Travel Guide Huningue

The name Huningue is first mentioned in a document dated 828. During the Middle Ages, it was a village and a large estate under the direction of the cathedral chapter of Basel. Still in the Middle Ages, the village became the property of the Habsburgs, but it was always coveted by Basel, which held it for a century as collateral for loans granted to the Habsburgs. It wasn't until the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 that Huningue (like most of Alsace) returned to the French crown.In 1680, under the direction of Vauban, Huningue was heavily fortified. Louis XIV's fortress at the gateway to Basel is considered a masterpiece, with its 5 bastions, as well as half-moons and large hornworks. You can see the plans at the Historical and Military Museum, or take the walking tour that follows the old ramparts, fortifications and period houses (map available from the tourist office). The beer, silk and cigar industries developed, followed today by medical textiles, rolling shutters, electronic equipment and military research. A region known for its industrial past, it is now also a booming tourist region, where you can discover the Rhine Canal cycle path by bike, and enjoy thrill sports at the whitewater park, as well as fishing, cruises and hiking in the Petite Camargue alsacienne nature reserve.