Hunspach is a small yet remarkably charming village in the French region of Alsace (Bas-Rhin department). It is located in the Outre-Forêt area, within the Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord. The village proudly bears the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France label. In 2020, Hunspach gained extra attention when it was voted Village préféré des Français (the favourite village of the French).
Read this article in DutchHistory of Hunspach
The history of Hunspach dates back to the late 13th century, when it was first officially mentioned in a document from 1298. During the Middle Ages, the village had several rulers. From 1504 to 1618, Hunspach was under the control of the Lords of Deux-Ponts / Palatinate (Hohenbourg), a noble family from the German Palatinate region. During the Reformation, most of the inhabitants embraced Protestantism, a tradition that still shapes village life today.
In 1619, Hunspach came under Swedish rule, which lasted until 1787, when Sweden transferred its rights to the French crown. The Thirty Years’ War brought great hardship to the village: in 1633 it was almost completely burned down by imperial troops. For a while, the area remained empty and abandoned, until new settlers (mostly from Switzerland) arrived to rebuild Hunspach.
In the 19th century, Hunspach entered a peaceful and prosperous era. A railway line was even built between Haguenau and Wissembourg, with a stop in Hunspach. During both World Wars, Alsace suffered greatly due to its location near the border. The region endured heavy damage and control shifted several times. After 1945, much of the destruction was repaired and the awareness grew that Hunspach was a place worth preserving as cultural heritage.
Why Hunspach is on the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France list
That heritage is now well preserved. In 1985, the village received the prestigious Les Plus Beaux Villages de France label, which is only awarded to villages that are truly exceptional. To qualify, they must retain their authenticity and charm, with architecture that reflects their history and surroundings. Hunspach fits this perfectly. All houses are whitewashed and built in the traditional half-timbered style. There is virtually no modern construction in the village and no visual elements that disturb its historical harmony.
What immediately stands out in Hunspach is its unity. In many Alsatian villages, you’ll see colourful façades, but here the choice for white creates a serene and elegant atmosphere. Over the years, the whitewash fades slightly to grey, contrasting beautifully with the dark wooden beams and spacious courtyards. Many houses are remarkably well preserved, either still in their original state or carefully restored without losing their authentic character.
Vitres à verre bombé: curved glass
Not all houses in Hunspach have them, but one detail you might easily overlook is the curved glass (verres bombés or vitres à verre bombé) in the windows. This rounded glass allows residents to look outside without being seen themselves. It dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries and is a distinctive feature of several houses in the village. You can still find this type of glass in other villages in Alsace and occasionally in old towns elsewhere in France, but in Hunspach it has been remarkably well preserved.
Strolling through Hunspach
It’s a delight to take your time exploring here. Walk along the main street and don’t skip the side lanes and narrow alleys. Take a close look at the details of the houses along the way: the structure of the wooden beams, the window glass, the plasterwork, the overhanging roofs and of course the flower boxes overflowing with colourful geraniums. Also make sure to visit the Protestant church, which dates back to 1757. If you walk behind the church towards the cemetery, you’ll reach an orchard on a small hill; a perfect spot to admire Hunspach from a distance.
More to see near Hunspach
There’s so much more to discover in this part of France. In the northern part of Alsace, you’ll find charming villages such as Soultz-sous-Forêts, Betschdorf and Soufflenheim, known for their centuries-old pottery traditions. A bit further south lie towns like Sélestat, Bergheim, Colmar, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé and Eguisheim; each a gem with winding streets and beautiful half-timbered houses. Head the other way towards Moselle and you’ll find Saint-Quirin, Rodemack and Sarrebourg, all worth a visit. This corner of France is perfect for a varied and scenic road trip through the Vosges, but even if you’re just passing through on your way to Germany’s Black Forest, a stop in Hunspach makes a wonderful addition to your journey.
