Sélestat
In the heart of the Alsatian plain, ideally situated between Strasbourg and Colmar in the Bas-Rhin department, Sélestat (or Schlettstadt in Alsatian) is a city of humanist elegance and absolute poetry. Less exposed to the major tourist flows than its neighbors along the Wine Route, this City of Art and History possesses a unique intellectual destiny in Europe. A former jewel of the Alsatian Décapole, Sélestat was, in the 16th century, the undisputed capital of Rhenish Humanism, attracting the greatest thinkers of the Renaissance. Between the luminous whiteness of its medieval churches, the splendor of its library of precious manuscripts (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the wild greenery of its nature reserve, and the magic of its Christmas traditions, the city of Sélestat promises a cultural immersion of rare refinement.
The Humanist Library, the Beacon of the Renaissance
An absolute jewel of world heritage, the Humanist Library of Sélestat is the founding monument of the city's identity, celebrated by scholars worldwide.
Rudy Ricciotti's Jewel Box: Boldly restored by the renowned contemporary architect Rudy Ricciotti, the library creates a dialogue between the pink sandstone of the former 19th-century grain market and translucent concrete and glass structures, flooding the spaces with a light conducive to contemplation.
The Treasure of Beatus Rhenanus (UNESCO): The library houses the intact collection of the Sélestat scholar Beatus Rhenanus, inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. Wandering among these hundreds of books, handwritten marginal notes, and 16th-century first editions is a breathtaking intellectual experience.
The Oldest Book in Alsace: Among the priceless pieces displayed under high-tech showcases, travelers can admire a Merovingian lectionary dating from the 7th century, a masterpiece of calligraphy that has survived the ravages of time.
A Duel of Churches, between Romanesque Splendor and Gothic Impulsiveness
The historic center of Sélestat is marked by the coexistence of two monumental religious buildings that bear witness to the fervor and evolution of medieval sacred art.
The Church of Sainte-Foy, the Romanesque Jewel (12th century): Built of pink sandstone and granite by Benedictine monks, this former priory church is a model of Romanesque purity. Its façade, punctuated by two twin towers and its monumental octagonal lantern tower, exudes a mystical strength and sobriety.
The Church of Saint-Georges, the Cathedral of the Plain (13th-15th centuries): Just a short walk away, this Gothic edifice impresses with its verticality and the soaring height of its 65-meter spire. Its immense pointed arch windows house exceptional medieval stained glass that floods the nave with azure and purple light.
The Mystic Crypt: Beneath the choir of Sainte-Foy lies an intimate Romanesque crypt which houses the cast of the bust of a mysterious noble lady from the Middle Ages, found during archaeological excavations, adding a touch of mystery to the visit.
A Stroll Through the Labyrinth of the Ramparts and the Corporations
The historic center of Sélestat, encircled by charming, leafy boulevards, invites you to a bucolic stroll and discover its mercantile past.
The Witches' Tower and the Strasbourg Gate: Remnants of successive fortified walls (medieval and Vauban), these tall watchtowers built of brick and pink sandstone punctuate the town. The Witches' Tower, with its pointed arch doorway, recalls the dark days of the Renaissance trials.
The House of Alsatian Bread and the Guilds: Housed in the former headquarters of the bakers' guild (1522), the House of Bread offers insights into the history of grains and baking techniques. The aromas of warm brioches and pretzels baked in a wood-fired oven waft from the building, tempting you to indulge.
The Facades of Rue des Chevaliers: As you stroll along this cobbled street, the traveler discovers superb half-timbered houses, sculpted mullioned windows and secret private mansions in German Renaissance style with magnificent oriels (corbel windows).
The Illwald Forest, a Paradise of Wild Nature
A rare find in the Alsace plain, Sélestat boasts an ecological sanctuary of exceptional flora and fauna right on its doorstep.
A Unique Alluvial Forest: Spanning over 1,500 hectares, the Illwald Regional Nature Reserve is a wetland forest nourished by the floods of the Ill River. This labyrinth of clear groundwater streams, willow groves, and reedbeds offers absolute coolness and landscapes reminiscent of the Rhine jungle.
The Largest Population of Wild Fallow Deer: Equipped with binoculars and walking silently along the marked trails, hikers have a good chance of encountering the largest herd of wild fallow deer in France, which lives here in complete freedom amidst the ferns.
The Water Interpretation Trail: Wooden walkways allow you to cross the marshy areas safely, offering an ideal educational route to understand the fragile balance of this wetland of European importance.
The Christmas Tree Cradle and the Flavors of the Ried
The art of living in Sélestat is savored with passionate pride, fueled by a legendary winter tradition and generous cuisine.
The Invention of the Christmas Tree (1521): The very first written mention of the Christmas tree in the world (the right to cut down fir trees in the forest to decorate homes) is found in a register of the city of Sélestat, dated December 21, 1521. Every winter, the Church of Saint George hangs its fir trees beneath its vaults, tracing the evolution of decorations through the centuries.
Ried Fish Stew and Sauerkraut: Thanks to the proximity of the rivers, the chefs of Sélestat's traditional Alsatian wine bars (winstubs) excel at preparing Ried fish stew (a freshwater fish stew—pike, zander, eel—simmered in Alsatian white wine and cream), alongside the traditional sauerkraut.
Schnapps and Sweet Treats: To round off the meal, the market stalls overflow with golden Kougelhopf, Berawecka (a bread of dried fruit and spices), and artisanal spirits distilled in the nearby orchards. These meals are ideally complemented by the exceptional wines of the nearby Alsace Wine Route (Riesling, Pinot Gris).
Conclusion
Sélestat is a magnificent tourist destination, a charming and erudite stopover that captivates travelers with its authentic charm. By successfully achieving the remarkable feat of blending the intellectual splendor of its UNESCO-listed Humanist Library, the architectural duality of its medieval churches, the wild serenity of its Illwald alluvial forest, and the timeless magic of its Christmas tree tradition, this Alsatian city offers a journey of perfect harmony. Whether one comes to decipher the notes of Beatus Rhenanus, watch for deer at dawn in the forest mists, or savor a handcrafted brioche while admiring the pink sandstone facades, Sélestat stands out as a luminous, welcoming, and unforgettable stopover in the heart of Alsace.
Sélestat Tourist Office
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