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15 Best Things to Do in Alsace (France)

Alsace is right on the border with Germany, and having been contested by France and its neighbour for centuries, this region has been left with a character that combines the two.

This fusion of cultures goes for everything, from architecture to cuisine and language.

The ball-shaped peaks of the Vosges dominate the region to the west, causing a dry microclimate that allows vineyards with Riesling grapes to flourish.

The towns on Alsace’s Wine route are some of the quaintest you can conceive of, with timber-framed houses, canals and colourful flower arrangements.

Lets explore the best things to do in Alsace :

1. Strasbourg Cathedral

For 227 years up to 1874 this 142-metre building was the tallest in the world.

With its high-gothic sculpted stonework and colossal scale it makes an impression on everyone who beholds it, and has been lauded by epoch-making writers Victor Hugo and Goethe.

There’s enough inside to keep the inquisitive occupied for hours, but the astronomical clock is an incredible piece of mid-19th-century ingenuity: It shows equinoxes, leap years and all sorts of astronomical details.

Study the marvellous stained-glass windows, dating between the 1100s and 1300s, and get up the tower for unbeatable views of the city.

The medieval centre of Colmar is so cute that it’s almost impossible to take a bad photo.

It’s surprisingly large too, but you won’t mind getting lost as it seems like every cobblestone street has something beautiful to draw your attention.

That might be one of the innumerable half-timbered houses, adorable churches or a renaissance mansion with arcades.

Water also abounds here, and on the banks of the La Lauch is small district appropriately called Petite Venice.

You can rent a paddle boat from the quayside or take a 30-minute cruise to appreciate the rickety old houses brightly decorated with flowers.

3. Petite France, Strasbourg

The city’s most endearing neighbourhood, and one of the best-preserved old quarters in Europe, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The classic scene here is of creaking half-timbered houses, several storeys high and reflected in the waters of a canal or the River Ill.

The whole district is woven with waterways, which in old times powered the city’s flour mills and gave a livelihood to freshwater fishermen.

There are lots of places where you can try typical Alsatian cuisine, if you don’t mind paying a little premium for this romantic location.

4. Cite de l’Automobile

For automobile aficionados the Bugatti marque has an almost mythical quality.

These high-performance vehicles made by Ettore Bugatti up to 1947 have gone down in history for their innovation and beauty.

This museum has 122 of them, which is remarkable when you consider that only 8,000 original Bugattis were ever made.

These are part of a record-breaking 500-car collection amassed in secret by the Schlumpf Brothers, local textile tycoons.

You’ll see how the Schlumpfs managed to keep their fleet of cars out of the public gaze, even storing them in this former Mulhouse spinning mill where they only a few workers and friends ever saw them.

5. Alsatian Vineyard Route

On the eastern slopes of the Vosges are nestled the most picturesque of the villages in Alsace’s Wine Country.

Kaysersberg, Eguisheim and Riquewihr are simultaneously heart-achingly pretty and very significant for their winemaking history.

The undulating hillsides around have comb-like vineyards growing white Riesling and Gewürztraminer grapes.

Head into the villages to taste and purchase some of the world’s best-loved Grands Crus at caves in half-timbered homes along twisting, cobblestone alleys.

Eguisheim is one you won’t forget, with three concentric circles of florid cottages wrapped around Saint-Leon Square in the centre.

6. Fort de Mutzig

This enormous fort was built by Kaiser Wilhelm II in the late-19th century when Alsace was under the control of the Germans following the Franco-Prussian War.

It was built to defend Strasbourg and takes up almost the entire summit of Breuchstals Mountain.

At the time it was a cutting-edge installation, using reinforced concrete instead of masonry and equipped with 42 heavy guns, including eight howitzers that could hit targets 8.5 kilometres away.

A tour only encompasses a small part of the fort, but it will take at least two hours to see everything.

7. Mont Sainte-Odile Abbey, Obernai

With a delightful setting in the clouds on one of the Vosges’ most famous peaks, this nunnery demands a visit both for its heritage and panoramas of the Alsatian Plain.

The abbey has a history going way back to the 7th century and although it was damaged by fire in the 1500s it was completely rebuilt a century later.

Make a flying visit to the Chapel of Tears and Chapel of Angels and then escape to the forest to see the 11-kilometre Pagan Wall that rings the plateau at the top of Mount Odile.

