Erstein, French commune in Bas-Rhin, Alsace, Grand Est
Erstein is a small town in northeastern France, situated between fertile plains and the Ried and Rhine rivers. It features narrow streets lined with traditional timber-framed houses, a central marketplace, and is shaped by its location along the Ill river flowing through the region.
Erstein first appears in a document from 817 and may have derived its name from a Celtic word for earth. The town was fortified in 1191 and flourished until the 14th century, before being severely depopulated during the Thirty Years War.
The town's name may come from a Celtic word for earth or a phrase meaning the lady's stone. Local people gather regularly at the central square, in cafes, and at markets, where community life shapes the rhythm of the place.
The town is easy to explore on foot, with flat paths along the river and through the old town center. Visitors find shops and cafes open in the morning, and there are parks and green spaces for walking in the surrounding area.
In 1999 and 2000, archaeologists uncovered a large burial ground from the Merovingian era, roughly 1500 years ago. They found many pieces of textiles and jewelry, revealing that people have buried their dead here for thousands of years.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
