Bergheim: This Medieval Alsatian Village Was Voted France’s Favorite – Here’s Why It Outshines Its Famous Neighbors
Hidden behind 14th-century fortifications in France’s Alsace wine region lies Bergheim, a medieval treasure that captured the nation’s heart when it was voted “Favorite Village of the French” in 2022. While travelers flock to its more famous neighbors like Colmar and Riquewihr, this enchanting village offers something increasingly rare: authentic medieval charm without the tourist crowds.
A fortress village with 700 years of untouched history
Bergheim remains one of the most remarkably preserved medieval villages in Europe, encircled by approximately 2 kilometers of original 14th-century ramparts. Unlike many tourist destinations that have been modernized, Bergheim’s nine defensive towers and double wall system stand largely intact, creating a living museum of medieval military architecture.
Enter through the imposing “High Tower” gate, and you’ll step into a world where cobblestone streets wind between vividly painted half-timbered houses that have watched over the village for centuries. The effect is similar to the surreal landscape of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, where ancient structures create an otherworldly atmosphere.
The surprising history of witchcraft that tourists never hear about
Bergheim harbors a dark historical secret that few visitors discover. The small Town Museum, housed in a former school building, reveals the village’s connection to 16th-century witchcraft trials. Between 1582 and 1683, at least 40 women were accused of witchcraft in this tiny community – a higher per-capita rate than almost anywhere in Europe.
These haunting stories add a fascinating dimension to Bergheim’s picturesque facade, much like the way Matera’s limestone caves conceal unexpected histories beneath their beautiful exteriors.
The wine capital where Gewurztraminer reigns supreme
Bergheim proudly claims the title “Capital of Gewurztraminer,” producing some of the world’s finest examples of this aromatic white wine. The village’s vineyards on the Altenberg and Kanzlerberg hills yield prestigious “grand cru” wines with distinctive lychee, rose, and spice notes that wine connoisseurs travel thousands of miles to taste.
“Our soil gives Gewurztraminer its soul,” explains Céline Faller of Domaine Marcel Deiss. “The limestone and clay create wines with both power and elegance that can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world.”
Where nature meets medieval design in perfect harmony
Beyond its walls, Bergheim offers natural wonders that few visitors discover. The nearby Grasberg hill, a protected Natura 2000 site, provides hiking trails through forests with exceptional biodiversity. In spring and summer, the medieval gardens within the village walls burst with herbs and flowers once used for medicine and cooking.
The spectacular views from Bergheim’s surrounding hills offer a natural light show that rivals the Northern Lights. At sunset, the ancient stone buildings and church tower glow amber against the darkening sky, creating a photographer’s paradise.
Experience the “Enrosadira” of Alsatian architecture
The village’s half-timbered houses showcase a rainbow of colors that change throughout the day. Morning light bathes the facades in a gentle glow, while sunset transforms them into a vibrant display reminiscent of the Enrosadira phenomenon in the Dolomites.
“The houses in Bergheim tell our history through their colors,” says local historian Marcel Klein. “Each hue represented the trade of the original owner – blue for bakers, red for butchers, yellow for merchants.”
A culinary journey through centuries-old traditions
Bergheim’s restaurants serve Alsatian cuisine that reflects centuries of cultural blending between French and German traditions. At Auberge des Lavandieres, chef Antoine Weber crafts dishes using recipes passed down through generations, combining local ingredients with techniques dating back to medieval times.
The village’s location in wine country means dining experiences often include spectacular views similar to those at Victoria Falls’ edge-of-the-abyss restaurants, where natural beauty enhances the culinary experience.
When to visit: The insider’s calendar
While summer brings vibrant flowers and bustling energy, locals recommend visiting in shoulder seasons. September and October offer golden vineyard landscapes during harvest, while December transforms the village with subtle illuminations that highlight medieval architecture without the overwhelming commercialism found in larger Christmas markets.
Bergheim stands as a testament to Alsace’s ability to preserve its heritage while remaining a living, working village rather than a tourist facade. Its combination of authentic medieval architecture, world-class wines, and natural beauty creates an experience that feels like stepping into a forgotten chapter of European history – one that rewards those willing to venture beyond the usual destinations.