Eguisheim : one of the most beautiful villages in France
Eguisheim is an Alsatian village. Typical of this region of eastern France, this town has less than 2000 inhabitants. Eguisheim is located 5 kilometers south of Colmar, on the border with Germany. It is part of the 188 municipalities of the regional park of Ballons des Vosges.
This village is steeped in history. Founded by Ederhard, third duke of Alsace, the castle was a high place of residence during the Merovingian era. In Eguisheim there were five colongere courses: the Girsberger, the Kyburg or Braunschweiger, the Catharinen, the Zorn or Escher, and finally the Keiserdinghof. These communities shared their crops and gave a party to Eguishiem.
Eguisheim is also a village known for its viticulture and wines of Alsace. Since the Roman period, these lands have vineyards suitable for wines such as Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurtzraminer. The wine of the region is so popular that in the Middle Ages, it travels throughout Europe, since Colmar, in the courses of the largest European countries. The proximity of the Rhine facilitates the journey and marketing of the local specialty. These Alsatian 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 an important place. Pope St. Leon IX was born there, it will give name to the chapel built between 1888 and 1894, in the courtyard of the castle. It rests on the foundations of the dungeon, in a neo-Romanesque style. Next to the chapel is the Saint-Léon fountain. Octagonal, it is one of the largest in the Alsatian region. A statue of St. Leo was built above the fountain.
The beauty of Eguisheim lies in its narrow cobbled streets. Half-timbered houses, typical of the Alsatian region, are put. The village is considered one of the most beautiful in France. In particular, he was voted “Village favorite of the French” for a popular program of France 2.
Very close to Colmar, Eguisheim is easy to reach. Do not hesitate to visit this exceptional village, typical representation of the Alsatian region. You will be as close to Germany if you want to visit our Germanic neighbors.