3 tours en alsace

THE 10 BEST Alsace Tours & Excursions

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1. Alsace Colmar, Medieval Villages & Castle Small Group Day Trip from Strasbourg

2. Alsace Wine Route Small Group Half-Day Tour with Tasting from Strasbourg

3. BOAT ALSACE Visit Strasbourg in a private boat + Captain

4. Alsace 4 Wonders Small-Group Day Trip from Colmar

5. Alsace Half Day Wine Tour from Colmar

6. Day trip: Colmar, Haut-Koenigsbourg, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg

7. Alsace Full Day Wine Tour from Colmar

8. Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience

9. France, Germany and Switzerland Full Day Tour from Colmar

10. Strasbourg Private Walking Tour

11. 1 Hour Cathédrale Notre Dame with Audio guide in Strasbourg

12. On tour with a friend and his luxury van

13. Baden-Baden, Black Forest and Strasbourg Day Trip from Frankfurt

14. Alsace's Gems Small Group Day Tour from Colmar

15. Alsace Wine Route Wineries & Tasting Small Group Guided Tour from Strasbourg

16. Alsace villages half day tour from Colmar

17. Medieval Villages and Wine Tasting from Strasbourg

18. Medieval Alsace and Wine Tasting from Colmar

19. Guided Walking Tour in Strasbourg between History and Curiosities

20. Private and customizable: Alsace Wine Route HIGHLIGHTS in 3 hours

21. 2-Hour Strasbourg Euro Tour by Segway

22. Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour

23. Explore Strasbourg in 1 hour with a Local

24. Wine tour, tasting and picnic basket

25. ICONICS Tour: 1/2 day on the Wine Route, visit of 2 Villages + Tasting.

26. Strasbourg Like a Local Customized Private Guided Walking Tour

27. Strasbourg City Center Guided Bike Tour w/ Local Guide

28. Strasbourg Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour

29. Germany Freiburg & Black Forest Private Day Trip from Strasbourg

30. Selfguided and interactive tour of Strasbourg

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The Grand Tour of Alsace: A 12-Day Itinerary

Last Updated:  15 July 2022

For many wishing to discover Alsace, organising an itinerary is not an obvious idea. Which sites to visit? Which towns and villages are worth a visit? Having travelled through Alsace from north to south and from the Vosges to the Rhine, the region has (almost) no secrets for me. So I can help you to organise a beautiful trip to Alsace. This ambitious tour of Alsace will take you along an entire route around the region in 12 days . The 765 km long tour along the roads of Alsace will reveal the historical, cultural and architectural treasures between the Rhine and the Vosges.

An unforgettable Tour of Alsace

Alsace Wine Route © French Moments

When Louis XIV passed through the Saverne Pass and discovered Alsace for the first time, he would have exclaimed: 

"Ah, what a beautiful garden this is!"

A tour of Alsace is truly inspiring for the variety of its landscapes between the Vosges and the Rhine.

The road winds through the vineyards and plays hide-and-seek in the forests, revealing itself at the bend in the fields and meadows, before entering prosperous towns with old roofs on which storks nest.

A white stork in its nest in Alsace © French Moments

Standing on the summits of the Vosges , the ruined castles still watch over the ancestral passageways.

Alsace is a region with a solid cultural identity, from the fantastic Gothic cathedral of Strasbourg to the charming half-timbered houses . It is this exceptional country that I invite you to discover by following this tourist circuit.

12 days starting from Strasbourg

Strasbourg © French Moments

I propose you discover the region through an exclusive itinerary starting from Strasbourg. This Grand Tour of Alsace (a 765 km/475 mi long tour) will allow you to explore many of the region's sights.

Of course, you are free to use this as inspiration to plan your itinerary. You can either :

• Lighten the Alsace tour by reducing the number of stages
• Spend more time on one particular stage

Here is the plan for the 12 Days (D) Tour of Alsace:

D1  - Strasbourg (night in Strasbourg) D 2 - Haguenau, Outre-Forêt and Wissembourg (night in Wissembourg) D3  - The Northern Vosges (night in Saverne) D4  - Saverne, Obernai and Mont-Sainte-Odile (night in Obernai) D5  - Barr, Andlau, Dambach-la-Ville and Sélestat (night in Sélestat) D6  - Haut-Kœnigsbourg, Saint-Hippolyte and Bergheim (night in Ribeauvillé) D7  - Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr and Riquewihr (night in Colmar) D8  - Colmar and Eguisheim (night in Eguisheim) D9  - Turckheim and Kaysersberg (night in Kaysersberg) D10  - The Route des Crêtes (night in Thann) D11  - Sundgau, Jura alsacien and Mulhouse (night in Mulhouse) D12 - The écomusée d'Alsace, Guebwiller, Rouffach and Neuf-Brisach (back to Strasbourg)

Rent a Car for Your Tour of Alsace

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Day 1 - Strasbourg

Tour of Alsace - District of the Petite France, Strasbourg © French Moments

This trip to Alsace starts naturally in Strasbourg , the capital of the historical and cultural region Alsace, of the Grand-Est region and one of the capitals of Europe. Strasbourg is a treasure trove of architecture, especially for its districts:

• the Grande Île , the historic centre of Strasbourg, dominated by the cathedral ,
• the German imperial quarter and
• the district of the European institutions .

Don't miss the picturesque Petite-France and Ponts Couverts districts. Strasbourg is also home to several museums, including three in the Palais-Rohan. As soon as night falls, the beautiful illuminations of Petite-France, notably the cathedral, will dazzle you! 

Day 2 - Haguenau, Outre-Forêt and Wissembourg

🚙  77 km / 48 mi

Rue des églises, Seebach © French Moments

Head for the north of Alsace, passing through Haguenau , an old town bordering the largest forest in Alsace. After crossing the Haguenau forest, you enter the Outre-Forêt region.

Here you will find two of the most beautiful villages in the area: Seebach and Hunspach. Wissembourg , on the border of the Palatinate in Germany, will charm you with its historic centre.

Day 3 - The Northern Vosges

🚙  111 km / 69 mi

La Petite-Pierre in the Northern Vosges © French Moments

Take the Pigeonnier pass to reach one of the most beautiful ruins in France: the Fleckenstein castle .

Vauban fortified La Petite-Pierre and its castle. Enjoy magnificent views over the countryside and the high wooded hills. Don't miss the troglodytic houses of Graufthal carved into the pink Vosges sandstone cliff.

On the way to Saverne, linger in Neuwiller-lès-Saverne to admire the beautiful St-Pierre-et-St-Paul church. Once in Saverne , discover its castle and its marina. Spend the night there.

Château des Rohan, Saverne © French Moments

Day 4 - Saverne, Obernai and Mont-Sainte-Odile

🚙 70 km / 44 mi

Obernai © French Moments

Leaving Saverne to the south, head towards Marlenheim , the northern gateway to the famous Alsace Wine Route . Note the beautiful Romanesque church of Marmoutier shortly after leaving Saverne.

You'll be spoilt for choice when visiting towns and villages with beautiful half-timbered houses: Wangen , Molsheim , Rosheim and Bœrsch are among my favourites.

Before heading to Obernai , where you will spend the night, climb Mont Sainte-Odile to admire one of Alsace's most beautiful panoramic views. From the convent of Sainte-Odile, you can see the city of Strasbourg and its cathedral and the Black Forest in the distance.

Mont Sainte-Odile © French Moments

Of course, don't miss a walk through the streets of Obernai , the most visited town in the Bas-Rhin département after Strasbourg. You will spend the night there.

Day 5 - Barr, Andlau, Dambach-la-Ville and Sélestat

🚙  32 km / 20 mi

Place du marché aux choux, Sélestat © French Moments

Today, you will drive along the Alsace Wine Route to Sélestat . You will pass through some very beautiful sites: Barr , Andlau , Mittelbergheim and Dambach-la-Ville . You will find the same atmosphere everywhere, that of cities flourishing thanks to the culture of the vine.

Then go to Sélestat , ideally situated between Strasbourg and Colmar. Discover the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the city (Humanist Library, Gothic church of St Georges and Romanesque church of St Foy). Stay overnight.

Day 6 - Haut-Kœnigsbourg, Saint-Hippolyte and Bergheim

🚙  31 km / 19 mi

Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle © French Moments

In the morning, climb to the Haut-Kœnigsbourg to be among the first to enter the castle at its opening.

After your visit, head back down to the plain and continue your discovery of the Alsatian vineyards and their charming villages: Saint-Hippolyte and Bergheim . If you have time, walk around the ramparts of Bergheim. Join Ribeauvillé and spend the night there.

Day 7 - Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr and Riquewihr

🚙  22 km / 14 mi

The village of Riquewihr in Alsace © French Moments

Visit the historic centre of Ribeauvillé in the morning, then follow the Wine Route to explore the villages of Hunawihr and Zellenberg . Then head to Riquewihr , one of the most beautiful villages in France. Take time to stroll along the narrow streets that cross the Grand-Rue. Then head to Colmar to wander the streets of the old town at dusk.

Day 8 - Colmar and Eguisheim

🚙  7 km / 4 mi

The Little Venice of Alsace in Colmar © French Moments

There is much to see in Colmar , the capital of Alsace wines . From the Little Venice to the picturesque Rue des Marchands, and from the Ancienne Douane to the Collégiale St Martin . Don't miss the beautiful collections of the Unterlinden Museum , including the famous Issenheim Altarpiece.

In the middle of the afternoon, you will go to the nearby village of Eguisheim , where you will spend the night. Awarded the title of the favourite village of the French, Eguisheim will seduce you with its narrow streets lined with beautiful half-timbered houses.

Day 9 - Turckheim and Kaysersberg

🚙  27 km / 17 mi

Tour of Alsace - Kaysersberg © French Moments

First stop: the historic town of Turckheim on the edge of a prestigious vineyard. Continue by discovering the small village of Niedermorschwihr , whose church spire is twisted. Next stop: the Sigolsheim cemetery , a place of remembrance where hundreds of graves recall the fierce fighting in the Colmar pocket in 1944-45. A stone's throw from there, here is Kientzheim , one of the only villages still entirely fortified in Alsace. Go to Kaysersberg and enjoy the nighttime atmosphere of the former imperial town.

Day 10 - The Route des Crêtes from Kaysersberg to Thann

🚙  100 km / 62 mi

View of the Grand Ballon from the Route des Crêtes © French Moments

Stroll through the streets of Kaysersberg in the morning, then head into the Kaysersberg valley to join the Route des Crêtes des Vosges via Orbey at the Col du Calvaire  pass. This road, laid out during the First World War, marks the border between Lorraine and Alsace. Spectacular panoramas await you along the route. Don't forget to take a break to admire the landscape: at the Gazon du Faing, the Hohneck and the Grand-Ballon.

Head back down to the plain, stopping at the Vieil Armand , a place of remembrance of the Great War. Before nightfall, visit the town of Thann and take advantage of being there to discover the splendid collegiate church of Saint-Thiébaut in Thann.

Day 11 - Sundgau, Jura alsacien and Mulhouse

🚙  135 km / 84 mi

Tour of Alsace - Ferrette © French Moments

On the programme for this second to last day: Mulhouse and the Sundgau , the southernmost region of Alsace.

Start by heading to Altkirch , the capital of the Sundgau region. After a short visit, drive through the charming villages of Hirtzbach and Hirsingue towards Ferrette. Take a break in the count's town of Ferrette and climb to the castle ruins to enjoy a splendid view of the Sundgau hills, the Vosges and the Black Forest. Go to Lucelle , then to the Landskron castle before heading to Mulhouse . If you still have some time left in the late afternoon, you might be interested in one of the city's technical museums.

Day 12 - Ecomusée d'Alsace and Neuf-Brisach

🚙  152 km / 94 mi

Tour of Alsace - Ecomusée d'Alsace © French Moments

This last stage of the trip in Alsace will be the longest as the route will take you back to our starting point: Strasbourg. You can plan to cut the route in half and stay one extra night in Colmar .

You leave Mulhouse for Ensisheim , the former capital of Anterior Austria (until 1648). Worth seeing: the Palais de la Régence, in Renaissance style.

Nearby is the Ecomusée d'Alsace . Comprising a reconstructed village, the open-air museum showcases Alsace's rural and artisanal heritage at the end of the 19th century.

Follow the road to Guebwiller , famous for its beautiful churches: Saint-Léger (late Romanesque), Notre-Dame (Baroque and neo-Classical) and the Dominican convent (Gothic).

Further north, Rouffach is a historical town renowned for its beautiful Renaissance stone houses and the Gothic church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption.

On the way to Strasbourg, linger in Neuf-Brisach, Vauban's former stronghold facing Germany. Drive along the Rhine to Plobsheim . In the south of the village is an old, partly half-timbered chapel: Notre-Dame-du-Chêne (15th century).

Tour of Alsace - The Belfort Gate in Neuf-Brisach © French Moments

Pass Alsace: a good way to discover the region

If you plan to visit several cultural sites and attractions in the region, it may be worthwhile to buy a Pass Alsace .

You'll enjoy free admission to 58 sights, including nature parks, castles, museums and lots of other fun activities at reduced prices throughout Alsace.

Examples of places to see: castle of Fleckenstein, the rock houses in Graufthal, a choice of two museums in Strasbourg, the Haut-Kœnigsbourg castle, the humanist library of Sélestat, the écomusée d’Alsace, the zoological and botanical park of Mulhouse…

Please note: the Alsace Pass is valid for 3 days.

Other sites to discover on a Tour of Alsace

It is almost impossible to discover a whole region by limiting your Grand Tour of Alsace to 12 days. If you wish to continue your exploration, I recommend the following sites, which can be visited with a few small detours on the initial route:

• The parc du Petit-Prince
• The Alsace Wine Route from Eguisheim  to  Thann (Soultz-Haut-Rhin, Gueberschwihr , Husseren-les-Châteaux, Hohlandsbourg Castle...)
• The natural region of Alsace Bossue
• The Donon massif
• The valley of Munster
• The Doller valley and Ballon d'Alsace
• Belfort, the lion and citadel
• Trips to Switzerland and Germany: the Baden wine route from Basel to Karlsruhe, the Palatinate wine route and the imperial city of Speyer

Did this article help you plan your tour of Alsace? Share it on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest: it will encourage me to publish future articles! 🙂

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About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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Bonjour Pierre, Great article. We visited Strasbourg a few years ago and this brought back so many great memories. We’re planning a trip to Bordeaux, Dordogne area and Lourdes in April, so I wondered if you had a similar article. Kind regards Rob

Thank you Rob. I have published some articles about the Dordogne and Bordeaux (but they need a little revamp!), here’s a short list: – Bordeaux – Périgord – Dordogne Valley in Périgord Noir Hope this will help! 🙂 Have a nice week

Fabulous, thanks Pierre

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Riquewihr lovely town M.Schampion - CDT Alsace

Self-drive Alsace Tours

Self-guided tours in alsace.

On the border with Germany lies the Alsace region, along the Rhine river and stretching from Strasbourg to Colmar. 

Our Alsace tours has everything a wanderer will like: so many colorful half-timbered towns built along a scenic vineyards route . Always in the background, the Vosges mountains add to the picturesque scenery and you can reach the foothills in less than 30 minutes to have unlimited walking and hiking options. 

Munster and its cheese will give foreign travelers a real introduction to uncompromisingly tasty French cheeses , while the local pizza called Flammekueche as well as the famous Choucroute will get everyone to agree - food in Alsace is delicious! 

A fantastic well-planned self-drive tour We had the most amazing time on our 6 week self-drive tour designed by Laura, travelling through Brittany, Loire, Dordogne, Medoc, Basque …

A fantastic well-planned self-drive tour We had the most amazing time on our 6 week self-drive tour designed by Laura, travelling through Brittany, Loire, Dordogne, Medoc, Basque France, Languedoc, Provence, the Alps, Alsace and Champagne. This was a big trip for us and it was everything I’d hoped and dreamed and even more besides. All our accommodation was delightful - all different and all with unique character and a personal touch. All our hosts and guides were fantastic and we so enjoyed our time with them. Everything was so meticulously planned, so well-organised, and presented clearly with a wealth of information and practical tips for suggested activities each day to make to most of our stay in each region. Restaurant recommendations were particularly helpful. The FJFY app is outstanding! We very much hope to travel with FJFY again. Thank you for all your hard work and attention to detail in making such a wonderful trip for us.

Our Self-Guided Tours in Alsace

Discover our self-drive itineraries which will take you through Alsace lovely towns and typical vineyards.

Katzenthal vineyards Tristan Vuano - ADT Alsace

Focus on the Northeastern France

On this itinerary, you'll go North-East ! Burgundy, Alsace and Champagne are all located East of Paris and near the Swiss and German borders. Quite unknown, these regions have a lot to discover !

Hunawihr town in fall Tristan Vuano - ADT Alsace

The Best of Eastern France

This itinerary takes you to Eastern France from North to South. After spending a few days in Paris, you will enjoy the Alsace region on the German border and then drive your way south all the way to Provence. The best itinerary to discover l'Est de la France !

Obernai in Alsace Lez Broz - Visit Alsace

Northern France from Paris to Alsace

In 13 days, this tour will take you from Paris to the Somme region, and on to Lille at the Belgium border. You will then drive your way south-east to the Verdun area and the surrounding WWI sites. You will end your journey in Alsace, on the border with Germany. A great way to discover Northern France !

Royal Fortress in Chinon Jean-Christophe Coutand - ADT Touraine

The Very Best of Northern France

From East to West, discover the Northern half of France at your own pace. Visit Alsace, Burgundy, the Loire Valley, and Normandy, ending your wonderful adventure in Paris.

