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Eguisheim
Street in Eguisheim
Street in Eguisheim
Coat of arms of Eguisheim
Coat of arms
Eguisheim is located in France
Eguisheim
Eguisheim
Location in France
Eguisheim is located in Grand Est
Eguisheim
Eguisheim
Location in Grand Est
Country France
Region Grand Est
Department Haut-Rhin
Arrondissement Colmar-Ribeauvillé
Canton Wintzenheim
Area
1
14.13 km2 (5.46 sq mi)
Population
 (2007)
1,572
 • Density 111.25/km2 (288.14/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
68078 /68420
Elevation 191–764 m (627–2,507 ft)
(avg. 210 m or 690 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Eguisheim is a charming village, also known as a commune, located in eastern France. You can find it in the Haut-Rhin department, which is part of the Alsace region. This beautiful village is famous for its colorful houses, winding streets, and rich history. It's often called one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France."

Welcome to Eguisheim!

Eguisheim is a small, picturesque village that looks like something out of a fairy tale. It's nestled in the Alsace wine region, surrounded by green hills covered in vineyards. The village is built in a unique circular shape, with narrow streets that spiral around a central castle. This design was common in medieval times to protect the village.

A Village Full of History

Eguisheim has a very long history, going back thousands of years!

Ancient Roots

Archaeologists have found signs of human life here from the Paleolithic Age, which was the Stone Age. This means people lived in this area even when Neanderthals walked the Earth. Later, the Romans also settled here, building a camp that helped the village grow.

Medieval Times

The village became important in the Middle Ages. The counts of Eguisheim built a castle here in the 11th century. One of the most famous people from Eguisheim was Pope Leo IX, who was born here in 1002. He became Pope in 1049 and was a very influential leader of the Catholic Church. The village still celebrates his legacy today.

Modern Day Charm

Over the centuries, Eguisheim kept its medieval look. Many of the buildings you see today are hundreds of years old. The village is known for its traditional Alsatian architecture, with half-timbered houses painted in bright colors. These houses are often decorated with flowers, making the streets very inviting.

Exploring Eguisheim's Beauty

Walking through Eguisheim is like stepping back in time.

Unique Architecture

The houses are built close together, creating cozy alleys and hidden courtyards. Many homes have small balconies and window boxes overflowing with geraniums. Look closely, and you might see traditional signs above shops, showing what they sell.

Local Traditions

Eguisheim is also famous for its wine. The vineyards around the village produce delicious Alsatian wine, especially Riesling and Gewürztraminer. You can often see storks nesting on the rooftops, which are a symbol of good luck in Alsace. The village takes great pride in its traditions and welcomes visitors to experience its unique culture.

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