This is what you might call a city on a human scale. With its 35,720 inhabitants, Haguenau combines a pleasant living environment, nearby nature, and a dynamic city center. Despite its medium size, it has a rich commercial fabric made up of both large chains and independent stores. Among them, I would highlight several gems, including L’Établi du Bijoutier. Its jeweler-designer Régis Lanfranchi creates, repairs, and transforms your jewelry according to your wishes: a great opportunity to adorn yourself with unique and personalized pieces! Customization is also the specialty of its neighboring boutique, Airbeauty France, which specializes in creating home fragrances. Its founder, Germain Schrodi, truly lives up to his title of “couturier of scent”! Haguenau’s downtown shopping district also features some sure bets, such as Le Bouclard, La Petite Étoile, Boutique Alexandre, XandO and La Fée Maraboutée.

DiscoverThe video of Haguenau from the sky

Sweet treats

Haguenau’s town center is largely pedestrianized, yet easily accessible by car, thanks to the adjoining Vieille île parking lot. Stores, restaurants, patisseries and tea rooms are all in the same place, so there’s no need to take your car! Between two shopping sessions, many locals have got into the habit of taking a break in one of the – very – many tea rooms in the North Alsatian capital! Boudoir de Débo, Pâtisserie Maxime, Pâtisserie Robert, Pâtisserie Heitz… there’s something for everyone. And if you’d like to take a break for lunch, head to Chez Le Jacques for its generous, authentic cuisine, L’Ancienne Douane for its tartes flambées, and Da Vinci for its 100% Italian dishes. But if you’re looking for gourmet cuisine, Grains de sel and Au Jardin will meet your expectations. For my part, I like to go to Café Max By Chloé. The atmosphere is cosy, the service is fast, the dishes are well-balanced and the desserts are to die for. It’s the ideal address for busy professionals!

AnExceptional forest

But if, like me, you take the time to slow down at the weekend, why not explore the undivided Forêt de Haguenau? The ^6th largest lowland forest in France, this forest has the particularity of surrounding the town, making it particularly accessible to its inhabitants. In just a few minutes on foot or by bike, you can easily join one of the 200 kilometers of marked trails running through the forest. This green lung has also been awarded the Forêt d’Exception label for its cultural, historical and, of course, natural riches. You’ll find an ornithological observatory, war relics, remarkable trees, ponds and many other treasures. Tip: once you’re in the forest, be sure to make a gourmet stop at the Auberge du Vieux Chêne! This authentic, welcoming establishment offers traditional cuisine based on fresh, seasonal produce.

A rendez-vous with culture

Another major highlight of the city of Haguenau is its cultural offerings. Indeed, the city of hops—as it is nicknamed—is well endowed with a theater, a historical museum, an Alsatian museum, and even a luggage museum! The latter features exceptional pieces from the houses of Goyard, Vuitton, and Moynat. Haguenau is also known for its renowned music and dance school, which allows more than 800 students to pursue these arts each year. Finally, between the Cultural Fortnight in March, the L’Humour des Notes Festival in May, the Hop Festival in August, and the unmissable Christmas Market, the city’s cultural program is very rich. But it’s not just culture that attracts families to Haguenau, it’s also its education system. In addition to traditional public schools, the city also has a large number of private schools ranging from nursery school to high school, including ABCM Zweisprachigkeit, Institution Sainte Philomène, and Collège des Missions Africaines. In short, Haguenau is a great place to live with your family. With its pleasant living environment, high-quality facilities, green surroundings, and varied activities, Haguenau truly deserves its title as the capital of northern Alsace.

So why not settle down here too?