How to Get to Alsace

• If you are driving, Burgundy is a 2hr45 drive south from Alsace, the  Verdun region is a bit less than 3hrs west. We do not recommend driving directly from Paris or CDG Airport to Alsace, as it is about a 5hr drive on the highway.
• If you plan on reaching Alsace via train and then rent a car, you need to plan for Strasbourg, which is the main city of Alsace. From Paris Gare de l’Est station, you can catch a direct TGV high speed train and in 1hr45, you will arrive in Strasbourg.
• The train is the best way to get to Alsace if you don’t plan to stop over in Reims for Champagne or in Verdun for the World War I sites on the way.

Where to Stay in Alsace

• Most of the sightseeing in Alsace lies between Strasbourg in the North and Colmar in the South. The 2 cities are 45 miles (73 kilometers) apart and the drive is about 1hr drive.
• Parallel to this North-South road you will find the famous Alsace Wine Route with all the gorgeous typical little towns on the foothills of the Vosges mountains. It is easy to enjoy  wine tours from Colmar, if you're interested in wine-tasting. 

Katzenthal vineyards -  ©Tristan Vuano - CDT Alsace

• For our self-drive tours in Alsace we have selected premium Bed & Breakfasts on the Colmar–Strasbourg axis, perfectly located to enjoy the Alsace region driving. 

Alsace Christmas Markets

Alsace Christmas markets make this French region very special. Nowhere else in the world will you enjoy such a charming, very special Christmas ambiance than strolling Colmar, Eguisheim or Riquewhir in  Christmas market season.

You will enjoy tasting fresh pretzels with hot mulled wine while walking around, or you may sit in a traditional winstub to taste sauerkraut or braised ham. For beer or wine lovers, Alsace has a lot to keep you busy !

Alsace Christmas Markets - © Lois Moreno - CDT Alsace

Maybe what we enjoy the most about Alsace Christmas markets are the nice decorations all over the places : on the streets, in the windows of all the homes . . . everywhere you look! And if you get lucky with a bit of snow, it is magical! 

Now, visiting Alsace Christmas markets requires some logistics and you need to be an early bird for reserving. While the Christmas market season starts in late November and ends on the first days of January, most accommodations are fully booked a year ahead. Thus, based on this, please plan ahead and do not hesitate to contact us to plan your Alsace tours asap.

Self-drive wine-tastings Alsace: The Alsace Wine Route by Car

The vineyards of the Alsace wine region are postcard landscapes with the half-timbered towns and the Vosges mountains in the background. It makes a really pleasant drive with gorgeous photo stops. Several of the Alsatian towns are “most beautiful villages of France” and we also recommend exploring less famous, less touristy towns that we have selected for our travelers.

Most Alsace wines are white wines, in the German tradition. Alsace's vineyards are famous for the Sylvaner, Riesling and Gewurztraminer varieties . These are wines that are not produced anywhere else in France. Along the Alsace Wine Route, there are lots of wineries you can just walk into and taste the wines.

Wine Tasting in Alsace -  ©Lez Broz - Visit Alsace

Alsace has long been known for Gewurztraminer wines, especially those known as “vendanges tardives”, meaning late harvested grapes which produce strongly savored wines that are excellent as an aperitif. Tastes tend to change and people now drink wines with less sugar and Alsace also makes some nice dry Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris wines . So every traveler should find a wine they like !

Alsace's Very Special History

Being located along the German border, the Alsace region has had a very eventful history. It was torn between Germany and France many many times in history. So while Alsace is a French region, you can get a real taste of Germany in Alsace through   the architecture, the gastronomy, and the traditions.

It makes the region very special and unique. To the west  of Rhine river, from Strasbourg to Colmar there are  so many wonderful historical, gastronomic, and cultural  self drive experiences in Alsace for you to discover!

One great witness of this history is undoubtedly Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, which stands on the top of the hills between Colmar and Strasbourg. There are lots of other medieval castle ruins in this area but Haut Koenigsbourg was rebuilt in the early 20th century by William the 2nd of Germany, so it is “complete”.

Haut Koenigsbourg Castle -  ©JL.Stadler - CDT Alsace

Made in Alsace

• Storks are the symbol of Alsace. While they almost disappeared in the 70's, the repopulation efforts are working and you will see stork nests everywhere. Legend says that if a stork flies above a house, then a baby will come soon. If you want to see the storks, come during the summer season, in winter, they are in Africa.

White Stork Nest in Alsace -  ©Marc Solari - CDT Alsace

• Pottery is traditional in the Alsace region, with colorful and generous shapes. While Soufflenheim is famous for its clay and potteries, you can find shops selling these all over Alsace. In Kayserberg, a local workshop makes gorgeous pottery decorations for the Christmas tree . . . just saying!
• Alsatian traditional costumes are also part of the culture. They are no longer worn in the streets since the end of WWII but in all the festivals, you will see people with the Alsatian costumes. 

Wine Festival in Eguisheim with traditional costumes -  ©V.Muller - Visit Alsace

• Alsatian gastronomy is very rich: you can tell this is a cold region in winter: pork meats, potatoes, cabbage make delicious baeckeoffe, sauerkraut, spaetzles. Apple strudels or cherry bettelmann should definitly be on your list to taste, while the Kougelhopf brioche is a must for breakfast or teatime.

Alsatian Baeckoffe - © Klaudia IGA - Visit Alsace

FAQ about Alsace

Alsace is most famous internationally and in France for its Christmas markets in December! The whole region turns into a fairytale landscape, with Christmas decorations, lights, markets and the aroma of mulled wine wafting through the Alsatian villages and towns.

Alsace also has a fascinating history. It was fought over between France and Germany for centuries, and having belonged to one or the other at different points in history. Now, Alsace is part of France, but if you visit, you will notice the many German influences on the culture, architecture, food and traditions (including the Christmas markets).

The region is also famous for the Alsace Wine Route, with some delicious white wines for you to try. 

At the very minimum, we recommend spending 3 days of a self-drive tour in Alsace. This will give you the chance to visit one of the region's main towns - Colmar or Strasbourg; enjoy a day driving along the Alsace wine road, including some stops in beautiful Alsatian villages with colorful half-timbered houses; and visit the gorgeous medieval Haut-Koenigsbourg castle.

Absolutely! It's worth spending at least a day in the beautiful town of Colmar, so you can enjoy a stroll or a boat tour along its canal and enjoy a delicious meal in a typical Winstub with a nice beer or glass of wine. It's true that many Alsace tours include visits to Colmar - but we'll always explain how you can avoid the biggest tourist crowds!

Alsatian gastronomy is known for being rich, and very warming during the winter months. Munster cheese is a tasty and strong-smelling French cheese. Another very cheesy dish is the local pizza called Flammekueche. The famous Choucroute is sauerkraut with sausages and other cured meats and charcuterie, and often potatoes. Baeckeoffe is a typical savoury casserole dish. You'll also find plenty of pretzels, apple strudels and 'Bettelmanns' (an Alsatian cherry casserole) to try. We recommend trying a Kougelhopf brioche for breakfast or tea-time; it is made from the yeast-based dough with added raisins, almonds and sometimes hazelnuts. Yummy!

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Our travelers’ reviews.

Our family of 5 adults spent 17 days touring France on a trip built around the Women's World Cup Semi-finals and Final in Lyon. France Just For You did a marvelous job setting up beautiful, well managed B&B's in 5 different regions as we explored both the history and gastronomy of France. Guided tours from personable and informative guides during …

Our family of 5 adults spent 17 days touring France on a trip built around the Women's World Cup Semi-finals and Final in Lyon. France Just For You did a marvelous job setting up beautiful, well managed B&B's in 5 different regions as we explored both the history and gastronomy of France. Guided tours from personable and informative guides during the first day in each region set a base of historical and geographic knowledge that allowed for quality, individual exploration the remaining time in the region. As diverse as our family members' interests are, all 5 of us got to experience a piece of France and its culture that was special to us. Emilie and Laura did a wonderful job from initial planning to shepherding us through the trip. Merci!

Words cannot begin to describe how pleased we are with the 22 day trip that the France Just for You team created for us as we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. We normally plan our own trips but when we looked at France we became overwhelmed with how much we could do. We found the FJFY team and saw that they had all 5 star reviews. You can …

Words cannot begin to describe how pleased we are with the 22 day trip that the France Just for You team created for us as we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. We normally plan our own trips but when we looked at France we became overwhelmed with how much we could do. We found the FJFY team and saw that they had all 5 star reviews. You can trust the FJFY team to create a fantastic, thoughtful, engaging and memorable holiday experience in France.

My husband and our friends spent two weeks travelling around Northern France, the Loire Valley and Paris. Emilie provided us with a detailed itinerary that exceeded our expectations. The accommodations were excellent and unique providing us with a variety of B & B's. Her recommendations for tours and sights took into consideration our interests and …

My husband and our friends spent two weeks travelling around Northern France, the Loire Valley and Paris. Emilie provided us with a detailed itinerary that exceeded our expectations. The accommodations were excellent and unique providing us with a variety of B & B's. Her recommendations for tours and sights took into consideration our interests and past visits. This was our friends first trip to France and our third. They were overwhelmed by the attention to detail and the care Emilie took in arranging transportation, accommodations etc. My husband and I enjoyed this trip even though we have visited most of the area previously, but Emilie had arranged some amazing tours that we had not taken. The Beaches of Normandy were highlights for all and the guide Emilie arranged was very knowledgeable and personable. All of the B & B owners shared their positive experience working with France Just for You. Emilie has made excellent relationships with her tour guides and hosts. We would highly recommend France Just for You and hope to return again one day. We will be sure to have Emilie prepare our next adventure.

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Discover Alsace with our guided tours of the Wine Route

An unforgettable experience in the heart of Alsace

Tour.alsace invites you to discover one of France’s most beautiful regions. Each of our tours has been designed to help you make the most of this exceptional day.

From typical, must-see villages, through the Alsatian vineyards, to walks through historic town centres, you’ll be amazed by every surprise. In our comfortable bu s, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the countryside, with commentary in your own language.

And if the weather is fine, you’ll even have the pleasure of travelling in the open!

• From €110 per person (€60 child rate)
• Discover our tours departing from Strasbourg & Colmar
• A comfortable, panoramic open-top bus
• Your tour with commentary in your language

Choose the starting point for your tour

From Colmar in the Haut-Rhin (68) or Strasbourg in the Bas-Rhin (67), tour.alsace offers you tours to see and visit the most emblematic places in Alsace . The hardest part is choosing!

Alsace Villages and Christmas Markets Tour

Strasbourg may be the Christmas Capital but almost all the towns and villages in Alsace host their own Christmas Market and some are certainly worth the trip… So soak up the winter wonderland!

Best of Alsace Tour

Do you want to see Alsace’s top attractions? Tour.alsace is your ticket to visit Alsace’s most iconic sites in a single day starting in Strasbourg.

Coeur d’Alsace tour

Departing from the bus drop-off point at Parc de l’Étoile in Strasbourg, this tour will take you to discover some extraordinary heritage, with the added bonus of a visit to Mont Sainte-Odile and lunch in the sublime city of Obernai.

Medieval Alsace Tour

Explore the stunning region of Alsace on our one-day excursion. Immerse yourself in the charm and history of this area. Discover enchanting villages, savor the fine wines of the region, and explore a majestic medieval castle. An unforgettable experience in Alsace.

Perles du Vignoble tour

Haut-Rhin is full of little medieval villages where every stone tells a story. This one-day tour will allow you to unlock the secrets of these villages, among the most beautiful in France, and enjoy a wine tasting at a local winemaker.

Check availability of our tours

Book the bus for your events.

Our chauffeur-driven Cabriolet Bus just for you? It's possible! Think about it for all your events (weddings, birthdays, family celebrations...)

They talk about their experience tour.alsace

• In japanese
• In portuguese

Foram paradas deliciosas para experimentar o melhor da comida e vinhos da Alsácia. Excelente passeio pelas Aldeias da Alsácia com muito conforto e total atenção do Guia Martin! A veículo microônibus é excelente com sistema de áudio Guide em 12 línguas.  

Merci Henri pour le tour d'Alsace qu'on a pu effectuer hier grâce à vous. C'est un très beau tour et si bien organisé. Nous le recommandons à ceux qui ne connaissent pas l'Alsace, au depart du Strasbourg. Nous avons admiré votre gentillesse et votre professionalisme.

We loved our Best of Alsace tour with Tour Alsace. The bus was very comfortable and immaculately clean, the driver, Martin, welcoming and very helpful. The itinerary hit all the high notes. It was a very pleasant, informative, fun and an enjoyable trip, for us adults and a 10 year old. I was very impressed with the company's responsiveness. 100% recommend and would definitely book again.

Consiglio questo tour che è davvero fantastico. La nostra guida Martin è stata puntualissima in tutte le tappe e ci ha fornito tutte le informazioni di cui avevamo bisogno. Le audioguide ci hanno permesso di approfondire la storia delle diverse cittadine che abbiamo visitato. La durata di ogni sosta è stata sufficiente per la visita.

フランス国鉄のストで、移動が出来なくなったため申し込みました。結論としてはこちらのツアーに参加して正解でした。コルマールでは3時間、他でも十分な時間がとれ、効率的にアルザスの街を回ることが出来ました

O passeio é excepcional e o profissional responsável pelo passeio foi super gentil. Um verdadeiro cavalheiro, cuidando para que todos realmente desfrutassem do passeio. Super recomendo!

Worth every penny of the ticket price and every minute of the ten hour

Ça vaut vraiment la peine de prendre une journée pour le faire! Vous obtenez un aperçu complet de toute la région Alsace, passez un bon moment dans chaque ville et obtenez un historique des villes que vous traversez. Le chauffeur était sympathique et vraiment adorable! Ne vous inquiétez pas pour toute autre tournée. Cela vous donnera tout ce dont vous avez besoin pour en savoir plus sur la région et voir chaque ville.

Une excellente façon de découvrir le charme très pittoresque des villages et des vignobles alsaciens. Nous avons apprécié le rythme des visites qui se font tranquillement. Notre crainte était de devoir les enchaîner "au pas de course" mais ce n'a pas été le cas. Chauffeur agréable, sympathique et attentionné. Nous conseillerons cette formule à tous nos amis.

Très bien chauffeur très professionnel toujours à l'écoute et il fait tout son possible pour satisfaire sa clientèle

Excellent! Notre chauffeur, Martin, est très gentil . Je recommande fortement ce tour . Les villages sont très beaux. Le mini bus avec son toit ouvrant est parfait. Nous traversons plusieurs villages et effectuons 3 arrêts de 1 à 2 heures.

Excursión maravillosa y un anfitrión, Martin, de diez, lo recomiendo

Muy buena la excursión. El chofer encantador y muy profesional.

Der Aufenthalt auf der Burg hätte etwas kürzer sein können, sonst war alles super!

Alsacia llena de historia, pueblos preciosos que vale , la pena visitar y verse envuelto en sus encantos y tradiciones

Honestly it is a well organized trip, with an amazing guide “Martin”, he is nice, attentive and giving clear instructions. The time given for each stop is sufficient. It is enjoyable tour in a comfortable couch and recommended way to visit the magical small villages of the Alsace.

Conducteur aux petits soins pour ses passagers avec une conduite toute en douceur. Véhicule décapotable très apprécié notamment pour les photos Site château remarquable avec le temps nécessaire laissé pour la visite guidée. Visite recommandée !

Week end illuminé sur les marchés de noël alsacien : sous avons pris 3 jours en semaine pour visiter ces 3 marchés de noël et nous avons fait un très bon séjour entre dégustation, coutumes locales et bonne ambiance générale. Le soir les illuminations sont très jolies et avec beaucoup de charme. Nous nous sommes régalés dans tout les sens du terme. ?

Superbe !!!! Ce sont de petites villes sublimes, un coup de cœur pour moi pour Riquewihr, on se croirait dans un décor de cinéma !!!!

I very much enjoyed this well organised tour. Communications before were superb, and the van was comfortable, with a nice itinerary planned. I would have liked another 30 min in Eguisheim, but that’s life. The driver kindly dropped me off at the train station, where other participants also needed to be. Great tour!

The small van we travelled in was great; the roof slides back to allow passengers to take pictures unobstructed by window glare. Our bus driver was also our guide, in the sense that he dropped us at entrances to markets and told us where to return. The “tour” is a recording via headset. We drove through two beautiful medieval villages in the Alsace wine country - no stops were necessary - and we heard the history of the towns.

El tour es soñado,excelente, el vehículo con techo de cristal , alucinante y los dos caballeros muy amables y expeditivos, muy recomendable, volvería a hacerlo .

Vale la pena la excursión, los pueblos son preciosos pero estan llenissimos de coches. El chofer del bus te deja en la entrada y tienes 1/2/3 horas para ver los pueblos!

La verdad es que mereció mucho la pena. Además de los 3 pueblos en los que hace parada, vimos varios más desde el autobús. Nuestro conductor Martín, fue encantador. Sin duda muy recomendable.

Todo bien excepto los folletos que nos facilitaron con la información de los sitios a visitar que no estaban en español, solo en francés e inglés , cuando el tour lo anunciaban en español

Le Bus Cabriolet, c’est vraiment un moyen génial pour visiter l’Alsace en bénéficiant d’une vue panoramique sur le paysage. Pas besoin de GPS, ni de chercher un parking : on prend le temps de découvrir la région et grâce aux commentaires, on apprend une foule de choses. Sans oublier les plaisirs de la gastronomie alsacienne… À refaire très vite, en famille ou entre amis !

