Hoerdt

Hoerdt, a small Alsatian village, owes its fame to its iconic asparagus cultivation. Every year, from mid-April to June, the town transforms into a gastronomic hotspot thanks to this delicate vegetable. This tradition dates back to the late 19th century when a pastor, Louis Gustave Heyler, introduced asparagus farming after observing its success in Algeria.

Born in 1836 in Scharrachbergheim, Heyler served as a minister in Algeria before being appointed to Hoerdt in 1869.

Struck by the poverty of local farmers, whose sandy and infertile lands yielded meager crops, he noticed the similarity with North African soils, which were suitable for asparagus. He decided to test this crop in the presbytery garden. The encouraging results led the pastor to convince the villagers to take up this new activity, which would profoundly transform the village's economy.