If you’re in the mood for a little adventure outside Paris, there’s one region that might meet all your criteria: Alsace! Just two hours from Paris, it’s a complete change of scenery: with its rolling landscapes, generous gastronomy and charming villages, it’s the perfect destination for a short weekend away. In fact, among the region’s curiosities,the names of its communes rank right at the top. And with good reason, some of them have even made it into the Book of Records. Such is the case of Mittelschaeffolsheim (pronounced “mi-teul-chef-hols-aïmme”), near Strasbourg. A pretty little town that shares the record for France’s longest single-letter commune name. Twenty letters, and a name you’ll have to practice pronouncing to perfection!
A pretty village with an unpronounceable name, hidden in the countryside
This tiny village of almost 600 inhabitants is a very peaceful place, where people live happily. Located just 25 minutes from Strasbourg, it’s the perfect place for nature lovers! It’s a great place for fishing, hiking through lush green landscapes and enjoying the rural calm. In fact, 85% of the commune is farmland! All the ingredients you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
During the festive season, especially Christmas, the whole region is decked out in shimmering lights and winter decorations. If you’ve never been to a Christmas market in this area, now’s your chance.
The people of Mittelschaeffolsheim are very proud of their town’s national record. It’s a record held jointly with neighboring Niederschaeffolsheim. Enough to win your game of Scrabble! The village is also France’s second-largest hop-growing area. Hops are, by the way, one of the four essential ingredients for making beer, which is one of the region’s specialties!
Alsace, and its villages with unpronounceable names
Mittelschaeffolsheim isn’t the only village with a record in the region. The Lower Rhine village of Pfaffenhoffen also holds a record! The record for the highest number of “F “s in its name! Five to be precise… A unique linguistic heritage, which may make some people smile, but which is part of the richness of our beautiful country!