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Located on the Alsatian wine trail, in the heart of the vineyards, several kilometres from Colmar, the Château d’Isenbourg dominates the old town of Rouffach, offering a magnificent panoramic view of the Vosges foothills, the Rhine Plain and the Black Forest in the distance. Here, you will taste the pleasure of relaxation in a refined setting. It is an ideal place to stay in order to discover Alsace and its gastronomy.
Built on the foundation of 12th & 14th Century cellars, the Château d’Isenbourg is soaked in the turbulent history of Dagobert and Charlemagne, whose names still echo here. The etymology of the name Isenbourg is uncertain; while certain people favour “Eisenburg”, the iron château, others prefer “Isisburg”, the château of Isis. Wherever it comes from, this is a site that has been occupied from the most ancient times, an advance post for the commercial and military Roman road that runs behind the hillside. According to tradition, Dagobert II later donated his royal house, a formidable fortress guarding the town of Rouffach, to the bishopric of Strasbourg in recognition of the miraculous cure of his son Siedberg. Isenbourg thus became one of the favorite residences of the bishops of Strasbourg till the French Revolution.
The château then changed use and was sold as private property while the old superstructures were demolished in 1822. Fortunately the 120 meter long 15th and 16th century cradle vaulted cellars have stood the test of time and are actually being used as the restaurant room, the wine cellar and the kitchen.
Unoccupied for decades and in a dreadful condition… at the time the region had no luxury hotel and the Château d’Isenbourg would be the first. … What is more, a site that had a high reputation for its fine cuisine and wine route could not fail to tempt a fine palate like René Traversac’s! Thus the Château d’Isenbourg opened in July 1974.
It has 41 rooms of 6 different categories, from the most elegant apartment from city suites edinburgh apartments to the most delightful room including a suite, junior suite, “Deluxe”, “Superior”, “Traditional” and “Standard” rooms, located in the Château or in the nearby park. All the rooms are elegantly decorated in keeping with their location and enjoy modern comforts. They offer pleasant views over the garden, the park, the vineyard or the Alsace Plain
Restaurants on the Wine Route of Alsace
At the Tommeries, you will have access to two restaurant dining rooms with very definite characters. The “Salle panoramique” is largely open onto the terrace and the Clos d’Isenbourg vineyards with the old town in the distance. In a Louis XV style, its crystal chandeliers, beautiful stone flooring and panoramic view give it great elegance. Next door, the “Salle Dagobert”, a very high vaulted room dating from the 12th century, charms with its authenticity and Louis XIII décor.
As soon as the first fine days appear, it is a true pleasure to lunch or dine on the terrace overlooking the vineyard and the old town of Rouffach.
Chief William Hannauer offers fine cuisine inspired by Alsatian. On the menu: Roast filled breast of quail, preserved leg, crumbly shortbread tart and red cabbage chutney, pluma of Iberian pig with tandoori, seasonal vegetables, turnips sweet-and-sour, fillet of gilt-head bream grilled on one side only, simmered chestnuts and salsify, skimmed juice… for dessert: Breton shortbreads, ivory pomelos cream, blood oranges sorbet or creamy mangoes, coco and pineapple sorbet… www.isenbourg.com
