Eguisheim
Eguisheim features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Colmar. Give it roughly ~60 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type village
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Colmar Colmar guide
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About Eguisheim
A wine village seven kilometres from Colmar built in concentric rings around a medieval castle, traditionally the birthplace of Pope Leo IX and voted France's favourite village in 2013.
Eguisheim is a wine village in the Haut-Rhin, about seven kilometres southwest of Colmar on the Alsace Wine Route and a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Its old town is laid out in concentric rings that follow successive lines of medieval fortification around a central castle site. At the heart, on the Place du Château Saint-Léon, the counts of Eguisheim built a fortified octagonal castle in the thirteenth century; the chapel of Saint-Léon now stands where the keep once did.
The village is traditionally said to be the birthplace of Bruno of Eguisheim, who became Pope Leo IX, on 21 June 1002, though historians are cautious about the exact spot. Ruined hilltop castles, the Trois Châteaux, overlook the village, while its slopes include the grand cru vineyards of Eichberg and Pfersigberg. Home to about 1,729 people, Eguisheim was voted the French favourite village in 2013.
Did you know? Eguisheim is traditionally called the birthplace of Pope Leo IX, born Bruno of Eguisheim on 21 June 1002, though historians are unsure whether he was born in the village or the hilltop castles above.
How long is a visit to Eguisheim?
Set aside roughly ~60 min for Eguisheim. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Eguisheim worth your time?
Eguisheim is among the 13 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Colmar, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Colmar
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Eguisheim and read more:
Day 2 of the Colmar in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Eguisheim
Preview the Colmar tour free in the Gingerguide app.