Châtenois

Châtenois, ideally situated on the Route des Vins, is a uniquely charming fortified town whose history can still be read in its narrow streets and ramparts. Mentioned as a "fortified castle" in an episcopal deed of 1298, the town - sometimes referred to as a "fortified cemetery" - was an aristocratic settlement in the Middle Ages, where bishops stayed and villagers sought refuge in times of conflict. Two fortified walls, built in the 13th and 15th centuries, still surround the village today. They are honored every year during the traditional Fête des Remparts in June.
At the heart of this fortified complex are a number of remarkable features: the Tour des Sorcières, a 15th-century Gothic gateway to the former castle and double wall; the 18th-century Church of St. George, which houses one of Silbermann?s masterpieces; the fortified cemetery, the Bailiff?s house (Amthaus), the medieval garden and the chapels of Sainte-Croix and Sainte-Anne. Recent archaeological digs have uncovered elements of medieval daily life - wine cellars, barrels, wine presses - making Châtenois one of Alsace?s most important sites for medieval archaeology.
From the church, an interpretation trail leads along the ramparts to the heart of the village. Here, you can lose yourself in the narrow streets lined with typical Alsatian houses, where geraniums grace the balconies in summer. There are many activities to discover in the surrounding area, including bike trails, a slowUp in June, hikes in the vineyards, the GR5 hiking trail and the Chemin de Compostelle.
The visit ends with a wine tasting in one of the cellars or a meal in one of the local restaurants, where you can enjoy the traditional tarte flambée. Châtenois offers a harmonious blend of fortified architecture, medieval heritage, gastronomy and nature.