This medieval Alsatian village captivates with its circular streets, colorful half-timbered houses, and family-run wineries. Birthplace of Pope Leo IX, it's surrounded by renowned vineyards.
Eguisheim, a small Alsatian village 7 km from Colmar, draws visitors with its circular medieval streets and colorful half-timbered houses. As you walk through the village, you'll see the central Saint-Léon Square with its Renaissance fountain, ancient castle ruins perched on a nearby hill, and numerous family-run wineries where you can taste local Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines.
Exploring Eguisheim's Unique Layout
Eguisheim's layout consists of concentric circular streets surrounding a central square, reflecting its origins as a fortified Roman settlement. As you walk through the village, you'll notice how the streets form a spiral, leading you past rows of well-maintained medieval houses. The outer ring, Rue du Rempart, follows the path of the old city walls, giving you views of the surrounding vineyards. This distinctive layout makes Eguisheim easy to navigate while immersing you in its medieval atmosphere.
Architectural Highlights
The village center, Place Saint-Léon, serves as the heart of Eguisheim. Here you'll find a Renaissance fountain dating from 1557 and a statue of Pope Leo IX, who was born in the village. The nearby Château Saint-Léon, though mostly in ruins, still stands as a reminder of the village's medieval past. As you wander the streets, pay attention to the intricate details on the half-timbered houses - many feature carved wooden beams, colorful facades, and flower-filled window boxes that create a visually striking scene.
Wine Tasting and Production
Eguisheim sits at the heart of the Alsace wine region, with vineyards surrounding the village on all sides. The area produces Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris wines. You can visit several local wineries for tastings, many of which have been run by the same families for generations. The village is home to two grand cru vineyards, Eichberg and Pfersigberg, known for producing highly regarded wines. If you visit in August, you might catch the annual Winegrowers' Festival, where you can sample a wide variety of local wines.
Getting to Eguisheim
While Eguisheim is small, it can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. You can drive to the village in about 15 minutes from Colmar. If you're using public transportation, take bus 440 from Colmar, which runs several times a day except on Sundays. For a more scenic approach, consider renting a bike in Colmar and cycling the 7 km to Eguisheim along the Alsace Wine Route, which takes you past vineyards and through the countryside.
Seasonal Events
Eguisheim hosts various events throughout the year. In spring, you'll see Easter-themed ornaments decorating the village. Summer brings the Winegrowers' Festival in August, a celebration of local wine production. As winter approaches, Eguisheim transforms for the holiday season with its Christmas market. The market, while smaller than those in larger cities, creates a more intimate experience, featuring local crafts, mulled wine, and regional specialties.