Bus très agréable et très propre : les sièges sont hyper confortables, on se sent bien à bord. Les visites sont commentées en plusieurs langues, ce qui est un plus incontestable. Nous avons aimé la facilité de réservation en ligne, la qualité du parcours proposé, la variété des activités.

#sightseeingtouralsace on instagram

New cabriolet bus. #sightseeing #alsacesightseeingtour #visitalsace #mercedes #sprinter #visitfrance #visiteurope #ribeauvillé #riquewihr #strasbourg #colmar

Christmas market in Riquewhir. #riquewihr #alsace #christmasmarket #france #europe #december #tourism #sightseeing

Fall colours! Photo by Susan Goodwin. #fall #kaysersberg #sightseeingtour #sightseeingtouralsace #voyage #tourism #experience #alsace #vineyard #rhinevalley #beautifuldestinations #discoverunder5k

The Holy Cross church of Kaysersberg. Photo by Susan Goodwin. #kaysersberg #fall #disvover #visitfrance #visitalsace #sightseeing #church #medieval #tourism #alsace

Pick up and drop off at one of Europa Park’s hotel. #sightseeing #hotel #luxurytravel #europapark #alsace #luxurytransfer

The Haut-Koenigsbourg castel completely restored in the late 19th century. #castle #alsace #sightseeing #discoverearth #middleages #medieval #visiteurope

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Visit Alsace in 3 days – My tour idea

You want to spend 3 days in Alsace ? Great idea! A 3-day long weekend is of course not enough to discover all the wonders the region has to offer, but it will be a good start to give you an overview and visit the must-sees . You'll have to come back for the rest! I propose you in this article an idea of circuit to visit Alsace in 3 days . This is the itinerary I would recommend to friends coming to visit me for a first stay in Alsace. Let's go, follow the guide!

What tour to do in Alsace in 3 days?

• Day 1 - Tourism in the city of Strasbourg
• Day 2 - Visit of Colmar and the Haut Koenigsbourg Castle
• Day 3 - Alsace Wine Route and its villages (Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé...)

Here is the circuit that I propose for 3 days of visit of Alsace:

• Day 1 – Strasbourg
• Day 2 – Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle and Colmar
• Day 3 – Alsace Wine Route

Day 1 – Tourism in the city of Strasbourg

It is impossible not to start this itinerary without mentioning the beautiful Strasbourg, the largest city in Alsace, which is also one of the European capitals since it is home to many institutions, including the famous European Parliament . I advise you to spend a day in Strasbourg . Even if the city is not huge, you should really take the time to stroll around: the city is very beautiful, it would be a shame not to enjoy it! I give you my detailed advice in my article about visiting Strasbourg , but here is already an idea of a day trip.

Morning – Strasbourg Cathedral, Batorama and cellars of the Hospices civils

After a good breakfast, let’s go for the day of discovery of Strasbourg’s must-sees ! I advise you to start by visiting the Notre Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral (if you get there early enough, it’s less crowded), unless you want to see the astronomical clock show, in which case it’ll be at noon. If you are in shape, don’t hesitate to climb on the platform, the view on Strasbourg is magnificent!

Just next door, board one of the river boats of the Batorama company for a tour of Strasbourg on the water. A tourist activity but one that I systematically recommend to my friends visiting Alsace: the tour allows you to apprehend Strasbourg differently, to have a good global view of it and also allows you to go to districts that you would not necessarily have seen on foot (such as the district of the European institutions).

Finally, visit the cellar of the Hospices civils de Strasbourg before having lunch in a traditional winstub. This cellar has the oldest white wine in the world kept in barrels, but it is also simply beautiful to see!

Afternoon – Stroll in the Petite France, on the Grande Île and in the Neustadt

Did you know that Strasbourg has two districts classified as Unesco World Heritage Sites? The Grande Île , the heart of the city center, but also more recently the Neustadt , also known as the imperial district or German quarter. I simply advise you to stroll around Strasbourg: you will see that the distances are not very great. You’ll discover the Petite France district, one of the most photogenic, but you’ll see that the whole downtown area is beautiful in reality!

Don’t forget when you’re in Petite France to climb the Vauban dam to have a magnificent view of the Ponts Couverts and Strasbourg. This is one of my favorite panoramas! Obviously, if your stay in Alsace takes place during the Christmas market period, you will not miss the opportunity to visit the different Christmas markets in Strasbourg .

Day 2 – Visit of Colmar and the Haut Koenigsbourg Castle

Morning – château du haut-koenigsbourg.

The Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle is a must-see during a stay in Alsace, and I think you’ll immediately understand why when you see it! It is an impressive castle remarkably well preserved (for what reason? You will discover it during the visit…). The discovery of the castle is really worth it for the beauty of the place and the historical aspect of the visit as well as for the exceptional panorama that its situation offers on the Alsace Plain, the Black Forest and even the Alps on a clear day!

Afternoon – Discovering Colmar

Colmar is the second largest city in Alsace, the capital of the Alsace wines and is usually a favorite for visitors: it is a real little postcard, the ideal place for a romantic weekend! Here are all my tips for visiting Colmar as well as the guidebook on Colmar that I wrote.

Spending the afternoon in Colmar will allow you to stroll quietly in the city center (it’s small!) passing by the famous Little Venice or the magnificent Maison des Têtes , do some gourmet shopping at the Covered Market , take a boat ride and possibly visit one of the museums such as the Musée Unterlinden or the Musée du Jouet if you arrive in the late morning/early afternoon.

If your extended weekend in Alsace takes place during the Christmas market period, you will also have the Christmas markets of Colmar to stroll around (and there is plenty to do!).

Day 3 – Alsace Wine Route and its villages (Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé…)

For this third and last day (it went by fast? I knew it, you will want to come back!), I will not divide the day into morning and afternoon because it will really depend on what you want to do on the Alsace Wine Route. Some will prefer to go from cellar to cellar (be careful with tastings in moderation or by spitting out ;-)), others will prefer villages, others still will prefer walks in the vineyards.

In any case, I advise you to visit Alsace’s most beautiful villages, which you’ll find along the Wine Route. On the program, magnificent half-timbered houses with colored and flowered facades, adorable lanes, pretty stores… You can’t help but fall under its spell!

You will not be able to see them all, you will have to choose among the unavoidable cities ( Kaysersberg , Riquewihr , Ribeauvillé and Eguisheim) and others a little less known (I confess to have a little weakness for Obernai , Rosheim and Scherwiller on my side).

Don’t hesitate to push the door of the winemakers for a tasting and possibly a visit of the cellar (think of reserving in advance , you will be sure to have someone having time to welcome you). And if you want to go for a walk, you will usually find wine trails starting from the villages. They are only forbidden during the harvest so as not to disturb the work of the winegrowers, but otherwise it is always nice to walk in the vineyards!

Are you looking for other ideas of places to visit and activities to do in Alsace?

Arzo Travels

Solo Female Travel – Switzerland, Europe and Beyond

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN ALSACE – 3 DAYS ITINERARY

Alsace road trip itinerary – things to do and see.

Are you planning your Alsace itinerary and wondering about the best places to visit in Alsace in 3 days (or 4 days)? This post is for you: find out where to go, what to do, how to road trip Alsace and more travel tips.

Table of Contents

The Alsace region in the eastern part of France  is known for several things – most of all, its wine, food, and cute medieval towns. The 170-kilometer-long Alsatian Wine Route weaves its way through Alsace’s thousand-year-old wine country. From Thann to Marlenheim, it passes through a string of picturesque villages in full bloom and well-known wine-producing towns.  

So, what does a person like me, a vegetarian who couldn’t care less about wine, do in Alsace?  

The answer is that road-tripping this lovely province is one of the most beautiful trips you can take in France!  And you do not have to be into wine to enjoy it. That‘s because vineyards are also for the eyes, and there are some of the most beautiful villages and towns here in France.

So, if you are wondering about a good – and quite short – road trip in Central Europe , then the Alsace Wine Route tour is probably perfect for you.

Here is my Alsace Wine Route road trip itinerary – 3 days in Alsace is the minimum, in my opinion. If you have 4, 5, 6, or 7 days, even better – but three days in Alsace is a good starting point for getting a very impression of this pretty region.

Here are some travel tips before naming some great stops and the best places to see in Alsace on this road trip.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service via my link (at no extra cost to you). More about it  here .

TRAVEL TIPS FOR AN ALSACE ROAD TRIP

Before talking about the most beautiful places in Alsace (from what I have seen), here are some travel tips.

Pin Me For Later – 3 Days in Alsace

Pin me now, re-read me later.

What is the Alsace Wine Route?

The Alsace Wine Route is a scenic drive through the vineyards and villages of Alsace, France. Stretching 170 kilometers between Marlenheim in the north and Thann in the south, this wine region is one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned.

Along the way, travelers can visit picturesque medieval villages and sample the region’s famous white wines, such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer, or explore its many museums. The route’s numerous wineries offer tours of their cellars, tastings of their best vintages and plenty of opportunity to purchase a bottle (or two) to take home.

So take a leisurely drive through this corner of rural France and discover why it is so beloved by wine-lovers around the world!

In addition to its incredible wine, the Alsace Wine Route also offers visitors a chance to experience some of France’s most beautiful landscapes. Driving along the route is like taking a journey through time; one minute you’re passing vineyards and charming villages, and the next you’re gazing at views of rolling hillsides punctuated by windmills and steeples.

The Alsace Wine Route also passes through some of the region’s most iconic attractions, such as Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg and Mont Sainte-Odile.

Whether you’re an oenophile (which is a connoisseur of wines) or just looking to explore a beautiful part of France, the Alsace Wine Route is a must-do for anyone visiting the area. So hit the road and get ready to savor all that this magical region has to offer!

This Alsace itinerary does not cover the whole route, but if you add one or two more days and stay in Alsace for 4 or 5 days total, you can do the full road trip.

How to Get to Alsace

There are some international airports here, including the ones in Strasbourg and Mulhouse-Basel (about 70km from Colmar).

Colmar and Strasbourg, the end and starting points of this itinerary, also have well-connected train stations (it takes less than two hours to get from Paris to Strasbourg on the fast train).

How to Get Around Alsace

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION : If you visit Alsace, you will find out quickly that using public transportation can be tricky . Many travel bloggers complained about bus timetables that were not easy to understand.

ROAD TRIP: So, for this Alsace itinerary, the best way to get around is to drive yourself (no tolls included in this trip). You can either rent a car or get here on your own. For day trips, you can do organized tours or get around via train, which is quite easy from Colmar to Strasbourg , for example.

Driving in Alsace  

Driving in Alsace is quite fun – the views are scenic, and the towns and villages you pass are pretty. The streets are well-paved. French drivers are generally a bit reckless and tend to tailgate. Don’t let them stress you out and drive at your own speed (there are speed signs everywhere, and though I did not see many speed cams, I would take speed limits seriously if you do not want to get tickets back home).

The brown signs indicate the “Alsace Wine Road Trip”.  I did not always see them and really typed in each of the places I wanted to go to in my GPS. I made sure to add smaller places, so my GPS would navigate me correctly.

During peak season, parking can get difficult, but there is quite a lot of parking in front of each town/village.

One hour costs around 2€ in most places (if you are on a really tight budget, you could park your car about a kilometer outside of each town center). It is 3€ for a day pass in Eguisheim – which is an exception though, and normally you have to put coins into a small machine and pay in advance.

This means you have to think about the length of your stay in advance. Some places offer free parking on Sundays or after 7 pm.

Best Time to Visit For an Alsace Road Trip

Visiting between May and October means you will enjoy the most beautiful scenery!   You will either enjoy the spring buds, the summer berries, or the fall harvest during this time.

I actually visited at the end of March and did not regret it though. Yes, I imaged it to be even greener and prettier in my head, but visiting in March or April when the vines had just started to bud also meant fewer visitors, fewer crowds (oh, these small towns and villages can get crowded), and more spontaneity with my hotel booking.

December is a very popular time to visit Alsace because of the famous Christmas Markets . However, if you have come here for the vineyards and to enjoy scenic rides while the sun is shining, come in the warmer months.

Where to Stay in Alsace

I stayed in Strasbourg for two nights and another night in Colmar . I explored Strasbourg for one full day and then drove to Colmar on my second day. Along the way, I managed to see all of the places I mention below. I spent my third day in Colmar and ended my trip there.  

If this is your first trip to Europe, check out my Europe travel tips.

Map Of Best Places to Visit in Alsace

BEST PLACES TO VISIT ALONG THE ALSACE WINE ROUTE

If you rent a car, I suggest renting one on Day 2 of your trip. For Strasbourg, you will not need a car (flying into Strasbourg means you can get to the city center easily by public transportation or taxi).

Day 1: Strasbourg

I started my trip in Strasbourg. It is not an official part of the Alsace Wine Route road trip, but it is one of the region’s must-see places. It is so rich in sights and attractions that I would plan at least one full day here.

Strasbourg is a beautiful city located in the Alsace region of France. It is known as the “Capital of Europe” due to its home to several European institutions such as the European Parliament and Council of Europe.

The city also has a vibrant cultural life, with many festivals, museums, and galleries to explore. Strasbourg also contains some of the most beautiful architectural landmarks in France, including its impressive Notre Dame Cathedral.

I suggest spending a full day in Strasbourg and staying overnight before starting your next day early. Check out my detailed Strasbourg itinerary with detailed tips and more travel tips.

Where to Stay in Strasbourg

• If you want to indulge in a 5-star hotel in the old town of Strasbourg, right in Petite France, this hotel might be the perfect choice for your stay in Strasbourg – check out rates for Hotel Regent Petite France & Spa here.
• But if you are looking for a more budget-friendly hotel close to the old town, check out this Ibis Style hotel .

Day 2  : Obernai, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim

While the more scenic routes come when driving through the little towns and villages along the vineyards, I drove the highway to get to my first stop, which took me about 30 minutes.

I should mention that I normally left my hotel around 7 am, so I am out for quite a while and get to see as much as possible. So, for this second day, I managed to see a lot in Alsace, but if you do not want to start your day so early, you might have to skip one place or another.

Also, if you do a wine tasting, you will have to skip a few places – or add one or two more days to your itinerary so that you can visit all the places I saw in one day in 2 or 3 days.

I did not spend much time here, but I really liked what I saw. I made Obernai the first real stop on my wine route tour.

Obernai is a charming medieval village located in the Alsace region of France. It’s situated on the Alsace Wine Route and is home to many historic monuments, such as the Clock Tower and St. Odile Basilica.

It is a very well-preserved town in the region. Whether you drive through or park your car and stroll the place, checking out the town hall or Saint Pierre and Paul Church, it is cute and fun, and a good first stop.

If you are doing the same Alsace itinerary as I did, you will not have much time to spend here – unfortunately. Though it is a pretty place in Alsace, there are more spots waiting for us.

If you have a minimum of four days in Alsace, you can also visit the Mont Sainte-Odile (first drive there and then hike up) and enjoy panoramic views of the Alsatian plain.

Are you into hiking? Then take your time and see what there is to see at Mont Sainte-Odile (located west of Obernai), which makes this part either a 10-minute stop or a half-a-day stop.

After that, head to Ribeauville.

RIBEAUVILLE    

Located along the Alsace Wine Route, there’s plenty to see here besides the vineyards in Ribeauville.

Ribeauville is a charming village in the heart of Alsace’s wine country.

Sitting at the foot of the Vosges Mountains, Ribeauville boasts stunning views of vineyards and rolling hillside landscapes. The centuries-old town is full of historical riches, from its cobblestone streets to its medieval castle. Explore the area’s many wineries and sample the region’s famous white wines.

Walking through Ribeauville will give you the chance to see it in all its glory. Colorful houses with flowers on display, medieval castles and churches, and historical monuments are scattered throughout the old town. 

When you head to the vineyards, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of the vines and the Alsace region.

If you don’t have enough time, you can skip it, but if you are going to be in Alsace for four days or are very motivated during a shorter visit, then visit this lovely French town.

If you can visit only one place on this day, then make it Riquewihr. While all of the places mentioned had their charms and were impressive, this one was my favorite.

Riquewihr is one of the most picturesque towns on the Alsace Wine Route, boasting over 500 years of history and many impressive half-timbered houses. It’s no wonder why it has become a popular tourist destination;  explore its narrow cobblestone streets and discover countless shops selling regional specialties, such as…wine.

Riquewihr also features a beautiful castle, the Maison des Têtes, which is a great place to soak up some of the town’s history.

It’s a tiny village with narrow streets and bright, colorful houses – Riquewihr definitely likes to show off. It felt unreal and reminded me a bit of Germany´s most beautiful medieval town, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (though it is smaller).

Wander through its cobblestone streets, visit the 13th-century Dolder Tower houses (one of which has a medieval weapons display), or stop by the 16th-century Maison de Vigneron that has winemaking tools and a restored kitchen for you to see.

Shortly after Riquewihr, you will be entering the heart of the vineyard region. Don’t hesitate to stop and explore, go winery-hopping (with moderation, of course, unless you want to walk all the way back!), and taste the many wines the region is famous for, like Riesling.

KAYSERSBERG

Kaysersberg is a charming fortified village located on the Alsace Wine Route. It has historical buildings dating back to the 14th century, including an old castle and a Renaissance-style town hall. Take part in Kaysersberg’s annual Christmas market (in December at least) or explore its picturesque vineyards which produce some of the region’s most renowned wines.

Kaysersberg is a great place to stop on your tour of the Alsace Wine Route and sample some of the area’s finest wines. While you’re there, don’t forget to take in the town’s stunning views of the Vosges Mountains!

