In the far eastern side of France, the small village of Eguisheim is one hour south of Strasbourg. In 2003 it was classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, then in 2013 it won the prestigious title of ‘France’s Favourite Village’ on a TV show presented by Stéphane Bern. A quick look around its picturesque streets is all the explanation you need for its popularity.
Eguisheim – pronounced ‘Eggiss-hyme’ – is famous for its cobbled streets lined with colourful medieval buildings that are so quaint they could be part of a film set. Indeed, this village inspired the scenery for the 1991 animated Disney classic Beauty and the Beast. If you stroll through Place du Château, you will recognise Saint-Léon fountain, replicated by Disney animators for one of the first scenes where the main character, Belle, sings to passing sheep.
Saint-Léon fountainFrench Moments
In 2017, for the live action remake starring Emma Watson, the fountain features again, as does the tiny building called Le Pigeonnier, used as Belle’s home for this film. Even if you are not a particular fan of Disney, you cannot help feeling mesmerised by this village’s beautifully maintained medieval buildings in all their unique shapes and colours.
Eguisheim has no shortage of photo opportunities. Its Grand-Rue crosses the village from east to west passing by the main square, which helps you to get your bearings. It has beautiful timbered buildings that have remained intact through the centuries. Further out from the centre, do not miss Rue du Rempart Nord and Rue du Rempart Sud, where the colourful façades of village homes glow in the sun.
Taking a stroll out to the village square, you will find Chapelle Saint-Léon, featuring painted medallions and stained glass windows, but perhaps even more photogenic is Eglise Saints-Pierre-et-Paul, a two-minute walk from the square.
This church dates from 1220, although its bell tower and portal are the only original features. Inside, there is a multicoloured tympanum (recess) that represents Christ blessing the earth, flanked by Saint Peter and Saint Paul. You will also see a rare wooden sculpture some 800 years old, called ‘La Vierge Ouvrante’, a colourful depiction of the Virgin Mary that can be opened like a shrine.
Chapelle Saint-Léon in Saint-Léon Squarepicsart_ah/Shutterstock
The Place du Château is named after the original fortress that appeared around 720 AD, with the village evolving around it, so its streets spiral out from this square. By 950 AD, Eguisheim passed by marriage to the Comtes de Nordgau, renowned for founding abbeys. One of their descendents, Bruno von Egisheim-Dagsburg, was born in the chateau in 1002AD, and went on to become Pope Léon IX from 1049 to 1054. The village’s Chapelle Saint-Léon is dedicated to him, and is the resting place for his relics, including part of his skull, as well as a Renaissance fountain surmounted by the statue of the Pope.
Colourful houses are standardTourisme-eguisheim-rouffach
Through the centuries, Eguisheim faced many trials, withstanding an attack by Emperor Adolphe de Nassau in 1298 but sadly ransacked by the future king Louis XI in 1444. It also survived plagues, military occupation, poor harvests and depopulation during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648), but by 1810 had more than 2,000 inhabitants. It now has a population of 1,740.
The fairytale village offers many photo opportunitiesSina Ettmer Photography/Shutterstock
Additional attractions
In summer, village homes are decorated with flowers, and in winter, you will find a Christmas Market and snow-sprinkled streets for added charm and festive cheer.
All-year round, you can sample Eguisheim’s grand cru wines, cultivated in the surrounding vineyards that frame the village – yet another reason to visit this fairytale spot.
Winding roads through vineyards near Eguisheimnathj/Shutterstock