Nobody’s too sure who built this wall that has 300,000 individual stones and reaches three metres in places.

8. European Parliament, Strasbourg

This building is vast, with a labyrinthine network of corridors, stairways and raised walkways.

As it isn’t strictly a museum you may need to register for a visit some time in advance.

The architecture is impressive without being especially beautiful, but the place’s importance lies more in what the European Parliament symbolises than what it looks like.

If you come when the EP is set here instead of Brussels you might be able to sit in on a debate and find out how this large institution operates.

• 9.  Cité du Train, Mulhouse

The Cité du Train isn’t just any locomotive museum; it is the largest in the world, with 103 exhibits in 15,000 square metres.

A highlight, and part of a multi-million-Euro renovation at the end of the 20th century, is the “Le siècle d’or du chemin de fer” exhibition (the golden age of the railway). This recounts the social history of France’s railways; both the opulence and sudden mobility enjoyed by the wealthy and what it meant for the workers who constructed the network.

There’s a cast outdoor section with a massive set of locomotives and carriages, as well as older indoor galleries that show you exactly how the steam, diesel and electric trains functioned.

10. Écomusée d’Alsace, Ungersheim

This heritage museum managed to save some 70 traditional Alsatian houses from demolition and rebuilt them here beam by beam.

Most date to around the 1400s and go to make up the largest outdoor museum in Europe, with 100 hectares of village, farmland and forest.

As you wander from house to house you can see traditional artisans going about their trades; indeed the museum is a training centre for old-time craftsmen such as potters, wheelwrights and blacksmiths.

You can sample traditional Alsatian cuisine, while kids can jump the vintage merry-go-rounds from the 1800s.

11. Musée Lalique, Wingen-sur-Moder

René Lalique was a glass designer whose career spanned the art nouveau and art deco movements.

He designed jewellery for Cartier in the 1890s, and by the 1920s he was famed for his glass art creations.

This museum is on the site of the glassworks he established in 1921 and presents a wide assortment of Lalique’s pieces, with special attention to his glass and crystal design.

These vases, statuettes and even hood ornaments for cars are displayed in specially-lit galleries to bring out the full detail of Lalique’s immense level of craftsmanship.

12. Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, Orschwiller

One of France’s great castles, Haut-Kœnigsbourg has a most authoritative position on a rocky spur with boundless views over the Alsatian plain.

It was built in the 1100s to control the region’s wine, silver and salt routes but was wrecked by the Swedes in the 1600s during the Thirty Years’ War.

When Alsace was part of the German empire Kaiser Wilhelm II had the fortress as restored as closely as possible to its 1600s appearance.

Now the interiors are opulently furnished with medieval tapestries, while the basement holds a fantastic collection of authentic swords, armour and crossbows.

13. Museum of Printed Textiles, Mulhouse

In 1833 Mulhouse’s textile manufacturers came together to form the Societé Industrielle, and with it an archive of all the myriad designs they produced, as well as ones from a variety of historical eras and places around the world.

The archive is the basis for this attraction, which will enthral couture fans and anyone curious about industrial history.

There are six million printed patterns stored in 50,000 textile documents, ranging from everyday and practical designs familiar to everyone, to some of history’s most prestigious symbols of luxury.

14. Adventure in the Vosges

This legendary range is a dream for ramblers as the mountains have relatively shallow slopes and rounded peaks.

Vineyards and cool beech and fir forest gives way to verdant pasture at higher elevations.

There’s a dizzying array of signposted trails, but everyone should aspire to walk at least a section of the Crest Road, which runs 77 kilometres from Cernay to Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines and has farmhouse inns for overnight stays.

Electronically-assisted bikes are also taking over, and give you the advantage of fresh air and freedom of two wheels without quite as much exertion! There are rental companies across the Vosges offering these and more traditional bikes.

15. Regional Cuisine

As with almost everything else about the region, traditional Alsatian food is a fusion of French and German flavours.

Choucroute epitomises this perfectly, with sauerkraut heated with Riesling and combined with charcuterie including ham hocks, frankfurters and morteau saucisson.

Tarte flambée is bread dough, rolled flat, topped with fromage frais, onion and lardons and baked.

Alsace is also brimming with streams and lakes, which support freshwater fish species like carp.

Around Sundgau Alsace even has a fried carp route, with villages that specialise in this delicacy that pairs extremely well with the region’s Riesling.