Kaysersberg was my second to last stop for this day – another idyllic village on this Alsace road trip. What sets it apart from the other medieval villages is its fast-moving river, which gives it a different feel.

Like the other towns in this area, the flowers and half-timbered houses are focal points when you visit. As small as Kaysersberg is, you should have no trouble getting around on foot and taking in the sights.

One of those sights is the Château de Kaysersberg. Built over 800 years ago, the castle played a key role in developing the town and its history.  

I did not have a chance to go up to the castle. But if you have more time than I did, you can enjoy lovely views and see colorful Kaysersberg from above.

If you have time – and more importantly, if you have some energy left – you can make Eguisheim your last stop of the day.  

Eguisheim is a charming village located along the Alsace Wine Route. It is considered one of the region’s most beautiful villages and home to a historic castle and fortified church.

Surrounded by lush green hills, Eguisheim is a quaint little town along the Alsace Wine Route. Full of narrow streets, lovely architecture, and colorful flowers, this is the perfect place to get lost for a few hours.

See some historical fountains and visit the 13th-century church that displays the well-known  “Opening Virgin” statue while you’re here.

Day 3: Colmar

Last but not least, plan for a full day for Colmar. It is either a good starting or ending point on the itinerary and one of France’s prettiest towns.

Colmar is a picturesque city in the Alsace region of France and is a popular stop along the Alsace Wine Route. The city center is filled with colorful half-timbered buildings, canals, and bridges while its many museums offer insight into regional history and culture.

From its renowned wine tasting to its charming Christmas markets, Colmar is a must-visit destination when exploring the Alsace region.

The town is bigger than the other places mentioned on this Alsace itinerary (except for Strasbourg), but still small enough to be walkable. I think that one day in this fairy-tale town is surely enough to see its best attractions, like Little Venice and the old town.

Here is my detailed 1-day itinerary for Colmar with more travel tips.

Where to Stay in Colmar

• I stayed at the 3-star Colmar Hotel, and I loved it. It is just next to the train station, so whether you get here in your own car or by train, the hotel is perfect. Also, the breakfast was great (including muffins, crepes, pancakes, and much more) and the rooms were clean, bright, and modern. It is for sure my first pick for Colmar.  To find out more about the hotel and check out rates, click here.

EXTRA TIPS FOR 4 OR 5 DAYS IN ALSACE

If you have more time for your Alsace trip, then this might be interesting for you.

Chateau du Haute Koenigsbourg

Over 850 years old, this medieval castle sits on a rocky hill overlooking the Upper Rhine Plain. Centuries ago, it was used as a strategic lookout before being abandoned and later rebuilt by German Kaiser Wilhelm II.

This castle gets over 500,000 visitors a year, and it’s easy to see why. From its vantage point, you can see out across the Alsace region, and the views are breathtaking.

I did not have a chance to visit the castle while I was in Alsace, but if you like to hike or plan to spend 4+ days out here, I would definitely suggest going.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON MY ALSACE ROAD TRIP

An Alsace road trip promises an unforgettable journey. Its picturesque villages, sprawling vineyards, and architectural wonders offer something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to its delicious regional wines, its vibrant cultural life or its incredible historical landmarks, a three-day tour of Alsace is sure to be an amazing experience.

Take in the stunning views of the Vosges Mountains, explore its many wineries, and sample some of its delicious culinary delights. Don’t forget to also take home a few souvenirs from its many boutiques so you can remember your Alsace road trip forever!

The Alsace Wine Tour road trip (what a name!) is a fun and easy road trip. So, if you stay 3 days in  Alsace, you will have enough time to see the most beautiful places in a nutshell. 

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Visiter l’Alsace en 3 jours – Mon idée de circuit

Vous avez envie de venir passer 3 jours en Alsace ? Bonne idée! Un week-end prolongé de 3 jours n'est bien sûr pas suffisant pour découvrir toutes les merveilles que la région a à vous offrir, mais ce sera déjà un bon début pour vous en donner un aperçu et visiter les incontournables . Pour le reste, il faudra revenir! Je vous propose dans cet article une idée de circuit pour visiter l'Alsace en 3 jours . C'est l'itinéraire que je conseillerais à des amis venant me rendre visite pour un premier séjour en Alsace. C'est parti, suivez le guide!

Quel circuit faire en Alsace en 3 jours?

• Jour 1 - Tourisme dans la ville de Strasbourg
• Jour 2 - Visite de Colmar et du Château du Haut Koenigsbourg
• Jour 3 - Route des Vins d'Alsace et ses villages (Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé...)

Voici le circuit que je vous propose pour 3 jours de visite de l’Alsace:

• Jour 1 – Strasbourg
• Jour 2 – Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg et Colmar
• Jour 3 – Route des Vins d’Alsace

Jour 1 – Tourisme dans la ville de Strasbourg

Impossible de ne pas démarrer cet itinéraire sans vous parler de la belle Strasbourg, la plus grande ville d’Alsace qui se trouve être aussi l’une des capitales européennes puisqu’on y trouve de nombreuses institutions, dont le célèbre Parlement européen . Je vous conseille de consacrer une journée à Strasbourg . Même si la ville n’est pas immense, il faut vraiment prendre le temps d’y flâner: la ville est très belle, ce serait dommage de ne pas en profiter! Je vous donne mes conseils détaillés dans mon article sur la visite de Strasbourg , mais voici déjà une idée de circuit pour une journée.

Matin – Cathédrale de Strasbourg, Batorama et caves des Hospices civils

Après un bon petit déjeuner, en route pour la journée de découverte des incontournables de Strasbourg ! Je vous conseille de démarrer par la visite de la cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg (en y allant assez tôt, il y a moins de monde), sauf si vous souhaitez assister au spectacle de l’horloge astronomique, auquel cas ce sera à midi. Si vous êtes en forme, n’hésitez pas à monter sur la plateforme, la vue sur Strasbourg est magnifique!

Juste à côté, embarquez ensuite sur l’un des bateaux mouche de la compagnie Batorama pour un tour de Strasbourg au fil de l’eau. Une activité touristique mais que je recommande systématiquement à mes amis en visite en Alsace: la visite permet d’appréhender Strasbourg différemment, d’en avoir une bonne vue globale et vous permet aussi d’aller dans des quartiers que vous n’auriez pas forcément vu à pied (type quartier des institutions européennes).

Enfin, allez visiter la cave des Hospices civils de Strasbourg avant d’aller déjeuner dans une winstub traditionnelle. Cette cave possède le plus vieux vin blanc au Monde conservé en tonneau, mais elle est aussi tout simplement très belle à voir!

Après-midi – Flânerie dans la Petite France, sur la Grande Île et dans la Neustadt

Savez-vous que Strasbourg possède deux quartiers classés au Patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco ? La Grande Île , le coeur du centre-ville, mais aussi plus récemment la Neustadt , aussi appelé quartier impérial ou quartier allemand. Je vous conseille simplement de flâner à pied dans Strasbourg:, vous verrez que les distances ne sont pas bien grandes. Vous découvrirez notamment au passage le quartier de la Petite France , l’un des plus photogéniques, mais vous verrez que tout le centre-ville est beau en réalité!

N’oubliez pas lorsque vous serez dans la Petite France de monter sur le barrage Vauban pour avoir une vue magnifique sur les Ponts Couverts et Strasbourg. C’est l’un de mes panoramas favoris! Evidemment, si votre séjour en Alsace se déroule en période de marché de Noël, vous ne manquerez pas de vous balader dans les différents marchés de Noël de Strasbourg .

Jour 2 – Visite de Colmar et du Château du Haut Koenigsbourg

Matin – château du haut-koenigsbourg.

Le Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg est un incontournable à visiter lors d’un séjour en Alsace, et je pense que vous comprendrez tout de suite pourquoi en le voyant! Il s’agit d’un impressionnant château fort remarquablement bien conservé (pour quelle raison? Vous le découvrirez lors de la visite…). La découverte du château vaut vraiment le coup tant pour la beauté du lieu et l’aspect historique de la visite que pour le panorama exceptionnel que sa situation offre sur la Plaine d’Alsace, la Forêt Noire et même les Alpes par temps clair!

Après-midi – Découvrir Colmar

Colmar est la deuxième ville d’Alsace, la capitale des Vins d’Alsace et est en général un coup de coeur pour les visiteurs: c’est une vraie petite carte postale adorable, le lieu idéal pour un week-end romantique il faut bien l’avouer! Voici tous mes conseils de visite de Colmar ainsi que le guide sur Colmar que j’ai écrit sur Colmar.

Passer l’après-midi à Colmar vous permettra de flâner tranquillement dans le centre-ville (c’est petit!) en passant notamment par la célèbre Petite Venise ou encore la magnifique Maison des Têtes , faire quelques emplettes gourmandes au Marché Couvert , faire une promenade en barque et éventuellement visiter l’un des musées comme le Musée Unterlinden  ou le Musée du Jouet si vous arrivez en fin de matinée/tôt dans l’après-midi.

Si votre week-end prolongé en Alsace se déroule à la période des marchés de Noël, vous aurez également les marchés de Noël de Colmar sur lesquels flâner (et il y a de quoi faire!).

Jour 3 – Route des Vins d’Alsace et ses villages (Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé…)

Pour cette troisième et dernière journée (c’est passé vite? Je le savais, vous allez avoir envie de revenir!), je ne vais pas diviser la journée en matin et après-midi car cela dépendra vraiment de ce que vous souhaitez faire sur la Route des Vins d’Alsace. Certains vont préférer aller de cave en cave (attention aux dégustations avec modération ou en recrachant du coup ;-)), d’autres privilégieront plutôt les villages, d’autres encore les balades dans les vignes.

Je vous conseille en tout cas de visiter les plus beaux villages d’Alsace, que vous trouverez sur la Route des Vins. Au programme, magnifiques maisons à colombages aux façades colorées et fleuries, ruelles adorables, jolies boutiques… On ne peut que tomber sous le charme!

Vous ne pourrez pas tous les voir, il faudra faire un choix parmi les villes incontournables ( Kaysersberg , Riquewihr , Ribeauvillé et Eguisheim ) et d’autres un peu moins connues (je vous avoue avoir un petit faible pour Obernai , Rosheim et Scherwiller de mon côté).

N’hésitez pas à pousser la porte de vignerons pour une dégustation assortie éventuellement d’une visite de cave (pensez à réserver en avance , vous serez ainsi sûr d’avoir quelqu’un ayant du temps pour vous accueillir). Et si vous avez envie de vous balader, vous trouverez en général des sentiers viticoles au départ des villages. Ils sont juste interdits pendant les vendanges pour ne pas gêner le travail des vignerons, mais autrement il est toujours sympa de se balader dans les vignes!

Vous cherchez d’autres idées de lieux à visiter et d’activités à faire en Alsace? 

WELCOME TO   My Alsace !

I invite you to explore Alsace in a unique and personalized way. As an experienced tour guide, I'm ready to help you discover Strasbourg, Colmar and other parts of this beautiful region. 

Whether you're traveling with a group of friends, a couple, a family or a tour operator looking for exceptional tourist experiences, I'm here to provide you with quality service.

My aim is to share with you my knowledge and passion for Alsace, its history, culture and traditions. My flexible itineraries adapt to your preferences, allowing you to discover Alsace at your own pace. From wine tastings in charming cellars to strolls through authentic Christmas markets, I'll provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Explore my tour options to discover the best of Alsace and contact me to plan your tailor-made trip. I'm here to make your travel dreams come true.

The capital of Alsace has two World Heritage Sites, the historic old town and the German district. Discover all that this city has in store for you.

The small town of Colmar is like a fairy tale set on a grand scale. Stroll through its streets and discover its history with the help of your guide.

Other charming places await you outside the main cities. Visit the famous Haut-Koenigsbourg castle and the villages in the area.

Some of my clients' reviews

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Itinerary for 3 Days on the Alsace Wine Route + Travel Guide

Alsace is one of my new favorite regions in the world. This region is home to France’s oldest wine route and is dotted with fairytale towns and surrounded by lush vineyards. There are over 70 villages on the Alsace wine route. In my previous post , I narrowed down some of the best ones to visit. This post is a full itinerary that deep dives how to spend 3 days on the Alsace wine route. It also includes a travel guide as well!

Before I get into the 3 day itinerary for the Alsace wine route, I would like to start with a travel guide that will help you plan your trip!

Travel Guide for Alsace

Where is the alsace wine route.

Alsace is on the eastern boarder of France, just a stone’s throw away from Germany. In fact, Alsace has changed hands between France and Germany several times before finally settling in France. Because of this exchange and proximity, this region shares a lot of similarities with Germany in terms of culture, cuisine and even architecture.

What is the Alsace Wine Route?

The Alsace wine route is a 170 km long route that starts from Strasbourg in the north and ends a little past Colmar in the South. In addition to its wine, this region is also famous for its colorful half timbered houses and fairytale villages. Everything is so charming in Alsace, even the little wells, flower pots and cobbled stoned streets!

Alsace Wine

As I mentioned above, Alsace is the oldest wine route in France. Alsatian wine is mostly white with a little bit of Pinot Noir. The predominant grapes are riesling, pinot gris, muscat, gewurztraminer and cremant (sparkling wine). Most of these same wines in the US are terribly sweet. But, that is not at all the case in Alsace. The wines here are a lot drier and SO good! I wish I could have packed them up and brought them home. In fact, the first thing I did when I got back home was go straight to my local wine shop and ask for Alsace wine (there wasn’t a lot of variety unfortunately).

If you want to taste wine in Alsace, look for the words “Degustation”. These are wine tasting places. Interestingly, some of the tasting are free while some have a more menu style (i.e., 4 for x euros, 6 for x euros) where you can choose whichever ones you want to from a variety of wines. You can just walk in most of the time. Some close during lunch though.

The Perfect Length to Visit

In my opinion 3 days on the Alsace wine route is the perfect length of time. There is a little bit of half timbered fatigue that would set in after that I think.

How to Visit the Alsace Villages

The villages and towns on the Alsace wine route are relatively small and can be covered in 2-3 hours. The only town that needs more time than this is probably Colmar, which deserves 1 full day .

Start early morning and visit the first village. You can grab breakfast here. Then hit the second village for lunch and the 3rd in the late afternoon/early evening.

If you’re wondering if this plans sounds too rushed, trust me it’s not. In addition to only needing 2-3 hours at each village, these villages are also 10-15 minutes a part from each other as well. My itinerary below couples nearby villages together.

How to Get Around Alsace

The best way to get around is to drive. Honestly, this gives you so much flexibility to just village hop along the wine route. I got to Strasbourg from Reims , and hired a car at the Strasbourg airport. You can also hire a car in Colmar. It really depends on where you are coming from and where you are going next. Try to pick-up and return in the same city as this is generally cheaper.

There is also a tourist train but it only runs through the bigger towns and not the smaller villages. You can check it out HERE.

One of the best options if you are not driving is to try the hop-on-hop-off bus. It goes to several villages on the wine route. It’s 17 euros for the whole day and you can hop on and off as many times as you like. Check it out HERE .

If you like to bike, you can also bike between the villages. I saw several people do this! Check out this site HERE to learn more.

There is a public bus service from Colmar to a few villages but schedules can be tricky. Best is to ask the Colmar Tourism office for details.

Another way to visit Alsace is through an organized tour. The only issue with this is that you won’t have the flexibility to see the villages you want to. You can check out one of the highest rated companies for organized tours on the Alsace wine route HERE .

If you have a car and are wondering about parking, (because we all know how painful it can be to park in Europe sometimes… Croatia still gives me the sweats!), don’t worry! It’s super easy to find parking in all the villages. There’s usually paid parking and sometimes it’s even free! If it’s paid parking, buy the ticket immediately and display it on your windscreen. You will need your number plate to buy a ticket so don’t forget to memorize it or take a picture. It’s only a couple of euros per hour.

If you have a cell phone with data, the best way to find parking is to search for a parking spot in the village you are going to when you are closer to it. Simply type in “parking near me” or “parking in X (village)” and you will be directed there. If you don’t have data, just get to start of the village and you should see signs and arrows for parking!

Where to Stay

Most people either stay in Strasbourg or Colmar. I found Colmar to be the perfect spot to stay for this 3 days on the Alsace wine route itinerary. It’s located a little south on the route but, in a good location to hit most villages on this itinerary. It also has better accommodation and food options. Colmar it self is so charming and has more things to do than the other villages. I highly recommend staying in Colmar over Strasbourg and perhaps even over the other smaller villages.

When to Visit

Alsace can be visited year around so when to go really depends on you! Alsace is the busiest during summer months and Christmas (November/December). I really can’t wait to go back during Christmas and visit all the villages decorated for the season.

If you want to avoid crowds, January to March and then September to November may be your best bet. This avoids the May to July summer peak, Easter peak and Christmas peak.

What to Eat

Alsatian cuisine has a lot of Germany influence. Here are some things to try:

• Pork and potato dishes
• Tarte Flambee
• Coconut macarons

Tips for 3 Days on the Alsace Wine Route

• Ask for a map from the tourist office of each village. The offices are usually located at the start of each village. These maps will give you all the history and show all the landmark buildings. No guidebook nor Google can give you all the titbits these maps can provide
• Make dinner reservations ahead of time. Specially during the peak seasons
• Book your accommodation ahead of time if you are planning on visiting during a festival or peak season
• Try the local cuisine
• Start your day early to avoid crowds

Itinerary for 3 Days on the Alsace Wine Route

As I mentioned, I visited 3 places each day. If your base is Colmar, then you can stagger Colmar like I did. I spent my evenings and very early mornings of each day covering the sights in Colmar. The itinerary I’m suggesting below is the one I put together originally as I was planning this trip. However, I had to change it on the go to avoid some bad weather. It was threatening to rain at certain times of the day and there were a few villages I wanted to photograph in good lighting, so I shifted villages around. That’s the beauty of the Alsace wine route and spending 3 days here! It’s easy to change plans as the villages are so close by that you can move things around, even on the go.

