of Colmar, but historically it is a separate town and has its own identity. It was classified as straight "One of the most beautiful villages in France" since 2003 and won the title of "France's Favorite Village" in 2013 in a TV show presented by Stéphane Bern.

The cobbled and winding streets of Eguisheim are lined with traditional medieval buildings, painted in bright colors, as are many of the buildings in Alsace. Decorated with fountains and flowers. Of course, thanks to this charm, Eguisheim is now listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. The village is also a holder of the prestigious award 4* villas fleurs (highest award) for his gardens. This medieval village amazes with its modest size, its unique architecture, its abundance of flowers during the summer, but also for its authentic charm at Christmas time.

A distinctive feature of Eguisheim is that, the city has an approximate circle shape with 3 circular streets, one outside the city center and 2 inside. On the circular Rue du Rempart, houses are built into the ramparts of the old town.

We recommend that you walk through the alleys of the village and admire the colorful palette of the houses whose very old inscriptions challenge you to decipher them.

Useful information

Accommodation – Where to stay in Egusheim

• Notre maison à Eguisheim  an accommodation unit where you can feel the vibe of the place.

• Gîte de charme sur les remparts equally charming accommodation with a great location, choose to feel like you are in a story in this cottage that is available only for you.

• Gite Le Coq Rouge this slightly more modern cottage than the above offers all the amenities for a relaxing holiday.

Egusheim tourist attractions - What to visit in Egusheim

Rue du Rempart Sud

Start your visit by wandering along Rue du Rempart Sud. The narrow street follows the town line and is lined with brightly colored houses. It is possible to bypass the entire medieval center by walking here.

The streets of Eguisheim

After visiting the most famous street, you can continue your walk through the beautiful village of Eguisheim. Here you can admire a selection of mansions, inns and other houses, all painted predominantly in the blue, yellow, pink and green so typical of Alsace, and the popular storks that fly through the village to the delight of visitors.

Saint Leon Square

It is one of the most popular places in Eguisheim, France. It was built to commemorate Saint-Léon IX, who was pope from 1049 to 1054. In the center is the famous fountain with the statue of Saint Léon, the chapel of Saint Léon and the castle of Saint-Léon-Pfalz. Then around the square are local shops and vibrant medieval houses. Of course, the castle and chapel tour is a must.

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul

The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is a Gothic style church with origins dating back to the 11th century. It was remodeled in 1220 and again in the early 1800s. Today, the belfry is the only remaining piece of the original church. The exterior is of pink sandstone sprinkled with beautiful stained glass. Then, of course, there's the always impressive entrance. The gate houses unique intricate carvings depicting Saints Peter and Paul with Christ. Two heavy wooden panels then open to a magnificent interior. It is definitely something not to be missed!

Route des 5 Châteaux

If you're looking for a unique way to explore the surrounding countryside, be sure to check out the Route des 5 Châteaux. This winding road passes five impressive castles, the Three Castles of Eguisheim, Hohlandsbourg Castle and Pflixbourg Castle. Each with its own history and distinct charm. Not only that, but you'll also be treated to spectacular views from the top of these ancient fortresses! Entry to all five castles is free and there are information boards detailing their history. The route is 10.3 km long and can be covered by bike, car or on foot. I recommend either renting a bike or taking a car. If you decide to walk, you should plan to spend more than a day in Eguisheim.

The Three Castles

If we still recommended the route of the 5 castles, we present to you a little the Three Castles of Eguisheim, they are located on a hill in the distance, overlooking the city. They were built in the 11th and 12th centuries and served as watchtowers over the region. Then, in the 14th century, during the War, they were demolished. They have since been restored. And, today, you can visit the castles for free while taking in some of the most spectacular views of the area. If you're a history buff, this is undoubtedly one of the coolest things to do in Eguisheim.

Hohlandsbourg Castle

For the best panoramas of the Alsatian countryside, we recommend Hohlandsbourg Castle. This medieval fortress was originally built in the 11th century as a defensive fortress against invaders. It changed many times over the centuries and was even destroyed during a revolt. In the late 1800s, Hohlandsbourg Castle was restored to its former glory and labeled a historical monument. Today, it is the largest fortified castle in Alsace, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the region. On a clear day, you can even see Strasbourg's Notre Dame Cathedral! Hohlandsbourg Castle is about a two-hour hike from Eguisheim. So if you're short on time and a packed lunch, it might be more practical to hire a car for this activity.

Explore the Vineyards

No trip to Eguisheim is complete without exploring the vineyards. These lush vine-covered hills encompass the city. Since most of the paths through the vineyards are paved, you can travel them by car, bike or on foot. Either way, I recommend packing your lunch and enjoying it under the shade of the vines.

Gastronomy & Restaurants

• Tarte flambée. This regional specialty is made with a thin dough crust topped with cream cheese, caramelized onions and lardon (fat strips of bacon). It is then baked in a wood-fired oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling on top of the dough. For the best tarte flambée, go to Restaurant Dagsbourg.

• I come from Eguheisem if you're looking for a delicious glass of wine, you're in luck. Alsace is famous for its world-class wine, and Eguisheim is one of the best places to treat yourself to a glass.

restaurants

• Caveau d'Eguisheim – Traditional Alsatian food with delicious tarte flambées.

• They have Vieux Porche – Fantastic food at a reasonable price.

• L'Atelier de Béné – considered the best restaurant in Eguisheim. They only have a few tables, so make sure to reserve a table in advance.

From picturesque streets to enchanting castles, this Alsatian village impresses in every corner. So, use this guide to plan your next trip. It will definitely be an amazing experience.