Eguisheim, France
Voted favorite town of the French in 2013, Eguisheim is surrounded by gentle hills covered with vines.
In the heart of the Alsace region, the town flows with its concentric circles, interesting alleys, and multicolored houses.
Stork’s nests sit on chimneys. Geraniums flow out of window boxes and pots. Half-timbered houses with their balconies fill the narrow streets.
Take some time to explore the town and the wines.
For us, it was a side trip from Colmar, only 5 km away.
The little 45 km long river runs from the Vosges and crosses the town of Guebwiller, before entering the Alsace Plain. It flows into the River Ill in the outskirts west of Colmar. At the crossing of the Krutenau district, the Lauch was used by the market gardeners, fishmongers and tanners who passed through there in small, flat-bottomed boats.
We walked along the canal, taking in the beauty of the flowers and decorated houses and buildings. Stork’s nests sat atop many chimneys and roofs. Every now and then we would see a nest perched on a gate or fence post.
Storks have been a part of Alsace for centuries and are thought to be symbols of happiness and good luck. A program started in 1983 brought storks back from being threatened to a successful repopulation.
Combine the quality of its architecture with the quality of its world-famous wines and you will understand the nickname ‘The Gem of the Alsace Vineyards.’
Storks build their nests on chimneys and roofs throughout the town.
Riquewihr’s half-timbered houses date back to the 15th through the 18th centuries. Notice how close together they sit. With their sculpted half-timbering, oriel windows, and inner courtyards embellished by old wells and fountains, these are distinctive to Riquewhir.
Situated between the peaks of the Vosges mountains and the Plain of Alsace, Riquewihr is a medieval town in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards. It is also classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