My adjusted itinerary if you are interested was:

• Day 1 – Riquewihr, Eguisheim and Colmar
• Day 2 – Bergheim, Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg
• Day 3 – Turckheim, Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg and Strasbourg

I saw a little bit of Colmar everyday (see below). I think my original itinerary is a lot better from a driving and adjacency perspective and that is why I’m suggesting it to you!

Charming little Turckheim is not as busy as some of the other villages, which makes it a great one to visit! Its 13th century walls are said to be some of the oldest in the region. To tour Turckheim, enter through the France Gate and start at the tourism office and then make your way around the loop. Turckheim is famous its wines and one of the best things you can do here is visit Domaine François Baur. The family who owns this winery has grown wine for 9 generations! Phillip from the winery is such a wonderful person and a delight to speak to! Ask for Phillip and tell him shortgirlontour recommended you to come that way!

Eguisheim is unbelievably charming and has consistently ranked on the “Most Beautiful Villages in France” list since 2003. This is one of the smallest villages on this itinerary. The village is set up as 2 circles with a straight lined main street cutting the circles through the middle. I really loved walking around both circles. The little town square has a beautiful well with a castle and chapel as the backdrop.

Wine Tasting – I did a tasting at Paul Schneider and all the wines were fantastic! Ask for Claire! She was great at explaining everything! It’s 6 tastings for 11.50 euros. You can decide on the 6.

Colmar was one of my favorites! I got to see a lot of Colmar on the evening of day 1 of this 3 day Alsace wine route itinerary. I left the things I didn’t get to see for day 2 (morning and evening) and day 3 (morning). There’s more to see in Colmar than any of the other places on this post. So, if you are adjusting this itinerary in any way, make sure to keep about a day for Colmar (or the equivalent hours each day).

The main things to see in Colmar are Petite Venise, Unterlinden Museum and the Fisherman’s Quay. In addition there are a lot of noteworthy buildings and churches.

Please see my detailed post on what to do in Colmar by clicking this line!

After waking up early to go and photograph Petite Venise in Colmar without the crowds, I set off to the beautiful village of Riquewihr. Riquewihr is one of the most visited, so highly recommend coming here as a first stop. This was one of the villages that inspired Walt Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. I was in half-timber heaven here from the moment I walked in through the main gate! These colorful buildings are from the 15th to the 18th century. Pick up a map from the tourism office and walk along the main drag. The map explains most of the buildings and what they used to be back in the day. Another awesome thing to do is to see the village from the vineyards above.

Wine Tasting – there are quite a few places to taste wine in Riquewihr! I dropped by Caves Dopff et Irion and it was great!

There is parking on the right hand side about 150 meters or so before the main entrance.

Ribeauvillé 

The other village that inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. From a square footage perspective, Ribeauvillé is slightly bigger but is beautiful nevertheless. This is another village where you need to pick up a map to really understand and appreciate what you are seeing. The main drag here is long and is lined with colorful half timbered shops. One of the notable things about this village is the castle that peaks in the backdrop.

Wine Tasting – Domaine Jean Sipp is a great place for a wine tasting. It’s free if you buy a bottle of wine! Leoni did such a great job explaining each of the 6 wines and what it pairs well with. Highly recommend checking them out!

There is a parking space just outside the main entrance.

Kaysersberg

I visited Keysersberg as the last stop on day 2 and it was relatively peaceful by that time in the afternoon! Keysersberg is surrounded by vineyards just outside it’s walls. In fact, this area has been producing wine for over 400 years! Some of the main things to do here includes walking down the main drag admiring all the half timbered houses, visiting the Church of the Holy Cross and the fountain featuring Roman Emperor Constantine, crossing the 16th century stone bridge and taking in the views of the Weiss river.

There’s parking outside both main entrances to the village.

If your first 2 days on this 3 day Alsace wine route itinerary were full of people, and you are looking for a quieter place, then you are going to love Bergheim. This walled village is one of the few Alsatian towns with its fortifications from the 1300 still intact. This town is small and untouristy but charming nevertheless. I arrived in the morning and left about 2 hours later and I was probably the only “tourist” around even then!

The best things to do here is to enter via the watch tower, walk through Grand Rue (the main drag) with all it’s flowery houses, visit the parish church and check out the beautiful well in the town square. I immediately burst into the opening song from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast when I saw the well!

The best place to park is in the lot in front of and outside the watch tower.

Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg

Sitting at almost 700 meters high, this Château overlooks the Alsace villages from it’s impressive height. Built in the 12th century as an Imperial castle that served the Holy Roman Empire, this Château was designed to protect trade routes. It was destroyed in the 17th century but restored in the early 1900s. Today, you can tour the castle and on a clear day you can see amazing views of Alsace and the Vosges mountains.

Parking is available on either side of the street leading up to the entrance. Closing times vary by season so check out the website before you go!

Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace and the biggest town on the Alsace wine route. It’s also one of the capitals of the European Union. If you are looking for a village feel, you won’t find it at Strasbourg, but it’s still worth to visit in my opinion. A few notables places here are the Gothic Cathedral, the old town, the covered bridge and Petite France. Strasbourg is supposed to be the prettiest during Christmas and is said to have one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. If you are visiting peak summer, there’s also a light show on the façade of the Cathedral like in Reims .

D id you find this 3 days on the Alsace Wine Route itinerary and travel guide useful ? Please let me know by liking/commenting below or sharing this post on social media! Thank you!!

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One Day in Colmar, France – What to See, Where to Eat and More

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Thank you for putting together this great itenary which was very helpful when we planned our trip this summer to Alsace and it’s surrounding neighborhoods. You have put in so much thought and details to this itenary. Your blog inspires us all the time to travel and see places we have never heard and seen. Good luck with your next travels !

Thank you so much for this lovely comment! Glad you found this itinerary helpful!

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Welcome to my blog and thank you for visiting! Believe it or not this blog is not my full time job! I work 8-5 in Supply Chain and run this blog after work!  I’ve dreamed of traveling the world since I was a child and at 48 countries and counting, I am so grateful to get to live that dream.

To say travel is my passion is truly an understatement! What I love most about travel is that I get to connect with locals and meet with fellow travelers from around the world. In addition, travel also enables all my other interests like photography, architecture, art, music and food!  Please feel free to share any posts or leave me feedback on how I can improve. Thank you and happy travels!

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Alsace Itinerary: Best Wineries & Hotels Along the Alsace Wine Route

Alsace Itinerary & Travel Guide: Best Wineries to Visit & Hotels to Stay at During Your Trip

Three hundred miles east of Paris , at the foothills of the Vosges Mountains and near the border of Germany , lies a wine region with fairy-tale charm unlike any other: Alsace . A drive through hundreds of small villages along the Alsatian wine route with their half-timbered buildings adorned with colorful flower boxes, pastel-painted homes, fountains, steeples and vineyards and will evoke many a Brothers Grimm fable.

Although distinctly French today, the cultural differences of Alsace as compared to other French wine regions , are noted immediately from the architecture through the cuisine. Both of which will delight any Winetraveler. You see, although today a part of France, Alsace has a long and storied history of also having belonged to Germany at times. In fact, between the Thirty Years’ War and World War II, the region changed hands between the two countries numerous times.

Getting To Alsace

Navigating Alsace is best done by car. The route suggested below is roughly 40 minutes from the first winery to the last, but you’ll want to set appointments , take your time and explore the many charming Old World villages along the way.

Numerous flights are available worldwide to Paris, France or Frankfurt, Germany where you can easily transfer via train or flight to Strasbourg, France which sits at the northern end of Alsace. Take a cab or hire a private driver to pick you up from the airport or train station.

From Strasbourg, rent a car and begin your meandering. Private drivers and guided day trips are also available to nearby villages, wineries and the countryside. We include additional guided and private day wine tour and day trip options below.

RELATED: The Best Alsace Wine Tours & Tasting Experiences to Book This Year

Where To Stay in Alsace

As for where to stay in Alsace, there is no shortage of quaint inns and accommodations along the wine route. Strasbourg is a bustling university and diplomat town with Alsatian charm throughout its squares, river walks and neighborhoods, and offers a variety of accommodations for all types of travelers and budgets. Colmar, one of the region’s most enchanting cities sits at the southern end of this particular itinerary and is sure to make for a delightful home base.

In Strasbourg, our top choice for a hotel is Hôtel Cour du Corbeau  if you’re looking for an ideal central location in the Krutenau neighborhood. Aside from the 5-star luxury and service you can expect at this hotel, it provides the perfect home base to explore the city and the surrounding Alsation countryside.

If you choose to follow the general progression of this Alsace itinerary, you’ll end up in Colmar. Our favorite hotel in this romantic city is L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa , for its fantastic bar, location, comfy bed, unique indoor pool and opulent modern digs. If you’d prefer something that looks and feels more classically Alsatian, yet still provides 5-star luxury, stay in the center of Colmar at La Maison des Têtes .

Best Alsace Wineries to Visit

With a vast number of wineries in the Alsace region, this Winetraveler itinerary focuses specifically on five of the oldest and most benchmark wineries in Alsace with histories dating back to the 15 th century. Appointments are recommended , as is allowing for several hours for a winery visit. Alternatively, seek out wines at local restaurants, shops or markets from these recommended wineries as you spend time immersing yourself in the small villages of the region.

Maison Lucien Albrecht

28 Rue du Printemps, 68500 Orschwihr, France

Historical documents indicate winemaking began for the Albrecht family with Romanus Albrecht in 1425. Maison Lucien Albrecht was later established in 1698 and is one of the three founding fathers of the Crémant d’Alsace AOC. Nine generations, with Jean Albrecht at the head, continue to work the soils of the family’s vineyards including several Grand Cru AOCs, mainly situated in Orschwihr — a wine-growing village in Southern Alsace.

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

2 Route de Colmar, 68230 Turckheim, France

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is a winemaking tradition for the Humbrecht family that has been passed down from father to son since 1620. Today the Domaine is run by Olivier Humbrecht, the first Frenchman to attain Master of Wine status. The Domaine consists of nearly 100 acres of vines and over six communes, including four Grands Crus. After centuries of experience with the Alsatian terroir, the growers assign different Alsatian grape varieties to each of the specific soils and microclimates, respecting the specificity of each Cru. The winery is certified in both organic and biodynamic practices.

RELATED: 30 Wineries You Must Visit in Bordeaux France

Jean-Baptiste Adam

5 Rue de l’Aigle, 68770 Ammerschwihr, France

The Jean-Baptiste Adam family has grown grapes and made wines since 1614, making this one of the rare family estates which can claim more than 400 years of history. The winery today is led by 14 th generation winemaker Jean-Baptiste Adam V and his daughter, the 15 th generation, Laure Adam. Jean-Baptiste is responsible for transitioning the vineyards to organic and biodynamic farming, including the Grand Cru Kaefferkopf.

Domaine Paul Blanck

29 Grand-Rue, 68240 Kaysersberg, France

In 1610, Hans Blanck acquired his first vines in the Alsace region. Today Domaine Paul Blanck is led by cousins Frédéric and Philippe Blanck. The estate spans 86 acres and includes five Grands Crus and four lieux-dits which are highly regarded for the region. Located in the village of Kientzheim, Domaine Paul Blanck produces wines that are terroir-expressive without the use of chemicals.

Maison Trimbach

15 Route de Bergheim, 68150 Ribeauvillé, France

The wine-growing history of Maison Trimbach extends back to 1626. Since then, twelve generations of father and son winemakers have developed a solid reputation for excellence. Trimbach wine received international acclaim in 1898 when Frédéric Emile Trimbach received the highest distinction at the International Wine Fair in Brussels. Today, the family vineyard is run by Hubert Trimbach, his nephews Jean and Pierre, and Pierre’s daughter Anne, the eldest of the 13th generation. The 40 hectares that make up the Trimbach estate stretch over 50 parcels and six villages, including Bergheim, Ribeauvillé and Hunawihr with the crown jewel being the Clos Sainte Hune vineyard.

Winetraveler Tip: While a common misperception exists that all Rieslings are sweet, Alsatian Rieslings are typically dry with the noted exceptions of Vendanges Tardives (late harvest wines made only from the designated four noble grapes – Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat) and Sélection de Grains Nobles (derived only from the noble grapes and in favorable years, these late harvest wines will be affected by noble rot). We recommend being adventurous and exploring all the wine styles of Alsace to truly understand the uniqueness of this outstanding wine region.

Schedule an Alsace Wine Tour

If you’re hesitant about managing the logistics of visiting wineries on the Alsace wine route yourself, consider hiring a private guide and driver for the day. Or, experience Alsace by bike. Below, we list some of our preferred tour operators, experiences and ideas for exploring Alsace in a more guided fashion.

Venture out from Colmar and enjoyed a half-day, guided experience with local guides Anna and Eric of Alsace Safari while you visit historic castles and wineries across the region.

Get active and outside and see Alsace by bike, while wine tasting along the way if you choose. Bicyclette Go Tours led by Glenn Ford is the most ideal for this sort of experience in the region, as he and his team have been organizing cycling tours of Alsace since 1994. These itineraries and routes have been tried and tested for decades, and customers continue to rave about the experiences they’ve had in Alsace by bike. This is an award-winning, private day trip you don’t want to miss .

Skip the small group tour and opt for something private with a focus on the villages of Alsace plus wine tastings. JoliSoleil runs a fantastic day tour of Alsace with customizable options that leaves from Strasbourg.

Embark on an intimate tour from Colmar with Alsace Original Experiences and enjoy the advantage of a small group setting as you traverse the Alsatian Wine Route. The journey includes stops at a local wine cave for tasting delectable Alsace wines and an exploration of the ‘4 Wonders of Alsace’ – the charming villages of Eguisheim, Kayserberg, Ribeauvillé, and Riquewihr.

Capture stunning snapshots as you journey along the picturesque Alsace Wine Route. Get a taste of the region’s famed wines, such as Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. Travel in comfort, to and from Colmar, in an air-conditioned minivan, making your experience all the more enjoyable.

This small-group tour ensures a personalized experience, with a maximum of just eight participants.

From Strasbourg, traverse the iconic Alsace Wine Route with Ophorus Tours and discover enchanting villages such as Dambach-la-Ville, Ribeauvillé, Mittelbergheim, and Riquewihr. Experience three unique wineries, sampling some of Alsace’s renowned wines including the delightful Gewürztraminer and Riesling.

Benefit from the expert knowledge of your guide as you delve into the region’s history and viticulture. Enjoy an intimate and personalized tour experience, with a small group setting limited to just eight participants.

This full-day journey through Alsace allows you to appreciate the region’s scenic beauty, taste exceptional wines, and explore the quaint villages of Mittelbergheim, Dambach-la-Ville, Ribeauvillé, and Riquewihr, making for a truly immersive experience. Ophorus also offers a similar tour option that leaves from Colmar .

The Wines of Alsace

Despite the political turmoil of the region over the centuries, winemaking in Alsace has remained a constant with many winemaking families dating back nearly 20 generations. These families were, and remain to this day, driven by two principle factors: grapes and ground . The long-held philosophy of winemakers in Alsace has been to produce wines showcasing the pure flavors and qualities of the grapes and the uniquely diverse soils from which they are cultivated.

The Alsace region is protected by the Vosges Mountains, which keep both rain and clouds at bay and are responsible for the sunny summers and dry autumns, and thus present the ideal conditions in which grapes can fully ripen. What’s more, the incredibly diverse soil types found throughout Alsace — which range from chalk, clay, limestone, granite, sandstone and schist to volcanic rock — allows viticulturists to match each grape variety to the soils for which they’re best suited. This enables a range of wine styles to be produced. From light-bodied and fresh to full-bodied and bold.

More than 38,000 acres of vineyards planted in Alsace run North to South with the best quality vineyards sitting on the steep slopes with East and Southeast facing aspects. With nearly 4,000 winegrowers, the predominant style produced is aromatic white wines from a handful of grape varieties including Riesling , Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris , Muscat and Pinot Blanc .

Chardonnay is also produced but only for Crémant d’Alsace sparkling wines as it is not permitted to be produced as a still wine varietal in Alsace. A small percentage of red wines are also made exclusively from Pinot Noir .

This small wine region has an astounding 53 AOCs including AOC Alsace, AOC Crémant d’Alsace (traditional method sparkling wine) and 51 individual Grand Cru AOCs. Fortunately for the wine consumer, wines here are labeled by grape variety rather than AOC, a unique labeling feature in France.

Winetraveler Tip: Alsace white wines age remarkably well and are not to be missed!

Frequently Asked Questions about Alsace Wineries & Wine Tours

What are the best wineries to visit in alsace.

