Eguisheim, the Village of Streets in a Circle around Its Castle

Eguisheim was built in rings around its castle, and that is why its streets do not go straight anywhere: they go round. It is the easiest village on the Wine Route to walk, flat and small, about 7 km from Colmar, and one of the most photographed in Alsace. In 2013 a French television contest chose it as the French people's favourite village.

The walk

Start in the centre, on the place du Château Saint-Léon: the counts' castle, from the 13th century, the chapel dedicated to Pope Saint Leo IX, whom tradition has born here, and the fountain with its statue. From the square, head outwards and go all the way round the rue du Rempart, the outer ring, which follows the old wall: it is the street of leaning half-timbered houses, flower-covered balconies and curves that close in on themselves. The ring has a north stretch and a south one; do both. Then cut through the alleys towards the inside and look for the winery courtyards and their tasting caveaux.

In an hour and a half you have seen it unhurriedly, with time for a tasting and a coffee. From the outskirts, the path between vines that climbs the slope gives the view of the whole village, with the three towers of the ruined castles high in the Vosges.

When to go

Early or at the end of the afternoon: at midday the groups arrive. In December the Christmas market fills the castle square, and Saturdays are the busiest day. If you sleep in the village, you have it almost to yourself at night.

Getting there

By car from Colmar in a quarter of an hour; public parking costs about €5 a day, according to the village hotels. Without a car, by bike: Alsa Cyclo Tours has an agency in Colmar and in Eguisheim itself, and the way between the two is short.