The birth place of Alsatian vineyards Eguisheim, is one of the most, beautiful villages in France. The village has been honoured with the National Grand Prize winner for Flowers since 1989. Eguisheim is surrounded by a 339 hectare vineyard, whose hills ‘Eichberg’ and ‘Pfersigberg’ are known as ‘Grands Crus’ of Alsace, France.
Historically, a legend says that there was born Pope Leo IX (1049-1054), former bishop of Toul who was then known by the name of Bruno of Eguisheim-Dagsbourg.
A DAY IS ENOUGH FOR THE TOUR
To visit this village you don’t have to take a long holiday. An hour or two is well enough to tour this village. The tour starts from the main street – Grand Rue, that crosses the village from east to west and passes by the main square: Place du Chateau Saint-Leon.
/popdiaries/media/post_attachments/n864KMO68CIlRzlbk1YF.jpg "publive-image")
The central square of the village is ornate with a large St. Leon Fountain – 1557, on which the statue of Pope Leon IX was placed in 1842. The fountain is beautifully decorated for Easter, flowered in Summer and brilliantly highlighted at Christmas.
TAKE A WALK IN THE PICTURESQUE STREETS OF EGUISHEIM
Houses at Eguisheim stand side by side just like to form a closely knit village. Pleasantly decorated with flowers in Summer they open onto tranquil courtyards. While on walk take your time to observe and discover the fine wrought-iron signs and the minute details that reveal the village’s Alsatian heritage.
/popdiaries/media/post_attachments/dMLSJUVvxTk2tB65sOD0.jpg "publive-image")
/popdiaries/media/post_attachments/gretYyMTd1v6bDUagvpL.jpg "publive-image")
ALSATIAN PICTURE POSTCARD VIEW IN EGUISHEIM
One of the most famous picture-postcard views of Alsace can be admired at the crossing of rue du Rempart-Sud and rue del’Almend-Sud. The site glows stunningly in all seasons – in the Spring with Easter decorations, in the Summer months with flowers and during the Advent (leading to Christmas).
/popdiaries/media/post_attachments/Q6tk4SduONkuktnJc9va.jpg "publive-image")
/popdiaries/media/post_attachments/JGNEBiB7c501WAIqUAFV.jpg "publive-image")
TOUR OF THE INNER RAMPARTS
Eguisheim’s charm is best displayed along the tour of the ramparts. These straight paved alleyways are lined with old half-timbered houses. Surprisingly narrow, architecturally rich with their balconies, bay windows, pointed gables and tithe courtyards are highlights of these houses. Begin from the rue du Rempart-Sud and continues to circle the village by rue du Rempart-Nord.
/popdiaries/media/post_attachments/BDpwy7YBUghdWM4JKNjF.jpg "publive-image")
/popdiaries/media/post_attachments/CRZGx3U147XMqYr3N50Q.jpg "publive-image")
THE ROUTE des Cinq Chateaux
Since the times of middle ages, the village has been dominated by the Three Castles of Eguisheim: Dabsbourg, Wahlenbourg and Weckmund. They can be accessed by a small tourist road that winds through the forest: Route forestiere des Cinq Chateaux.
/popdiaries/media/post_attachments/tG9CAIU4kyVc7MaJTe1d.jpg "publive-image")
The road begins at Husseren-les-Chateaux. 1 Km later, park your car in the parking area and continue to walk for 20 minutes. You’ll find the three squares of vineyards and the Alsace Plain at an altitude of 590 m. Back to the parking, keep on driving to reach the Hohlandsbourg Castle and the Pflixbourg Castle before going down to Wintzenheim near colmar.
CHRISTMAS MARKET EGUISHEIM
Themed on the Alsatian customs and traditions, the Christmas market of Eguisheim is the number one attraction out of all other places. The market holds two squares and is easily accessible by a shuttle bus from Colmar (la Navette de Noel) during Advent.
/popdiaries/media/post_attachments/ep3MnkeiU73qWtLNC0WZ.jpg "publive-image")
/popdiaries/media/post_attachments/2hXBdwwWYVJfuZg9DPmm.jpeg "publive-image")
Eguisheim is a wonderful place. Spring and Autumn are the best times of the year to visit here. Have a great and full of pictures visit!!