Alsace, renowned for its magnificent vineyards and world-class wines, offers a plethora of remarkable wineries for wine lovers to explore. One of the leading names in the region is Domaine Zind-Humbrecht . This illustrious winery is recognized for crafting some of the most exceptional wines in Alsace, with their reputation preceding them far and wide. Zind-Humbrecht, with their dedication to biodynamic practices, offers an exemplary representation of Alsace’s diverse terroirs. Trimbach is another noteworthy name, steeped in a rich history that dates back to 1626. Trimbach’s wines, known for their longevity, elegance, and impeccable balance, are some of the finest examples of the classic Alsace style. Their Riesling, in particular, is widely respected among wine enthusiasts and critics. Domaine Weinbach , nestled in the charming town of Kaysersberg, is equally compelling. Managed by the Faller family, this estate produces an impressive range of wines from various grape varieties typical to Alsace. Their wines are praised for their complexity and depth, including a superb Gewurztraminer. Hugel et Fils , located in Riquewihr, is another historic family-owned winery. They’ve been producing wines since the late 17th century and are known for their consistent quality. This esteemed winery is particularly well-regarded for its Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Finally, a visit to Alsace would be incomplete without a stop at Domaine Marcel Deiss . This biodynamic estate, situated in Bergheim, is famed for their field blend wines (wines made from multiple grape varieties harvested and vinified together), a traditional Alsace practice. These wines express a fascinating interplay of flavors and are a true testament to the richness of the Alsatian terroir.

Which wineries in Alsace have restaurants?

A few Alsace wineries known for their on-site restaurants include: Domaine Marcel Deiss: While not a restaurant in the traditional sense, Domaine Marcel Deiss often hosts wine pairing events where local gourmet food producers are invited. This provides an opportunity to taste their wines alongside some high-quality regional food. Cave de Ribeauville: This is Alsace’s oldest wine cooperative and it has a tasting room where you can sample their wines, and they often have local Alsatian food to accompany their wide selection of wines. Winery Gustave Lorentz: In the charming village of Bergheim, you can find the Winery Gustave Lorentz. While not having a restaurant per se, they do offer gourmet workshops, where visitors can enjoy Alsacian gastronomy paired with their wines. In addition to wineries, the region of Alsace is well-known for its gourmet scene and many top-notch restaurants which offer extensive local wine lists can be found in the area. The Michelin-starred Auberge de l’Ill and Le Chambard are just two examples of the outstanding restaurants that Alsace has to offer, and both have an extensive list of Alsatian wines.

Are there any vineyard hotels in Alsace?

Absolutely, there are several vineyard hotels and accommodations in the Alsace region that offer an immersive wine experience. Le Parc Hotel, Restaurants & Spa : Located in the charming town of Obernai, this hotel is surrounded by vineyards and offers wine tasting experiences, a spa, and three gourmet restaurants. Auberge de l’Ill : Though it’s more of a restaurant than a hotel, Auberge de l’Ill does offer accommodations. It’s a family-run establishment that’s been awarded three Michelin stars for over 50 years and is surrounded by the beautiful Illhaeusern vineyards. Domaine Bott-Geyl: In Beblenheim, this wine estate has a charming guesthouse (Les Loges du Vigneron) that sits amidst the vineyards, offering a true winemaker’s experience. Hotel le Schoenenbourg: Situated in Riquewihr, in the heart of the vineyards, this hotel is the perfect base to explore the wine route of Alsace. Hostellerie Le Marechal : Located in Colmar, the wine capital of Alsace, this 4-star hotel and restaurant is set in a 16th-century house, offering a gourmet restaurant with views of the canal.

How many wineries are in Alsace France?

The region is home to approximately 1,000 wine producers. This number includes a mixture of independent vignerons (winemakers), cooperatives, and negociants who buy grapes to produce wine. Among these, there are around 51 Grand Cru vineyards, each with its unique terroir expressing the diverse range of the Alsatian wines.

What wines is Alsace known for?

Alsace, located in northeastern France, is world-renowned for its aromatic and diverse white wines. The region is most famous for four primary grape varieties: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris , and Muscat . Riesling: Alsace Riesling is typically dry, with bright acidity, complex minerality, and flavors of green apple, lemon, and sometimes a hint of petrol as it ages. It is one of the most prestigious grapes in the region and the wines are renowned for their ability to age gracefully. Gewürztraminer: This grape variety produces intensely aromatic wines, often with pronounced notes of lychee, rose petal, and exotic spices. Alsatian Gewürztraminer is typically off-dry to sweet and is richer in body compared to many other white wines. Pinot Gris: Alsace Pinot Gris is notably different from the lighter Italian Pinot Grigio, even though they’re made from the same grape. In Alsace, Pinot Gris wines tend to be full-bodied, rich, and often off-dry, with flavors of ripe orchard fruits, honey, and spice. Muscat: Alsatian Muscat is less common than the other varieties but equally delightful. It’s usually made in a dry style and showcases the grape’s characteristic floral and grapey aromas. In addition to these, Alsace also produces wines from Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner , and Pinot Noir —the latter being the only commonly grown red grape in the region. The region is also known for its Crémant d’Alsace , a sparkling wine typically made from a blend of these grapes and produced using the traditional method, similar to Champagne. Lastly, the region’s “Vendanges Tardives” and “Sélection de Grains Nobles” are special late-harvest wines made from overripe and botrytis-affected grapes respectively, and they can be stunningly complex and long-lived. These wines are typically sweet and are among the most treasured wines of Alsace.

What is the wine capital of Alsace?

The capital of Alsace is Strasbourg, a city known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant food and wine culture. However, when it comes to wine specifically, the “capital” might be considered to be the town of Colmar. Located in the heart of the Alsace wine route, Colmar is surrounded by vineyards and is the hub of the Alsace wine region. Colmar is the home base for many wineries and wine merchants, and it’s a popular starting point for exploring the Alsace Wine Route. This picturesque town, with its half-timbered houses, canals, and flower-decked streets, is perfectly situated near the famous “noble” vineyards that produce some of Alsace’s most prestigious wines. That said, Alsace is full of charming wine-producing towns and villages such as Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and Eguisheim, each with its own unique character and wine style. Visiting these towns is a wonderful way to experience the diversity of Alsatian wines.

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[…] The Alsace Wine Route is 170 km long, starting near Strasbourg in the north and ending just south of Colmar. As mentioned earlier this area is a wonderful blend of French and German culture. Colourful, half-timbered buildings line cobblestoned streets with wine merchants and paddocks of vines around every corner. The wine route takes in some legendary towns such as Ribeauville, Kayserberg and Eguisheim. […]

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Visiter l’ Alsace en 3 ou 4 jours

Cela faisait bien longtemps que je rêvais d’ explorer l’Alsace au printemps et de retrouver cette immense carte postale grandeur nature. Quand la végétation reprend vie, nous mettons le cap vers le Grand-Est avec une idée en tête : visiter l’Alsace en 3 ou 4 jours . Si vous êtes en quête de découverte et d’authenticité, quelques jours en Alsace permettent de découvrir un concentré de la richesse du patrimoine alsacien : la magie opère en toute saison. Avec les beaux villages alsaciens , son célèbre vignoble et ses châteaux majestueux , comment résister à l’Alsace, cette destination incontournable et pleine de promesses.

Dans ce tout nouveau récit de voyage, je vous emmène découvrir l’Alsace en quelques jours . Vous trouverez un itinéraire et des idées d’ activités à faire pour parcourir l’Alsace sur un long week end. Vous verrez, c’est un concentré de gourmandises et belles découvertes alsaciennes !

• Jour 1 Visiter Sélestat, cette pépite cachée en Alsace

Visiter une cave en Alsace et déguster les grands crus

Jour 3 en alsace : kaysersberg et ses environs.

• Jour 4 : Colmar, la ville incontournable de l’Alsace

Choisir un hébergement

Nos bonnes adresses

Hôtel LÉONOR the place to live : ce très bel hôtel à 300 mètres de la cathédrale de Strasbourg, offre une situation idéale. Au coeur de la Petite France, vous serez proche de tout ! On aime le patio, la décoration te les chambres spacieuses.

PAUL & PIA – Welcome Home Hôtel : On aime cet hôtel aux jolies couleurs. À 500 mètres de la gare et de la vieille ville de Colmar, vous profiterez de la belle ambiance de Noël.

Ibis Styles Colmar Centre : en plein centre de Colmar, ce bel hôtel est idéalement situé pour découvrir le marché de Noël à pied. Le + : place de parking sur réservation.

Louer une voiture en Alsace

Hôtel La Diligence : dans le centre historique, un hôtel cosy offrant de belles prestations. Obernai est une très bonne option pour visiter les beaux marchés de Noël d’Alsace, les logements y sont moins chers.

Relais et Châteaux Le Chambard : adresse sublime en plein centre de Kaysersberg. On aime la piscine, les superbes prestations et la bonne table pour faire vibrer nos papilles.

Hôtel-Restaurant Au Lion : dans le centre de Ribeauvillé, cet hôtel vous permet de profiter pleinement de votre séjour. Chambres confortables et cerise sur le gâteau, vous dîner sur place.

Jour 1 Visiter Sélestat , cette pépite cachée en Alsace

Visite de sélestat à pied.

Pour cette 1ʳᵉ étape de notre escapade alsacienne, nous prenons la direction de Sélestat. située entre Strasbourg et Colmar, cette jolie cité alsacienne a conservé son charme moyenâgeux , en témoignent ses remparts et belles maisons à colombages du quartier des tanneurs. Pour découvrir Sélestat à pied , un parcours touristique est proposé par l’Office de Tourisme et permet de voir les sites incontournables de ce beau village alsacien en flânant le nez en l’air.

Dans les ruelles pavées, se dressent les églises Saint-Georges et Sainte-Foy, la tour de l’Horloge , la tour des Sorcières et sans oublier la bibliothèque humaniste du XVIe siècle. Ce trésor culturel abrite une collection exceptionnelle de manuscrits que nous n’avons pas eu le temps de visiter. Ce site unique est installé dans l’ancienne halle aux blés, c’est l’une des bibliothèques les plus célèbres d’Europe.

Parcours de visite Sélestat : 24 sites incontournables à voir

Dans les pas du lion et du géant Sletto

Départ : Commanderie Saint-Jean, 10 boulevard Leclerc à Sélestat

Arrivée : Bibliothèque Humaniste 1 Place Dr Maurice Kubler à Sélestat

Distance : 2,8 kms

Durée : 2 h

Niveau : facile, suivre les flèches, plaques et clous matérialisés au sol

Livret à récupérer auprès de l’ Office de Tourisme de Sélestat Haut-Koenigsbourg 2 Place du Dr Maurice Kubler, Maison du Parvis 67600 Sélestat

La Maison du Pain , un savoir-faire alsacien

Du côté de la rue du sel, La Maison du Pain de Sélestat est un lieu à voir si vous décidez de visiter l’Alsace en 3 jours. Cette boulangerie historique possède ce supplément d’âme qui met à l’honneur le savoir-faire alsacien autour du pain. Elle a même fêté ses 500 ans ! Après les bredeles et le manneles, nous découvrons le lamela , fameux agneau de Pâques alsacien. Rien de tel que les travaux pratiques pour mieux comprendre les belles traditions alsaciennes. C’est le cœur rempli d’envie que Margot rejoint le boulanger pour un atelier familial . Nous avons retroussé nos manches pour mettre la main à la pâte. Farine sur le nez, les pâtons prennent forme et je vois la frimousse de notre apprentie boulangère redoubler de fierté !

Pendant la cuisson de notre lapin de Pâques, nous partons découvrir le musée de la Maison du Pain . Je vous conseille cette visite qui offre une fabuleuse scénographie pour connaitre le pain sous toutes ses formes. Pour les enfants, une chasse au trésor est proposée histoire de devenir incollable sur les secrets du pain. J’observe Margot qui frétille d’impatience, déjà à l’affut du moindre indice. Les enfants possèdent de bons réflexes et redoublent d’enthousiasme quand il s’agit d’apprendre en s’amusant !

Où et comment visiter La Maison du Pain en Alsace ?

Maison du Pain d’Alsace 7 Rue du Sel, 67600 Sélestat Musée de la Maison du Pain, Ateliers, Boutique et Restauration sur place Tarifs musée : Adulte 6 € – Enfant 4 € – Gratuit pour les enfants jusqu’à 6 ans – Pass Famille 14 € Durée sur place : 1 h 15 Infos et réservations au 03 88 58 45 90

La Montagne des Singes

Pour notre périple alsacien, nous avons rendez-vous avec les magots, une espèce animale menacée. La Montagne des Singes est un parc animalier qui accueille 200 macaques de Barbarie. C’est une activité incontournable quand on explore cette partie de l’Alsace. Notre mini aventurière a le cœur en fête, car il est possible d’ observer des singes en totale liberté . La balade est surprenante, l’immersion totale. J’ai vraiment aimé partager cette expérience unique pour découvrir leur mode de vie et de communication ( des mimiques étonnantes ! ). Et quand une Margot rencontre un magot, les regards se jaugent…histoire de faire connaissance.

En Alsace, la Montagne des Singes offre un espace naturel préservé particulièrement agréable. Cerise sur le gâteau, on joue à être agile comme dans la peau d’un singe grâce au parcours dans un filet situé à 2 mètres du sol. Suspendus au-dessus de la canopée, on se rapproche un peu plus de la nature. Que diriez-vous de marcher comme un sifaka ou vous déplacer comme un orang-outan…fous rires garantis !

Quel parc animalier visiter en Alsace ?

La Montagne des Singes La Wick, 67600 Kintzheim Séances de nourrissage information toutes les 45 min Tarifs : Adulte 11 € – Enfant 8 € – gratuit pour les enfants jusqu’à 5 ans  Durée sur place : 2 h Infos et réservations au 03 88 92 11 09

Visiter le Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg , un site incontournable en Alsace

Pour nos 3 jours Alsace, nous ne pouvions pas manquer le plus célèbre des sites alsaciens : le Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg . À proximité de la Montagne des Singes, nous rejoignons ce monument emblématique à voir en Alsace. Situé à 757 mètres d’altitude , prenons un peu de hauteur et sillonner de belles routes sinueuses pour rejoindre ce mastodonte de pierre. Perché sur un éperon rocheux, le Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg offre une vue imprenable sur la plaine d’Alsace et le massif vosgien. Il me rappelle combien nous avions adoré notre dernier week end dans les Vosges l’hiver dernier. Quant au château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, il semble veiller sur l’Alsace.

Dès nos premiers pas, je suis impressionnée par ses dimensions dantesques, en témoignent la haute porte et sa herse démesurée. Margot est déjà loin de devant, visiblement impatiente de découvrir les secrets de cette forteresse médiévale. Ce qui est intéressant avec le Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, c’est qu’il est resté en excellent état . C’est d’ailleurs le seul château d’Alsace entièrement restauré avec des moyens humains considérables.

La forteresse en grès rose des Vosges est un lieu magique qui recèle bien des secrets. Vous voudrez probablement vous perdre dans ses couloirs sans fin et explorer chaque recoin. On peut aussi le visiter en s’amusant grâce à un jeu de piste qui permet de découvrir ses salles richement meublées , ses vieilles murailles à créneaux aux côtés des arbres qui ont pris racine, mais aussi son donjon vertigineux. Des visites thématiques ou encore des ateliers et des activités permettent de visiter le Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg autrement, une belle façon d’entrer à votre tour dans la légende et de s’offrir un véritable voyage dans le temps.

Où et comment visiter le Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg ?

Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg D159, 67600 Orschwiller Visites thématiques, livret jeu enfant, ateliers et activités ludiques Tarifs : Adulte 9 € – Enfant 6 € – gratuit pour les enfants de moins de 6 ans Durée sur place : 2 h Infos et réservations au 03 69 33 25 00

Si vous avez plus de temps : halte à Châtenois et Bergheim

Si vous avez un peu de temps durant vos quelques jours en Alsace, faites une étape dans les beaux villages alsaciens qui nous ont charmés du début à la fin. Sur la Route des Vins d’Alsace, difficile de résister à Bergheim, une cité médiévale merveilleusement préservée et surtout loin de la foule ! Flâner a été notre activité favorite, il faut dire que la belle promenade des remparts garantit un panorama fabuleux sur la plaine d’Alsace.

Aux portes de Sélestat, un merveilleux village alsacien mérite aussi un détour. Nous avons adoré la découverte de Châtenois, une cité fortifiée où l’on retrouve l’architecture traditionnelle alsacienne. Si vous avez envie de jouer les prolongations, vous pouvez aussi emprunter le Sentier des Murailles et des Vignes Châtenois qui permet de découvrir le patrimoine bâti et viticole ( comptez 2 h pour 2,8 kms ).

Jour 2 : Ribeauvillé et Riquewihr , les joyaux de la Route des Vins

Visiter ribeauvillé , étape incontournable en alsace.

Ribeauvillé est ce charmant village alsacien situé sur la célèbre Route des Vins d’Alsace. Je ne peux que vous inviter à flâner dans ses ruelles pavées, admirer ses maisons à colombages et découvrir la richesse de son patrimoine. Ribeauvillé est une étape à voir absolument lors de votre séjour en Alsace.

Et, si on découvrait Ribeauvillé à petit pas ? Si vous séjournez quelques jours en Alsace , il est possible de visiter les beaux villages alsaciens grâce à des jeux de piste à faire en famille. C’est en s’amusant que nous sommes partis à la découverte des sites emblématiques et des trésors cachés de Ribeauvillé . Dans la Grande Rue, Margot tente de flairer le moindre indice comme les belles enseignes en fer forgé et les façades richement décorées. Curieux de nature, nous poursuivons notre quête de la Fontaine du vigneron jusqu’à la Tour des Bouchers. Vous verrez que cet authentique village alsacien réserve de belles surprises !

À l’entrée de Ribeauvillé, ne manquez pas une visite gourmande à la Chocolaterie Daniel Stoffel . Si comme nous vous êtes accro au chocolat, vous aimerez visiter l’atelier et participer aux ateliers thématiques. Nous avons eu la chance de partager en famille l’ atelier Choco Chup’s . Margot a les mains dans le chocolat, quel bonheur de fabriquer ses propres sucettes aux chocolat !

