Guebwiller

Ancient beauty and grande cru wines

written by:Lynne Sullivan

This attractive town sits below the southern Vosges Mountains, surrounded by terraced Grand Cru vineyards, about 25m/40 km southwest of Colmar.

Walk along pedestrian-only streets and admire the 16th-century town hall and other ancient buildings surrounding Place Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc Square).

Places to visit

The artistic abbots of Murbach built much of Guebwiller during the 13th and 14th centuries, and the town has three notable churches:

Église Notre-Dame is an imposing neoclassical structure with a stunning high altar. It contains the tomb of Casimir de Rathsamhausen, the founder of the church. As you visit, notice the lovely frescoes.
Abbey Church of Murbach, a Benedictine monastery built during the 11th and 12th centuries under the rule of the Holy Roman Empire.
Saint Léger Church is the standout attraction. Allow time to view the 12th- and 13-century twin towers and Romanesque nave. The out-of-place ladders and rope hanging from the vault are said to have been left by Armagnac invaders in 1445.

If time permits, stop by Museé Theodore Deck, 1 Rue du 4 Février, 03-89-74-22-89. Theodore Deck was born in Guebwiller in the early 19th century and became a famous potter. The museum has a large collection of his works and features ceramics made in the Islamic and Chinese styles. The museum is in a handsome building constructed in 1735.

The Office of Tourism rents mountain and electric-assist bikes, the ideal way to tour the town and local vineyards.

Places to stay, eat, and drink

Sample a variety of excellent Alsatian wines in the tasting room at Domaine Schlumberger. There is no charge and you can stop in weekdays from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. For lunch, try The Winegrower’s Tavern (La Taverne du Vigneron) $$. It’s small and popular, so arrive early or reserve a table in advance. Dinner choices are authentic and well prepared at The Garden of the Senses (Le Jardin des Sens) $$$. The presentations are lovely and artistic, which adds to the pleasure of trying various dishes prepared with fresh, local products. Make a reservation and ask to sit on the terrace if the weather is good.