Eguisheim, a village of many awards
This charming medieval village nestled in Alsace gained national renown when it was voted France’s favourite village in 2013. With its half-timbered houses, colourful facades, pointed roofs, flower-filled balconies, and winding cobbled streets surrounding the castle, Eguisheim exudes a picture-postcard charm. Its picturesque appeal earned it a place among the Plus Beaux Villages de France in 2003, the Grand Prix des Villes et Villages Fleuris de France (Grand Prize of Flowered Towns and Villages of France) since 1989, and the gold medal at the European Entente Florale competition in 2006.
But Eguisheim is not only charming; it is also committed to sustainable development. It has undertaken initiatives to significantly reduce the use of pesticides in maintaining its green spaces, earning it the prestigious 2 Libellules – 2 Dragonflies label in 2014 for this environmental effort.
Nestled in the heart of the Schlossberg hills, within the Ballon des Vosges Regional Natural Park, Eguisheim attracts nearly 700,000 visitors each year. Capitalising on this newfound popularity, the village has significantly improved its infrastructure, particularly its roads, parking areas, and accommodations. But beyond its picturesque setting, Eguisheim boasts a rich medieval history.
The Romans introduced the first grapevines
Let’s begin with a brief historical overview. In 1865, the discovery of Neanderthal remains in the village highlighted the presence of a village during the Palaeolithic era. These distant ancestors were without a doubt drawn to the strategic position of the Schlossberg mountain.
Further evidence of continuous occupation followed, with the discovery of numerous Celtic burial sites in the commune.
Excavations also unearthed a Roman legionary battalion settlement dating from the 2nd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. Not only did they established a permanent camp at the foot of the Schlossberg, but they also planted the first vineyards in Alsace on its gentle, sunny slopes.
Medieval city
The village developed around 720 AD, when Eberhard, a descendant of the Dukes of Alsace, had the fort of Eguisheim built.
At that time, Eguisheim was only a fortress nestled behind its wooden ramparts; its streets and houses were devoid of vibrant flowers and colourful houses! The village began to prosper from the 11th century onward, when the old wooden fort was replaced by a stone one.
Despite territorial conflicts between the Lords of Nassau and the Kings of France, as well as the numerous epidemics that marked the Middle Ages, Eguisheim continued to grow.
New houses and winding alleyways appeared around Saint-Léon Castle, forming a characteristic concentric street plan that still gives the village its distinctive layout today.
The three castles of Husseren-les-Châteaux
In medieval times, villages sought to strengthen their defences against potential invaders and raiders, and Eguisheim was no exception.
Three watchtowers were thus erected on Husseren Hill, located 2 kilometres southwest of Eguisheim, to monitor the surrounding plain and protect the village. Now in ruins, these fortified towers are collectively known as the Eguisheim Castles.
Despite their proximity, the castles of Weckmund Dagsburg, Wahlenburg, and were built at different times.
Each castle bore the name of its corresponding feudal family: Castel de Vaudémont or Burg de Weckmund, Wahlenburg or Wahlenbourg, and Dagsbourg or Dabo.
The Eguisheim-Dabo dynasty dominated Eguisheim for a long period, as the Weckmund and Wahlenburg families were junior branches related to the Dabo family by marriage.
The colongères courts of Eguishen
Eguisheim is known for its old cours de colongères – community farmsteads. The village had five: Girsberger, Kyburg (also known as Braunschweiger), Catharinen (now a restaurant), Zorn (or Escher), and Keiserdinghof. The cours de colongères was a medieval institution originating in Germanic regions, later adopted in Alsace and Lorraine. It referred to a group of peasants placed under the jurisdiction of a single lord, secular or religious, and subject to common law and the same court of justice. A farmstead typically included several houses, barns, stables, as well as fields and pastures. The peasants paid an annual tribute or dues to their lord. The leader, who led the farmstead, resided in the main house, fortified with hedges, palisades, and a locked gate. This house also served as the lord’s residence during his visits to collect tribute and preside over court hearings.
Eguisheim, birthplace of Pope Leon IX
Eguisheim is also renowned for being the birthplace of a pope! In the 10th century, the village came under the control of the Counts of Nordgau. Bruno of Eguisheim, son of Hugh IV of Eguisheim, Count of Nordgau, and Heilwige of Dabo, was born on June 21, 1002, at the castle. He studied at the chapter of Toul Cathedral in Lorraine, then entered the imperial court of Conrad II. At the age of 24, he was appointed Bishop of Toul and, on February 12, 1049, he was consecrated Pope Leo IX.
Eguisheim, in the heart of the Alsace Vineyard
Let’s go back 2,000 years… The Romans planted the first vines, making Eguisheim the cradle of Alsatian vineyards. However, it was the monasteries that truly developed viticulture to produce their sacramental wine! What a perfect excuse!
Located at an altitude of 210 metres, the gentle, sun-drenched slopes of the Schlossberg offer an ideal environment for growing vines. Today, Eguisheim is a ‘must stop’ on the Alsace Wine Route, with a 339-hectare terroir that gives rise to two prestigious Grand Cru wines: Pfersigberg and Eichberg.
The winemakers of Eguisheim introduced Pfersigberg, a grape variety created in the 16th century, at the first Colmar Wine Fair in 1927. The name Pfersigberg may not ring a bell, but it is produced with the Gewürztraminer grape variety, which produces an exceptional wine with a unique fruity bouquet and a full-bodied richness.
Eichberg is another exquisite wine, characterised by its opulence, finesse, fruity notes, and remarkable ageing potential. For lovers of Alsatian wines, the prestigious Fête des Vignerons (Winegrowers’ Festival), held every year on the last weekend of August, is an unmissable event. Those passionate about history and ancient architecture, meanwhile, will be captivated by the medieval charm of Eguisheim, located only 7 kilometres southwest of Colmar.
Department of Haut-Rhin – Alsace region
Coordinates: Lat 48.04306 – Long 7.30583
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Header by CC BY-SA 2. by Patrick – Timber framed and flowers by Oswald Engelhardt GFDL – Village lane by Mschlindwein CC BY-SA 3.0 License – Place du Château by Djuenger CC BY-SA 3.0 – Village Fleuri photo1 by pollobarca2 CC BY-SA 2.0 – Village Fleuri photo2 by Patrick CC BY-SA 2.0 – Vineyards by Jan Uyttebroeck CC BY-SA 3.0
