Already a member of the club of "most beautiful villages in France" since 2003, Eguisheim was voted "favorite town of the French in 2013".
Eguisheim is pressed gentle hills planted with vines. Located at an altitude of 210 m in the heart of Alsace, this wine village deploys the 339 hectares of its land 5 km from Colmar and near Strasbourg, Freiburg and Basel, European capitals. Hometown of Pope St. Leo IX, Eguisheim enjoys a worldwide reputation.
National grand prize of flowering since 1989, classified the One of the Most Beautiful Villages of France in 2003, gold medal of the European competition of the Entente Florale in 2006... This cradle of the Alsatian vineyards, wrapped in concentric circles and multicolored around his castle, no longer his titles of nobility.
Eguisheim, cradle of the Alsatian vineyards: It's the fourth century that the Romans planted the first vines in Eguisheim in Alsace. Since that distant time, generations of wine growers are passionate combine their centuries of experience in the tradition and the high quality of their wines. Their Sylvaner, their pinot blanc, muscat them, their pinot gris, Gewurztraminer them, their riesling and pinot noir wines are incomparable. Visit either of their centuries-old cellars and do not deprive yourself of the pleasure of tasting these exceptional wines, worldwide reputation.
Eguisheim, historic city: In the year 720, Count Eberhard, Duke of Alsace and nephew of St. Odile, built his castle which still occupies the center of town and it is from this line was born in 1002 in this same Castle one of the noblest son of Alsace, this reformer Pope St. Leo IX, promoter of the god of truce, whose memory is kept piously here. Nevermind wars, devastation which this town was the victim and the issue over time. The presence on the hill, near a stone's throw from the ruins of the three castles of Eguisheim say enough what could be, in these harsh times, the lives of peasant growers suddenly leaving the plow or the gouge to take shelter in their enclosure. Once past the age of boiling pitch and molten lead, the village was fortified and this is what gives it its original appearance: concentric streets around the castle, the facades of three layers arranged in outside and drilled loopholes. This does not prevent Eguishiens caring lovingly planted land of vineyards and fruit trees. For the virtues inherent in this region are summed up entirely in the humanism of the vine and wine.
Discover Eguisheim through his story written in its old stones. Stop at the church which dates from the twelfth century. The nave was demolished in 1803 was rebuilt in 1807; but the eardrum is still that of the ancient church; it offers your meditation eternal mystical reality of Christ between St. Peter and St. Paul, the wise virgins and foolish virgins. This bell gable surmounted by a stork's nest is one Hansi drew whenever he composed a village in Alsace.
Discover also Eguisheim in the friendly warmth of its vaults; high line wines is the land that gave birth he must free the soul: they combine to genuine spiritual values the qualities of a plant product grown in a high degree of perfection.
But also discover Eguisheim in its alleys that combine past and present, get to know him even in the contemplation of his silence...
You can book guided tours throughout the year for groups from the tourist office.
The wine trail of Grands Crus Eguisheim: This trail is proposed to discover the wine and vineyard Eguisheim for further and original way. You will know the 7 Alsace wines with explanatory panels all along the route. Others will present the work of winemakers. You will also discover the Grands Crus Eichberg and two Pfersigberg, their geology and exposure, and a panorama of Eguisheim, vineyards and the Three Castles. From mid-June to mid-September tours are organized for free by winemakers.
The Three Castles top of Eguisheim: Three towers, looming on the Schlossberg hill, dominating the Alsace plain to 591 meters. They were built in the eleventh and thirteenth centuries. In the center is the oldest castle Wahlenbourg. In the north the Dagsbourg castle in the South, Weckmund. Thus this mass is an ideal place for walkers and hikers more sophisticated. The calm and well-being prevailing in the forest allowing visitors to discover the historic remains in a natural setting. The Three Castles are free to access at any time and for free. However, the road will amount is closed from 11 November to 15 March.
Visit the old town: Every Wednesday at 18h and Friday at 10:30, from 12 June to 11 September. Departure from the Tourist Office. Reserved for individuals, free.
Wine trail: Guided tour with a wine village, followed by a tasting of Alsatian wines and a cellar tour. Every Saturday at 15:30 from mid-June to mid-September (Tuesdays from mid-July and August). Departure Street Basin. Reserved for individuals, free.
Visit the night watchman: By the light of his lantern, the watchman takes visitors through the narrow streets of the village to tell his story there. In July and August at 21h, in December at 17h (depending on program dates). Departure Castle Square. Reserved for individuals, free.
Every year, several festivals and festivals take place:
The Vignerons Festival of Eguisheim is the oldest wine festival in Alsace. It is the last weekend of August that the Eguisians find the towns and villages friends and twins around the world celebrating, for some, more than 30 years of friendship. For two days, the courses and the cellars are open to all for the tasting of Eguisheim grapes and Alsatian specialties. Orchestras of Alsatian folklore, jazz and French varieties make young and old dance until the end of the night. Sunday, the family with a large folk procession and entertainment for children. A celebration of wine, gastronomy and friendship that brings together more than 20,000 people each year.
In September, the festival of Musical Flavors combines wine and music of quality in the prestigious setting of the church of Saints Peter and Paul with its Romanesque bell tower of the thirteenth century.
In December, the Eguisheim Christmas market is one of the most traditional in Alsace. During this period the animations are numerous and the magic invades the village which sparkles with a thousand fires.
