Eguisheim is what many consider the most beautiful Alsatian village in France and the perfect place to spend the day. Visitors can stroll along the winding cobblestone streets and admire the Medieval half-timbered houses, enjoy an authentic Alsacian dining experience, or sample the wine that makes this region so popular with tourists.
Where is Eguisheim, France?
Eguisheim is located along the Alsace Wine Route, just a short few minutes’ drive from the city of Colmar and hours’ distance from Strasbourg, France.
The city is surrounded by picturesque vineyards and rolling hills, which provide the most beautiful backdrop to its colorful half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets.
While you can take a ride on the Little Train, which travels through the vineyards and offers stunning views of the village, we chose to explore Eguisheim on our own.
This allowed us to venture off the beaten path and discover all the hidden details that make this French town unique.
What Makes Eguisheim the Most Beautiful Alsatian Village
There’s no better way to explore the charming French village of Eguisheim than on foot.
The entire town is walkable so make sure you wear great walking shoes to traverse the hills and uneven cobblestone pathways.
Take it slow and enjoy all that makes this the most beautiful Alsatian village!
Eguisheim Castles & Churches
Eguisheim was built in a circular formation, with the 12th-century Château-Bas d’Eguisheim, or St. Leon Castle, at the center of the village.
The castle and the adjacent church, remain just as it was in the 16th century.
Just beneath the castle & chapel is a Renaissance fountain with a statue of the Pope.
This makes the perfect starting point for your day in Eguisheim.
Backstreets of Eguisheim
Walking through the narrow streets and alleyways, you can really appreciate the town’s history and unique character.
The streets literally wind through town and at every turn, there is something charming to see!
This is a town to explore slowly. If you don’t, you will miss all the hidden gems.
Eguisheim Storks
One of the things that you will notice when visiting Eguisheim is the stork nests that sit on top of most buildings.
Eguisheim storks are a fascinating breed of bird with an unusual nesting habit.
Unlike most other stork species, which build their nests in trees, these storks build their nests on the roofs of houses.
These birds have made their nests on the rooftops of the town’s buildings for centuries, and they are an important part of Eguisheim’s culture and history.
Distinguished by their striking plumage, these storks have white bodies with black wings and tails, and long, red beaks.
They are so beloved in the Alcase region of France that they are found on signage & souvenirs throughout.
Eguisheim Wine
Eguisheim is one of the many stops along the Alsace wine route.
One of the highlights of any visit to Eguisheim is the opportunity to taste the village’s namesake wine.
The wine in this region is typically Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris, known for its fruity flavor and rich aroma, and aged for four to six years before it is ready to drink.
The Eguisheim wine cooperative offers free tastings, and there are also several vineyards that offer tours and tastings for a fee.
If you are coming here from Strasbourg, you may even consider seeing it as part of a guided wine tour:
This particular tour gives you 45 minutes to explore Eguisheim.
If you’re looking for a charming French town to explore, Eguisheim is the perfect destination. With its well-preserved medieval architecture and vineyards dotting the hillsides, Eguisheim offers a unique glimpse of Alsatian culture.