Selestat is famous for its humanistic library which contains a very large number of works from the 7th to the 16th century.
What you need to know about Sélestat
In the heart of Alsace, between Colmar and Strasbourg, Sélestat remains little known and little visited. Yet it is home to beautiful monuments, but above all one of the only two humanist libraries in Europe, not to be missed under any circumstances. Sélestat is, moreover, well located to visit the villages of the region.
The historical heart of Sélestat is a real open-air museum. The religious and civil heritage has been globally spared from conflicts and largely pedestrian, it can be the object of a remarkable discovery tour.
Legend has it that the town was founded by the giant Sletto. The Renaissance marks the glorious period of the city, which became a capital of humanism. Its school became famous all over Europe. The Reformation, the Peasants' War and the Thirty Years' War mark the decline of Selestat. Like the rest of Alsace, the town becomes French.
What are the good addresses for a cellar visit near Sélestat?
The first Lorentzes arrived around 1680, but it was Gustave who really launched the house, giving considerable impetus to the estate despite the difficult times that came with the annexation of Alsace by Germany. This is why his name was given to the house. Charles Lorentz left the reins of the estate to his son Georges in 1995. In the future, Georges will be able to count on his three daughters to continue the family tradition. Intimately convinced of the need to preserve the environment, their entire estate has been controlled and certified Organic Agriculture by Ecocert since 2012.
He works with small yields, converting the estate to organic farming in 2000 and to biodynamics in 2002. Today, he has the chance to work on 6 grands crus, 4 lieux-dits and 1 clos. At only 24 years old, Jean-Christophe draws on his guidelines from a rich wine-growing past, omnipresent nature and experience acquired from winegrowers in France, Germany and the New World.
Domaine Schwach, a vibrant saga that lasts.
François the epicurean, creator in the 1950s. Then Philippe, tirelessly daring, modernized the estate and bet brilliantly on crémant. Today, Sébastien meticulously perfects the work involved in the search for continuous improvement. With his dynamic team, he integrates the necessary application of practices that are resolutely respectful of the environment. Their vineyard is in AB conversion (certification from the 2020 harvest).