Guebwiller, Alsace

Of the 5,000 odd villages in France, Guebwiller in Mulhouse, Alsace is one of the better known tourist destinations for its old world charm, rich cultural museums and Gothic architecture. Guebwiller in Alsace-France is situated at the foot of the famous Vosges Mountains. The highest summit of the Vosges Mountains is called Ballon de Guebwiller, that is, Mount Guebwiller as it lays a mere eight kms to the west of this city. This summit is at an elevation of approximately 4,669 feet (1,423 meters). Another important geographical detail of Guebwiller, Alsace-France is that it is about twenty kms to the northwest of Mulhouse-one of the biggest cities in eastern France.

History runs deep here like its river Lauch. Bygone tales speak of an almost sacred past when the abbots of Murbach (a neighboring valley) had an important hand in the development of this ancient city. It’s believed that Flurandus, a monk from the 11th century exclaimed in pure delight when he stepped into Guebwiller: “Hello Florival, you almost rival paradise with your fertile hills and hillsides covered with vines.” Such is the breathtaking beauty of Guebwiller in Alsace-France.

Guebwiller’s rich cultural past is clearly evident in its ancient architecture. The churches of Guebwiller, Alsace-France reflect a period of highly imaginative and skilled craftsmanship of the abbots of Murbach. The Gothic influence makes its presence in the 12th century architecture of the Saint-Leger church. This also marks the transition of eras, that is, from Roman to Gothic. History has it that in the year 1445, barbarians tried to entire the premises of this fortified building but thanks to a timely alarm by an alert citizen, the attack was thwarted. The ruthless men panicked and abandoned their ladders which even today are kept in the church as homage to Our Lady who protected this ancient city.

Besides Église Saint-Léger (Saint Leger), the other famous architectural wonders worth visiting are the early renaissance town hall (now a famous, world-class hotel), the Église Notre-Dame-the largest neoclassical church in Alsace and Musée du Florival-one of the largest museums in France. This museum houses the work of world-famous ceramist Theodore Deck. He was born in the 19th century in Guebwiller and is known for reviving the ancient art of ceramics.

Savory local cuisines, rich historical culture, breathtaking sights, a laid back ambiance and proximity to the Vosges is what makes Guebwiller more than just a quaint little city. Not surprising, the number of tourists have been steadily rising every year making it a popular tourist destination in France.