i 🏘️ Picturesque villages
Hunspach
One of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, famous for its white half-timbered houses and bulging windowpanes.
Overview
In northern Alsace, in the Outre-Forêt area near the German border, Hunspach has a look that sets it apart from other Alsatian villages. Its half-timbered houses from the 18th and 19th centuries are whitewashed with lime and topped with so-called “broken-nose” roofs. They line quiet streets, with their gardens, orchards and flowers. On the oldest façades, look out for the convex window panes: far more than decorative, they let residents see out into the street without being seen.
Listed as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages of France) as early as 1985, Hunspach was voted France’s Favourite Village (Village préféré des Français) in 2020, which boosted visitor numbers. The village is best explored on foot, without hurrying, looking up at the details of the façades. A few kilometres away, the Fort de Schoenenbourg is one of the main sections of the Maginot Line open to visitors in Alsace. Its underground galleries round off the day with a chapter of 20th-century history. The Alsace Verte tourist office’s information point, in the village, has details of walks in the surrounding Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park.
Where to do it
In Hunspach (Bas-Rhin (67)), in Alsace. Best season: 🗓️ All year round.
Good to know
Listed as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France in 1985, Hunspach was voted France’s Favourite Village (Village préféré des Français) in 2020. Its oldest houses have kept their convex window panes, which let people see the street without being seen.
Tips
Combine your stroll around the village with a visit to the nearby Fort de Schoenenbourg, checking its opening days first. The Alsace Verte information point, on Route de Hoffen, provides maps and route ideas. Hunspach is a lived-in village, so please respect residents’ peace and quiet.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Why are the houses in Hunspach white?
The half-timbered façades are traditionally whitewashed with lime, giving the village a strikingly uniform colour that is unusual in Alsace. These houses, mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries, have “broken-nose” roofs. The oldest still have their original convex window panes.
What awards has Hunspach received?
Hunspach has been one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France since 1985. In 2020, it was voted France’s Favourite Village on the TV programme presented by Stéphane Bern, following a public vote. This raised the village’s profile well beyond Alsace.
What is there to see near Hunspach?
A few kilometres away is the Fort de Schoenenbourg, a Maginot Line fortification built between 1931 and 1935. You walk through the underground galleries that linked the combat blocks to the crew’s quarters. Wissembourg and the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park are also close by.
Is there a tourist office in Hunspach?
The Alsace Verte tourist office has an information point at 3 route de Hoffen, in Hunspach. Its opening hours vary with the season. It has information on the village, the Maginot Line and walks in the area. Guided tours for groups are also available by reservation.
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, prices and conditions may change: check the official website before you travel.
Nearby (within 20 km)
Weekend idea around Hunspach
- 1HunspachStarting point · Hunspach
- 2HunspachMust-see place · 1 km away
- 3Fort de Schoenenbourg – Maginot LineMust-do activity · 3 km away
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