Quelle activité faire en Alsace ?

Chocolaterie Daniel Stoffel Route de Guémar 68150 Ribeauville Dégustation commentée et gratuite à l’atelier du lundi au samedi à 11 h, 15 h et 17 h (GRATUIT) Ateliers autour du chocolat Tarifs : à partir de 5 € Durée sur place : 1 h envir. Infos et réservations au 03 89 71 20 20

Découverte de la Route des Vins d’Alsace à vélo

Après notre découverte de Ribeauvillé, nous avons enfourché nos vélos pour partir à la découverte de la Route des Vins d’Alsace, un incontournable même si nous ne passons que 3 jours en Alsace. Ce parcours cyclable de 170 kms offre des panoramas magnifiques à travers les vignobles verdoyants et les beaux villages alsaciens. Cheveux au vent, les pauses sont belles et j’ai vraiment le sentiment de profiter de chaque instant. En parcourant les chemins sinueux, je me délecte de cette nature à portée de main en mode roue cool ! Margot n’en perd pas une miette…on dirait que ça sent le bonheur par ici.

Le vélo est une excellente façon de découvrir la Route des Vins d’Alsace, les parcours sont faciles, mais font tout de même chauffer nos petits mollets. C’est justement tout le charme de cette belle balade, vous profiterez des vignobles alsaciens qui ondulent et traverserez de charmants villages alsaciens. Top !

Circuit à vélo – Ribeauvillé à Kaysersberg

Point de départ : Ribeauvillé

Point d’arrivée : parking de la poste de Kaysersberg

Distance : 25 kms

Temps : 2 h envir.

Niveau : moyen (dénivelé positif 250 mètres)

Points d’intérêt à voir : vignoble alsacien, plaine d’Alsace, Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr, NaturOparc, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Kientzheim.

Où louer un vélo en Alsace ?

Ribo’cycles – 17 rue de Landau à Ribeauvillé Vente, réparation et location de vélos et de vélos à assistance électrique. Tarifs : à partir de 15 € la journée Infos et réservations au 03 89 73 72 94

Découvrir Hunawihr, un village viticole en Alsace

C’est à vélo que nous avons découvert Hunawihr, un charmant village viticole niché au cœur des vignes. Quel plaisir de parcourir ses ruelles étroites, les façades multicolores et son église fortifiée. Au centre d’Hunawihr, nous découvrons une magnifique fontaine en grès rose . Entourée de maisons à colombages, c’est un véritable emblème à Hunawihr. Si vous voulez allier le très utile à l’agréable, prenez le temps de déguster quelques crus locaux dans l’une des nombreuses caves de ce beau village alsacien.

Découverte du Naturoparc

Notre escapade de 72 h en Alsace nous réserve de belles surprises. Situé à proximité du beau village d’Hunawihr, Le Naturoparc est un parc animalier en Alsace dédié à la préservation de la cigogne blanche et de la loutre d’Europe. Le Naturoparc œuvre pour sensibiliser la préservation des espèces régionales menacées. c’est un très bel endroit à découvrir quand on visite l’Alsace quelques jours. Vous pourrez observer les animaux emblématiques de l’Alsace dans un cadre naturel préservé. Cigognes, loutres, hamsters géants ou ragondins évoluent dans un écrin de verdure.

Au moment de notre venue, la météo était un peu capricieuse. La pluie ne nous a pas découragés, bien au contraire, nous avons le sourire jusqu’aux oreilles ! Nous essayons de passer entre les gouttes comme les ravissantes cigognes blanches . On a complètement craqué pour les stars de l’Alsace !

Où et comment visiter le NaturOparc en Alsace ?

NaturOparc Rte de Ribeauvillé, 68150 Hunawihr Visite thématiques, livret jeu enfant, ateliers et activités ludiques Tarifs : Adulte 12 € – Jeune 10 € – Enfant 8,50 € – Gratuit pour les enfants de moins de 3 ans Durée sur place : 1 h 15 Infos et réservations au 03 89 73 72 62

Pass ‘Alsace

Si vous visitez plusieurs sites touristiques, pensez au Pass’Alsace 3 jours qui permet d’accéder librement à 59 sites touristiques alsaciens. Vous ferez une belle économie pour votre escapade alsacienne

Disponible en ligne ou dans les nombreux sites touristiques alsaciens

Le Pass’Alsace existe en version 24 h, 48 h, 3 ou 4 jours.

Visiter Riquewihr , ce beau village en Alsace

Si vous découvrez l’Alsace en 3 ou 4 jours, ne manquez pas de partir à la découverte de Riquewihr, un village alsacien incontournable de la Route des Vins d’Alsace. Classé parmi les plus beaux villages de France, nous n’avons pas résisté à ses ruelles fleuries et ses maisons colorées.

Riquewihr est un superbe village alsacien que nous avions découvert en fin d’année lors de notre découverte des plus beaux marchés de Noël en Alsace . Et, je vais vous dire une chose, on le savoure encore plus à l’approche de fêtes de Pâques. Sur les façades, Les décorations de Pâques sont partout ! On se met dans l’ambiance ! Une véritable fête du printemps… Tout en couleurs ! 

Sur la célèbre Route des vins d’Alsace, les occasions ne manquent pas pour partir à la rencontre des vignerons alsaciens . Vous ferez vibrer vos pupilles autant que vos papilles ! En épicurien qui se respecte, c’est un rendez-vous que nous n’aurions manqué sous aucun prétexte. Ils s’appellent Riesling, Gewurztraminer ou Pinot Gris : les grands crus d’Alsace se dégustent avec modération…

Visiter un vignoble alsacien fait partie des activités à faire quand on découvre l’Alsace sur un long week end. Que vous soyez expert, sommelier ou néophyte, les vignerons vous raconteront avec passion leur savoir-faire alsacien et leurs secrets de fabrication.

Près de Sélestat, Le Domaine Achillée nous ouvre ses portes pour découvrir les vignes cultivées en biodynamie. L’histoire des deux frères se cultive autour d’une belle démarche écologique, de son chai bioclimatique construit en bois et en paille jusqu’à la vinification naturelle des cépages alsaciens. À la dégustation, on comprend tout : les arômes se révèlent et nous touchons du doigt les secrets de vinification de ce vignoble alsacien.

Quelle cave visiter en Alsace ?

Le Domaine Achilée 50 Rue de Dambach, 67750 Scherwiller Visites de cave, Dégustation, promenades à pied ou à vélo dans les vignes, Soirée Accords mets & vins Infos et réservations au 09 71 34 32 25

Visiter Kaysersberg , l’étape coup de cœur en Alsace

Sur notre itinéraire en Alsace , Kaysersberg est l’une de nos étapes fétiches grâce à son décor magique. En suivant les coteaux, on rejoint facilement l’un des villages viticoles les plus connus de la Route des Vins d’Alsace. Lové dans le vignoble alsacien, Kaysersberg possède ce charme d’antan , ce supplément d’âme. Une recette alsacienne qui marche à tous les coups : de ravissantes maisonnettes à colombages, les ruines du Schlossberg , des ruelles typiques et au milieu coule une rivière douce et paisible.

Si vous avez un peu de temps lors de votre escapade de 3 jours en Alsace, je vous conseille de faire la montée au château , cela ne prend que quelques minutes. La récompense est de taille, car la vue sur la vallée de Kaysersberg est à couper le souffle.

Escale à Turckheim et Eguisheim avant de rejoindre Colmar

Sur la Route des Vins d’Alsace en direction de Colmar, faites une escale à Turckheim . Nous sommes à l’entrée de la vallée de la Fecht, et ce, très beau village pittoresque en Alsace est un véritable plaisir pour nos yeux ! Entourée de remparts, cette cité médiévale en Alsace se visite facilement à pied. Vous pourrez aussi admirer les maisons à colombages, le vieux moulin ou encore la Porte de France. Mais ce qui fait la particularité de Turckheim, c’est son  traditionnel veilleur de nuit . En saison, il est possible d’accompagner cet étrange personnage lors d’une  visite guidée nocturne de Turckheim : une expérience insolite à vivre en Alsace !

À proximité de Colmar, la star des beaux villages alsacien s’appelle Eguisheim et cumule tous les atouts. Classé parmi les plus beaux villages de France , ce magnifique village alsacien est célèbre pour ses ruelles enroulées en cercles concentriques autour de son château. Flânez dans les rues pavées et admirez les maisons à colombages aux couleurs vives : un véritable décor de carte postale !

L’activité à faire

Depuis Colmar, rejoindre Eguisheim à vélo. Louez un vélo en gare de Colmar et suivez la piste cyclable aménagée à travers les vignobles.

Distance : 8 kms – Temps : 30 min envir.

Jour 4 : Colmar , la ville incontournable de l’Alsace

Colmar est une étape incontournable d’une découverte de l’Alsace en quelques jours. On visite Colmar à la manière d’un poème. Colmar est une ville magnifique en Alsace . Surnommée la Petite Venise , nous avons été charmés par ses canaux, ses maisons à colombages et ses ponts fleuris.

Au printemps, croyez-moi, c’est un vrai régal pour les yeux : comme une carte postale qui prend vie. Pour éviter la foule, je vous conseille de venir en semaine , vous profiterez davantage de la quiétude pour votre découverte de cette ravissante ville alsacienne . On peut facilement passer tout un week-end à Colmar. Pourtant, si vous disposez uniquement d’une après midi ou d’une journée à Colmar, voici les sites à voir absolument lors de votre visite :

• Le quartier de la Petite Venise : Baladez-vous le long des canaux et admirez les maisons à colombages qui se reflètent dans l’eau. Prenez le temps de vous installer à la terrasse d’un café pour savourer l’atmosphère paisible de ce lieu enchanteur.
• Le Quartier des Tanneurs :  avec ses maisons étroites et hautes, magnifiquement construites en pan de bois et à colombages, ce quartier emblématique offre une authentique immersion. C’est un lieu incontournable à visiter lors de votre escapade alsacienne.
• Le Quai de la Poissonnerie : cette partie de Colmar est bordée de maisons à colombages qui étaient autrefois des ateliers de poissonniers. Avec leurs façades colorées et leurs géraniums en cascade, les maisons se reflètent dans la Lauch qui serpente doucement à travers le quartier. Vous vivrez un moment hors du temps.

• La Maison Pfister : Cette demeure emblématique de Colmar est célèbre pour son oriel et ses magnifiques fresques murales. Construite en 1537, elle témoigne de l’architecture Renaissance qui caractérise la belle Colmar : un véritable bijou !
• Le Musée Unterlinden : Ce musée renferme une collection exceptionnelle d’œuvres d’art, allant de l’époque médiévale à l’art moderne. Ne manquez pas le retable d’Issenheim, chef-d’œuvre de Mathias Grünewald , qui est l’une des pièces maîtresses de ce musée alsacien.
• Le marché couvert de Colmar : Situé près de la Petite Venise, c’est un lieu incontournable pour découvrir les produits locaux et les spécialités alsaciennes. Difficile de ne pas se laisser tenter par la charcuterie, les fromages, les vins et les pâtisseries qui font la renommée de la région. Ici, c’est sûr, vous mettrez toute l’Alsace dans votre assiette !

Notre escapade alsacienne nous a rempli le cœur ! Entre nature et patrimoine , l’Alsace est une région aux 1000 facettes qui mérite d’être découverte en prenant le temps de flâner dans ses merveilleux villages pittoresques, de s’émerveiller devant ses châteaux majestueux et de déguster ses vins et spécialités culinaires. Pour un long week-end en Alsace , cet itinéraire de 3 ou 4 jours nous a offert des expériences inoubliables et des souvenirs en pagaille.

Cet article fait suite à une invitation de  Visit Alsace .   Nous remercions tous les partenaires pour leur accueil chaleureux et pour leur aide dans la réalisation de ce projet. Bien sûr, nous restons libres de notre ligne éditoriale .

Bonjour Sibylle,

Nous allons en Alsace dans quelques mois et nous aimerions prendre exemple sur votre parcours en vélo. Avez-vous utilisé un parcours via internet en particulier ? Merci par avance.

Bonjour Aurélie, Merci pour ton message qui nous fait très plaisir. En quelques jours, l’Alsace va vous émerveiller, c’est certain. Nous avons pris cet itinéraire car il nous a été conseillé par le loueur de vélo (très sympa au passage). Cet itinéraire facile permet de parcourir les villages au cœur du vignoble. Bien sûr il y en a d’autres que vous pourrez retrouver sur l’appli mobile du pays de Ribeauvillé ainsi que sur le site Alsace vélo qui répertorie tous les itinéraires possibles. Une bonne idée quand on découvre l’Alsace en quelques jours. Bonne balade et raconte-nous tes plus belles découvertes !

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A Blog About Life & Travel in France

3 Days in Strasbourg – The Perfect Itinerary (from a Local)

• By Jen Ciesielski
• Updated: 18 January 2024
• 9 October 2022

In a country full of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, Strasbourg holds its own. This quaint Alsatian town boasts some of the most beautiful architecture in France, mouthwatering culinary delights, and is home to Europe’s most enchanting Christmas market. Not only that but its unique location creates a fascinating fusion of French and German cultures.

Since moving abroad to Strasbourg, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring every corner of this fascinating city. And, today, I want to share with you the best of Strasbourg.

This three days in Strasbourg itinerary is your complete guide. You’ll visit historical sites like Strasbourg’s Notre Dame Cathedral, tour the Palais Rohan, stroll through La Petite France, and indulge in traditional Alsatian cuisine. It has everything you need to guarantee a fantastic trip.

Please note : This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking on a link (at no extra cost to you). Privacy Policy .

Table of Contents

Map of strasbourg, strasbourg itinerary – day 1, strasbourg itinerary – day 2, strasbourg itinerary – day 3, more cool things to do in strasbourg, popular days trips from strasbourg, best time to visit strasbourg, best tours in strasbourg, where to stay, where to eat, get in and around, frequently asked questions.

Below is a map of all the things to see and do while spending three days in Strasbourg. It has all the sites listed in this post. ( Click here or the map to open Google Maps.)

Watch the Sunrise from the Vauban Dam

The Vauban Dam was built in the 1600s as a means to prevent enemy advancement by flooding the city. After serving its purpose on only one occasion, the dam was transformed into a historical monument.

Today, the roof offers some of the best views of Strasbourg while the interior houses artworks of cultural significance.

And there is no better time to visit the Vauban Dam than at sunrise.

From here you can take in the views of the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral as the sky fills with hues of pink and orange. It’s a spectacular sight that is a must if you’re spending three days in Strasbourg.

If you want to learn more about the history of this amazing place, I recommend going on a Strasbourg walking tour .

Address : Place du Qur Blanc

Opening Times :

• 1 March to 30 April: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm 
• 1 May to 31 August: 7:15 am – 9:00 pm 
• 1 September to 31 October: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm  
• 1 November to 28/29 February: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Nearest Tram Station : Langstross – Grand’Rue (Lines A and D)

I recommend this guided walking tour of Strasbourg .

Free Three Days in Strasbourg Itinerary

Sign up for a free copy of my Three Days in Strasbourg Itinerary. It has everything you need to guarantee an amazing trip!

Visit Strasbourg’s Notre Dame Cathedral

One of Strasbourg’s most exceptional monuments is its Notre Dame Cathedral. Standing at an impressive 142 meters (465 feet), this architectural masterpiece took more than 300 years to build. Its exterior is decorated with intricate Gothic-style sculptures and beautiful stained-glass windows.

And, of course, the interior is just as stunning. From the astronomical clock to sculptures and paintings, it’s sure to take your breath away.

Then, there’s the view from the top. You’ll climb 330 stars to a platform that opens to a 360-degree panorama of Strasbourg. It’s a hair-raising experience that will test the limits of your vertigo, but the view is worth it!

Admission to the cathedral is free, but, if you want to visit the platform, it’s €8.

Address : Place de la Cathédrale

Opening Times (to visit the platform) : 

• 1 April to 30 September: 9:30 am – 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm – 8:00 pm 
• 1 October to 31 March: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm 

Useful Tip : Last entry to the platform is 45 minutes before closing.

Nearest Tram Station : Broglie (Lines B, C, and F)

Discover the Palais Rohan

If you love museums then the Palais Rohan is for you. Built in 1720, this baroque-style palace was once the residence of the prince-bishops and cardinals of the House of Rohan.

Today, however, it serves as one of the most important historical landmarks in Strasbourg. Not only that but it’s home to three different museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Decorative Arts.

Of course, choosing between them is no easy task, so why not visit all three?

Useful Tip : If you plan on visiting all three museums then the Strasbourg City Pass is a good money-saving option. You can purchase your pass by clicking here .

Address : 2 Place du Château

Opening Times : 

• Closed Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday
• Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Take a Stroll Around La Petite France

The villages in Alsace are known for their colorful half-timbered houses, and Strasbourg is no exception. Granted, these beautiful pieces of architecture can be found throughout the city, but the most exceptional collection is in La Petite France.

Here narrow cobblestoned streets will take you past buildings painted in hues of pink, orange, green, and blue.

If you’re visiting in winter, grab a glass of glühwein (mulled wine) or hot chocolate and enjoy it in the small park on Quai de la Petite France.

It’s easy to see why this is one of the best Instagrammable places in Strasbourg !

Learn the History of Alsace at Musée Alsacien

There’s no denying that Alsace is steeped in culture and history . So what better place to learn about its traditions than at the Musée Alsacien?

