Visiting Eguisheim: what to do in the village of circular lanes?

Why Eguisheim deserves a stop

Eguisheim was voted France's Favourite Village in 2013 and is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Tradition makes it the cradle of the Alsace vineyard, planted on its slopes since Roman times. It is also the native village of Bruno of Eguisheim, who became Pope Leo IX in 1049 and whose memory still marks the place. Its unique circular layout, inherited from the medieval ramparts, makes it one of the most photogenic villages on the Wine Route.

What to do in Eguisheim: the essentials

The village is explored on foot in an hour and a half. The stops not to miss:

• The concentric lanes: follow the rue du Rempart, which circles the whole town between half-timbered houses and geraniums; it is Eguisheim's signature walk.
• The Place du Chateau: the octagonal castle of the counts of Eguisheim, the Saint-Leon chapel and the fountain form the heart of the village.
• The church of Saints Peter and Paul: its Romanesque tympanum and the 13th-century opening Virgin are worth the detour.
• The storks: several nests occupy the village roofs, active from spring to late summer.
• Above the village: the three castles of Eguisheim, red sandstone keeps on the Schlossberg hill, reachable by car or on foot via the vineyard trail.

Where to taste: Eichberg, Pfersigberg and the estates

Two grands crus overlook the village: Eichberg and Pfersigberg, limestone terroirs renowned for ample Gewurztraminers and age-worthy Rieslings. Tasting rooms literally line the lanes: Eguisheim has one of the highest densities of estates in Alsace. Reference houses include Leon Beyer, one of the oldest winegrowing families in Alsace, Emile Beyer, Charles Baur and Paul Schneider, as well as the Wolfberger winery, born in Eguisheim in 1902. Most welcome visitors without appointment during the day; expect around 35 euros for a guided cellar visit with tasting.

How to get to Eguisheim

Eguisheim lies 7 km southwest of Colmar, about fifteen minutes by car on the D83. From Strasbourg, allow about an hour via the A35, Herrlisheim exit. The village has no train station and the bus from Colmar runs infrequently. By car, park at the ramparts or Tuileries car parks on the immediate outskirts: the historic centre is pedestrian. Spaces run out by mid-morning in season and during the Christmas market.

When to visit Eguisheim

The best season runs from April to October, when the half-timbered facades disappear under flowers: the village holds four flowers in the national floral towns competition. In late August, the Winegrowers' Festival livens up the lanes for a weekend, with a procession and open cellars. The September harvest offers the finest light on the slopes. In December, the Christmas market, more intimate than those of Colmar or Kaysersberg, keeps an authentic atmosphere. For quiet, aim for weekdays and early morning.

Visiting Eguisheim with FJ13 private driver

The pedestrian centre and saturated seasonal parking complicate an independent visit, and the density of tasting rooms makes drinking incompatible with driving. The FJ13 private driver removes both constraints: drop-off at the village entrance, pick-up at the agreed time, full freedom in the cellars. The service operates from Strasbourg, Colmar or Strasbourg-Entzheim airport:

• Sedan for 1 to 3 passengers, van for 4 to 7 passengers.
• Tailor-made tour combining Eguisheim, Husseren-les-Chateaux and the neighbouring villages (Colmar, Turckheim, Kaysersberg).
• Pick-up at your hotel, station or airport, with no parking hunt.
• Online booking via the configurator, with an instant quote.