Neuf-Brisach Village 1700 Christmas Market

A Journey Back in Time in the Heart of the Vauban Fortifications

The Christmas Market of Yesteryear — Village 1700 is a unique immersive experience in Alsace. Behind the geometric ramparts of the fortified city, a masterpiece by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2008, a true 18th-century village comes to life for a weekend. The ground is strewn with straw, wood fires crackle in the braziers, the scent of wild boar roasted on the spit fills the air: every detail is designed to transport visitors three centuries back, to the time when this stronghold was built by Vauban for the Sun King.

Artisans of Yesteryear in Period Costume

What fundamentally distinguishes Village 1700 from other Christmas markets is the presence of artisans practicing ancestral trades in period costumes. Blacksmiths hammering iron on the anvil, knife grinders, cobblers, basket weavers, furniture restorers, embroiderers, weavers, woodturners, and clockmakers are busy before the eyes of visitors, passionately sharing their age-old techniques. These living demonstrations are as educational as they are spectacular, allowing both children and adults to discover forgotten skills.

The Tavern and Flavors of the Past

In the heart of the recreated village, a period tavern welcomes visitors for a meal from yesteryear. The wild boar roasted on the spit, the centerpiece of Village 1700's gastronomy, fills the streets with its aroma while guests warm themselves around rustic and generous dishes. Demonstrations of apple pressing for hot cider, making of bredele (small Christmas cakes) according to traditional recipes, and baking bread in a wood-fired oven complete this gourmet immersion into the past.

Living Animations and Games of Yesteryear

Village 1700 offers a series of lively animations that enchant young and old alike. A living nativity scene with real farm animals—donkeys, sheep, chickens—recreates the Nativity scene in an authentic setting. Storytellers in costume narrate Alsatian legends by the fireside. Wooden games from the era allow children to have fun as they did in the 18th century. A historic post relay is recreated, and visitors can discover the Vauban Museum and the MAUSA (Museum of Urban Art and Street Art), testaments to Neuf-Brisach's cultural richness.

A Quality Craft Market

Alongside the historic village, a classic craft market is set up near the illuminated Town Hall. The chalets offer quality artisanal creations: hand-blown Christmas decorations, scented candles, glass objects, jewelry, spices, and gourmet specialties. A childcare service is available under the Town Hall (€3/hour) to allow parents to enjoy the event peacefully. More than forty thousand visitors come each year to discover this unique market, which combines exceptional historical heritage and Christmas magic.