This one-of-a-kind museum features an impressive collection of over 5,000 exhibits dating back to the 18th century. Not only that but the museum is spread across several traditional Alsatian houses. And, you’ll actually get to see what these houses look like on the interior.

Definitely, a unique experience that you won’t find elsewhere! And, as a bonus, the Musée Alsacien is open on Sundays .

Admission is €7.50.

Address : 23-25 Quai Saint Nicolas

• Closed Tuesday
• Monday and Wednesday to Friday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Nearest Tram Station : Porte de l’Hôpital (Lines A and D)

Picnic in Parc de l’Orangerie

As the largest park in Strasbourg (26 hectares), Parc de l’Orangerie (Orangerie Park) is the perfect escape from the busy city center.

Its meticulously maintained gardens offer a serene setting while its grassed areas are perfect for a relaxing afternoon picnic. You can even rent a canoe and explore the beautiful lake.

Of course, the number of activities available makes it a popular spot, but it never really feels packed.

Nearest Tram Station : Droits de l’Homme (Line E)

Tour the Historic Cellar of the Strasbourg Hospices

No trip to Strasbourg is complete without sampling some Alsatian wine. And there’s no better place than the Historic Wine Cellar of Strasbourg Hospices.

Established in 1395, underneath Strasbourg’s hospital, it was here where wine was used to cure various illnesses.

Today, you can tour the cellar for free and sample some of the finest wines in the region. Make sure to visit the barrels from 1472, they hold the oldest white wine in the world! 

Address : 1 Place de l’Hôpital

• Closed Sunday
• Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
• Saturday: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Nearest Tram Station : Porte de l’Hôpital (Lines A and D)

Bike a section of the Rhine Cycle Route 

The Rhine Cycle Route is a 1230-kilometer (764-mile) biking path that follows the Rhine River from the Netherlands to Switzerland, passing by Strasbourg. And, as one of Europe’s most bike-friendly cities, Strasbourg is the perfect place to ride a section of this famous route.

You’ll pass traditional Alsatian villages while taking in scenic views of the river. There are even picnic benches along the way, where you can enjoy a packed lunch.

You can rent a bike by clicking here .

Visit the Planetarium

Who hasn’t dreamed of going to space?

While it might seem like a far-out idea, Strasbourg’s Planetarium can give you a glimpse of what space looks like. They show entrancing movies about astronomy and recreate starry skies on a screen that is a whopping eight meters (26 feet) in diameter. It’s an immersive experience that will take you on a trip to another planet.

If you’re spending more than three days in Strasbourg, it’s worth making a reservation. One ticket includes a 30 minute film (there are two to choose from) and a 30 minute presentation about the stars.

You can purchase your tickets here .

Useful Tip : All shows at the Planetarium are in French (only). But they offer audio guides in English and German.

Address : 27 Boulevard de la Victoire

Nearest Tram Station : Observatoire (Line C)

Indulge in a Tarte Flambée at Binstub Broglie

There are a few must-dos when visiting Strasbourg . And one of those is indulging in a tarte flambée .

This popular specialty most closely resembles pizza but with a twist. It consists of a thin crust topped with lardons (or small pieces of fatty bacon), crème fraîche, and onions. And, while it can be cooked in a regular oven, it’s not a true tarte flambée, unless it’s prepared in a wood-fired oven.

Yes, the recipe is simple, but its mouth-watering flavor is something that you won’t forget.

You can find this delicious delicacy at most restaurants in Strasbourg, but the best are prepared at Binstub Broglie. They have the largest variety and offer some tantalizing dessert options.

Address : 28 Impasse de l’Écrevisse

Opening Times : Reservations are required and can be made here . 

Meander around Jardin des Deux Rives

Joined by a modern-style footbridge, Jardin des Deux Rives is an international garden located in both France and Germany. It was built in 1995 as a symbol of friendship between the countries.

Today, this 40-hectare garden is used to host exhibitions and cultural events. Walk along one of its many footpaths while taking in the serene setting, visit one of its 19 gardens, or bring a picnic and enjoy it next to the Rhine.

If you’re visiting in the summer, Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra organizes a free open-air concert. It’s definitely something not to be missed if you’re in town.

Nearest Tram Station : Port du Rhin (Line D)

Discover the Invisible World at the Vodou Museum

The Château Musée Vodou (Vodou Museum) is one of the most unique museums in Strasbourg . Here you’ll explore the magical tradition of Vodou through objects originating from West Africa (Ghana, Benin, Togo, and Nigeria).

Their goal is to educate the public on an otherwise unknown culture and eliminate the clichés often associated with Vodou. So, if you’re up for learning something new, then the Château Musée Vodou is for you! Admission is €14.

Address : 4 Rue de Koenigshoffen

Opening Times : Every day from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Nearest Tram Station : Gare Centrale (Lines, A, C, and D)

Visit the European Parliament

Not only is Strasbourg one of the four capitals of Europe, but it’s also home to the European Parliament. You can tour this impressive institution and even sit in on a plenary session. It’s a chance to watch the world’s largest transnational government in action.

Then, if you’re interested in learning more about the European Union, the Parlamentarium (visitor’s center) offers an interactive self-guided audio tour. It’s a wonderful educational experience for all ages!

Address : Allée du Printemps 

Opening times :

• Monday to Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Saturday: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Nearest Tram Station : Parlement Européen (Line E)

Tour the Chocolate Museum 

The Chocolate Museum is for chocolate lovers! You’ll follow the cocoa bean from its origins in Ecuador all the way to Strasbourg while sampling some tasty treats along the way. You’ll even get to visit the Chocolate Makers’ Laboratory and witness master chocolatiers in action.

If you have time, try the chocolate-making workshop. Here you’ll put what you learned to practice, and you’ll even be able to make your very own chocolate bar!

Admission to the museum is €7, while the workshop is an additional €4.90.

Address : Rue du Pont-du-Péage

• Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
• Sunday: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
• Closed Monday, except during the month of December.
• If you want to attend a workshop, reservations are required and can be made here .

Nearest Tram Station: Graffenstaden (Line A)

Explore Strasbourg’s Christmas Market

If you’re visiting Strasbourg in December , then exploring the Christmas market is an absolute must!

During this time of the year, Strasbourg transforms into a fairytale-like winter wonderland . The city is decorated with wooden chalets, colorful lights, and festive ornaments while locals from around the region come to sell their handmade trinkets and homemade glühwein .

The atmosphere is vibrant with a contagious energy that beckons visitors.

There’s no denying Strasbourg’s Christmas market is the most popular in Alsace, so, if you want to avoid the crowds, plan on visiting in early December. And make sure to reserve your hotel in advance.

Looking to discover all Strasbourg’s Christmas market has to offer? I recommend this tour .

Touted as the most beautiful village in Alsace, Colmar is a must-see if you have more than three days in Strasbourg. Here you’ll find colorful half-timbered houses set along narrow cobblestone streets, cozy restaurants serving hearty Alsatian food, and Alsace’s most visited museum, the Unterlinden Museum.

Granted, you could spend several days because there are so many sights to visit , but a day trip from Strasbourg is more than enough time to see the highlights.

Getting there : There are a ton of ways to get from Strasbourg to Colmar . The easiest is to take the train. From Strasbourg’s main station, trains run regularly to Colmar and take about 30 minutes.  You can book your train tickets online by clicking here .

You can book your day trip to Colmar by clicking here .

Another excellent day trip from Strasbourg is Luxembourg .

This de facto capital of the European Union is full of historic sites that can easily be seen in a single day. Highlights include the Fort Thüngen, the Casemates du Bock, the Neümunster Abbey, and Pétrusse Parks.

And the easiest way to visit these is via the Vauban Circular Walk. This well-labeled self-guided circuit is 4.5 kilometers (2.7 miles) and takes about three hours. Free maps are provided by the tourist office, so be sure to pick one up when you arrive.

Getting there: From Strasbourg’s main train station, trains run regularly and take 2.5 hours. You can book your train tickets online by clicking here .

If you’re in France, then visiting Paris is almost mandatory. And since it’s only two hours from Strasbourg, it’s a perfect day trip.

Of course, a single day in Paris isn’t enough time to explore all it has to offer, but there are a few must-see highlights.

For the best views of Paris, head up to the Montparnasse Tower. You’ll have a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view of the city, including the Eiffel Tower. Then catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa at the ever-impressive Louvre Museum. Finally, climb the stairs to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and stroll down the streets of Montmartre.

Getting there : From Strasbourg’s main train station, trains run regularly to Paris’ Gare de l’Est and take two hours. You can book your train tickets online by clicking here .

• May-June and September-October are the best times to visit . During these months, the crowds are smaller and the weather is pleasant with little to no rain. 
• Early December is the best time to visit if you want to see the Christmas market. By mid-December, Strasbourg is horribly over-crowded and accommodation is difficult to find.

A great way to visit Strasbourg is by taking a tour. And if you’re spending three days in Strasbourg, a tour guarantees you won’t miss a thing! I listed several above, but here is a complete summary:

• Strasbourg Walking Tour – This is Strasbourg’s best walking tour. They offer a complete overview of the city. You’ll learn about the history and culture while exploring the best of Strasbourg. Book your tour by clicking here .
• Boat Tour – Discover Strasbourg by boat! You’ll wind through the canals of Strasbourg and discover the city from a unique view. It’s a one-of-a-kind tour that will leave you memorized. Book your tour by clicking here .
• Segway Tour – Segway tours are becoming more and more popular in Strasbourg. It’s a fun way to visit the main attractions. Book your tour by clicking here .
• Bike Tour – With nearly 600 kilometers (372 miles) of biking paths, Strasbourg is a great city to explore by bike. You’ll explore all the main sites and learn about the history of Strasbourg. Book your tour by clicking here .
• Food Tour – Discover Strasbourg’s food scene with this amazing food tour. It’s a culinary adventure that will leave your tastebuds bursting with excitement! Book your tour by clicking here .
• Scavenger Hunt – One of the coolest tours in Strasbourg. You’ll discover the city through a scavenger hunt! It’s a unique way to explore the city, to say the least. Book your tour by clicking here .
• Audio-Guided Tour – Finally, if you prefer to visit Strasbourg on your own but need some guidance, try an audio-guided self-tour. You’ll have an audio guide as well as a navigational guide, so you can be sure you won’t miss anything. Book your audio-guided tour by clicking here .

Strasbourg has no shortage of accommodation options. With hotels on every corner, it can be difficult to choose. So, I’ve put together a small list of hotels to fit every budget. 

• City Residence Access Strasbourg – The best budget option in Strasbourg. It’s centrally located and offers clean, well-equipped rooms with friendly staff.
• Le Kléber Hôtel – Centrally located with beautiful rooms. If you’re looking for a mid-range option, this is the perfect place. 
• Les Haras Hôtel – A stunning hotel with an elegant design and comfortable furnishings. If you stay here, you might never leave your room!

If you love to eat, then Strasbourg won’t disappoint. In fact, one of the advantages of living here is the variety of restaurants. And I’ve tried most places so I can share with you some of the places to eat . Below is a list of local favorites that will help you get acquainted with the cuisine of Alsace.

• Au Pain De Mon Grand-Père – The best croissants in Strasbourg, no questions asked!
• Hey Mama – If you love brunch, then Hey Mama has you covered. It’s the best in town. But it’s only available on Saturday and Sunday, so make a reservation if you want to guarantee your spot.

Lunch and Dinner

• Restaurant de la Victoire – Typical Alsatian food with a cozy atmosphere. This is where locals go to eat local food!
• Aux Armes de Strasbourg – Centrally located, this old-fashioned brasserie serves some of the best traditional Alsatian food in Strasbourg.
• Vino Strada Stub – A modern take on traditional Alsatian cuisine. They have an excellent menu with dishes made from fresh produce. And their selection of wine is nothing short of impressive!

Discover Strasbourg’s culinary scene with this traditional Alsatian food tour !

How to Get to Strasbourg

By Plane – Despite its size, Strasbourg does, in fact, have an airport (Entzheim Airport). But it only serves a small number of destinations and it’s very expensive. Instead, I recommend flying to Paris (France), Basel (Switzerland), or Frankfurt (Germany).

Get the best deals on flights here

By Train – Paris (France), Basel (Switzerland), or Frankfurt (Germany) all have trains that run regularly to and from Strasbourg in under three hours. You can book your train tickets online by clicking here .

By Bus – Paris (France), Basel (Switzerland), or Frankfurt (Germany) also have direct buses that run to and from Strasbourg. You can book your bus tickets online by clicking here .

How to Get Around Strasbourg

By Car – Hiring a car in Strasbourg is great, especially if you want to take day trips. It will give you the freedom to explore the region at your own pace. Not only that but you’ll also be able to visit some of the lesser-known spots.

If you’re looking to rent a car in Strasbourg, I recommend Discover Cars .

By Public Transportation – Once in Strasbourg, public transportation is readily available and easy to use. The most common forms are buses and trams. Trains are also available but don’t operate within the city itself.

By Walking – Then, if you prefer, you can visit the main highlights on foot .

Is 1 day in Strasbourg enough?

Absolutely not! Strasbourg is a beautiful, historic city with so much to offer. While you can certainly see a lot in one day, it’s definitely not enough time to do it justice. Plus, with three days in Strasbourg, you’ll have plenty of time to explore at a leisurely pace and fully experience the city.

Is it better to stay in Strasbourg or Colmar?

There is no doubt that Strasbourg is the better choice for affordable accommodation when visiting this region of France. Compared to Colmar, Strasbourg has a wide range of hotels and hostels, making it easy to find something within your budget. Not only that but it’s the transportation hub of Alsace and is better connected to other parts of France and Europe. If you want to visit Colmar, I would recommend doing it as a day trip from Strasbourg.

Is Strasbourg a walkable city?

One of the best things about Strasbourg is that it’s very walkable. The city center is relatively small and compact, which makes it easy to get around on foot. And, even though the city is spread out in some areas, there are plenty of pedestrian-friendly paths and bridges that make getting around a breeze.

Strasbourg is an overlooked destination, but as I’ve shown there are a number of things to do here. Steeped in rich history and surrounded by natural beauty, this city has something for every kind of traveler. So, use this guide to help plan your next three days in Strasbourg. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Read More Articles on France

Hope you enjoyed my article on how to spend three days in Strasbourg and found it useful. Here are some more travel guides from France that I think you might find interesting.

• How I Got My Long-Stay Visa (Spouse of a French Citizen)
• 13 Amazing Things to Do in Eguisheim, France

Jen Ciesielski

Jen Ciesielski is the creator of Dabbling in Jet Lag. She has lived abroad for over ten years, traveled to more than 50 countries, and speaks French and English fluently. Her areas of expertise include moving abroad, learning languages, and travel planning. Originally from the United States, she now lives in France, where she has been for more than six years. She has also traveled extensively around the country. She shares her experiences as an expat living in France and helps thousands of people plan their trips every month.

Meet the Olympic Torchbearers of Paris 2024: European Collectivity of Alsace to Haute-Marne

In May 2024, 11,000 Torchbearers will form a relay to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic flame —and by association, the Olympic Games themselves —in France!

The flame arrived in Marseille on 8 May after completing its voyage from Greece across the Mediterranean, where the first set of Torchbearers received the flame to start a new journey across France and its overseas departments and regions.

As we build up to the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on 26 July, Olympics.com will profile a selection of the Torchbearers each week. This week, we highlight the men and women representing the stages of the European Collectivity of Alsace, Moselle, and Haute-Marne.

• Read more: Olympic flame arrives in Marseille after spectacular firework and flyover display

Stage 41 – European Collectivity of Alsace: Cloé Mislin

Cloé is a high-level Para-equestrian rider who works every day to help others through her association, AMAE, founded in 2011. This initiative was born out of her own experience when she discovered the benefits that contact with horses and horse riding had on her own pathology. Between 300 and 400 people a year have the opportunity to take part in sessions at AMAE. The association has been awarded the “Impact 2024” label for its “rebuilding on horseback to rebuild” programme, specially designed for women who have suffered from violence. In addition to her commitment to the community, Cloé is actively preparing for the Paralympic Games Paris 2024.

Stage 42 – Moselle: Léo Hamel

Becoming an Olympic Torchbearer is an exceptional opportunity for Léo to highlight difference and inclusion at Paris 2024. Since his birth and following a heart operation linked to Down's syndrome, Léo has always been a fighter. This lively, smiling, competitive young man distinguished himself at the Special Olympics in France in 2023, winning the gold medal in table tennis with his team. Léo has been constantly supported by his family, nicknamed the “Tribe”, and those around him at every stage of his life. In addition to his table tennis, Léo has also excelled as an all-rounder in pétanque for the last two years.

Stage 43 – Haute-Marne: Christophe Lattach

Christophe has always been dedicated to helping others through sport, promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities and getting involved in various associations. He has a French state-approved qualification as a sailing instructor and works as a specialised educator for people with disabilities in Puellemontier. As a result, he has succeeded in rallying people around numerous projects combining sport and inclusion. These have included the Tour de France sailing race with a mixed crew and the construction of sailing boats with disabled people, generating sporting adventures that were both inclusive and innovative. Christophe then moved into the field of occupational health, focusing on the protection of employees, particularly those working in special environments. In 2016, he obtained a university degree in ergonomics and then became a trainer in the prevention of risks related to physical activity. In recognition of his involvement and action in occupational risk prevention, he was awarded the Bronze Medal in 2021 by French safety research institute INRS. Alongside his commitment to health in the workplace, Christophe chairs AS Seil (a sailboat association of the same name, founded in 1998) and organises long-lasting, friendly nautical get-togethers for sailing and rowing enthusiasts.

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