15 Best Things to Do in Alsace (France):

• Strasbourg Cathedral
• Petite France, Strasbourg
• Cite de l'Automobile
• Alsatian Vineyard Route
• Fort de Mutzig
• Mont Sainte-Odile Abbey, Obernai
• European Parliament, Strasbourg
• Écomusée d'Alsace, Ungersheim
• Musée Lalique, Wingen-sur-Moder
• Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, Orschwiller
• Museum of Printed Textiles, Mulhouse
• Adventure in the Vosges
• Regional Cuisine

17 Top-Rated Alsace Villages & Medieval Towns

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Feb 10, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lisa Alexander spent two years living in France and has traveled the country extensively.

A delightful way to explore France's Alsace region is by traveling through the picturesque foothills of the Vosges Mountains and along the Rhine plain. Driving allows tourists to discover the bucolic landscape and stop in towns and villages at their leisure.

The route generally runs parallel to the meandering Rhine River from Molsheim (26 kilometers west of Strasbourg), and continues south for about 60 kilometers until reaching the historic town of Colmar.

A north-south itinerary follows in this order : Molsheim, Rosheim, Obernai, Mittelbergheim, Andlau, Dambach-la-Ville, Sélestat, Bergheim, Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Colmar. South of Colmar is the village of Eguisheim, the town of Turckheim, the Vallée de Munster, the town of Guebwiller, and the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg.

The itinerary leads to adorable little hamlets, charming country villages, and exquisitely preserved medieval towns, where colorful potted flowers burst from the windowsills of pastel-painted half-timbered houses, and narrow cobblestone lanes invite pleasant strolls that feel like stepping back in time.

Learn about the best places to visit in this beautiful region with our list of the top Alsace villages and medieval towns.

2. Riquewihr

4. kaysersberg, 5. ribeauvillé, 6. eguisheim, 7. sélestat, 8. vallée de munster, 9. dambach-la-ville, 10. rosheim, 11. molsheim, 12. turckheim, 14. mittelbergheim, 15. guebwiller, 16. bergheim, 17. hunawihr, other places of interest, château du haut-koenigsbourg, mont sainte-odile, neuf-brisach.

The picture-perfect beauty of Colmar belies its importance as a center of culture since the 13th century (especially during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century). With its historic neighborhoods, winding pedestrian streets, and atmospheric canals, Colmar has retained the enchantment of a bygone era.

Typical of the region, the city's dainty half-timbered houses have balconies adorned with potted geraniums, which bloom in spring and summer. Colmar has earned the distinction of a " Ville Fleurie " (Flowering City) because of its vibrant floral displays.

This quintessential Alsatian town is brimming with old-world atmosphere, especially in the Krutenau Quarter . Also known as "Little Venice," this quarter is where tourists can embark on a boat tour around the canals.

Throughout the historic center of town, tourists will come across magnificent architecture such as La Maison des Têtes , a splendid Renaissance mansion that is now a five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel with a traditional Alsatian brasserie (the Brasserie Historique) and a Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant (the Restaurant Girardin). The town center is also home to the Maison Pfister , one of the finest old 16th-century houses in the city.

To admire beautiful art, the Musée Unterlinden is an obligatory stop, while the Koïfhus (Old Customs House) gives an insight into Colmar's thriving commercial activity during the medieval era.

Tucked in between the crests of the Vosges Mountains and the expansive Alsace plain, Riquewihr is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (Most Beautiful Villages of France). From far away, with the church steeple rising above the village, Riquewihr looks like a drawing in a children's storybook.

Typical of Alsatian towns, Riquewihr has many historic half-timbered buildings embellished with flowering balconies. Adding to the charm, quaint cobblestone streets wind through the village and lead to small public squares adorned with fountains.

The main street of the village, the rue du Général-de-Gaulle, is a lovely place for a leisurely stroll. The rue du Général-de-Gaulle ends at the 13th-century Dolder gate tower , which was designed as an entry gate within the town's circuit of defensive walls.

The Dolder Tower now houses the Musée du Dolder , a museum devoted to the history of Riquewihr from the 13th through 17th centuries. From the museum's top floor windows, visitors can admire sweeping views over the village rooftops and its bucolic surroundings. It's possible to see all the way to Germany, including the Black Forest in the distance.

Another tower built in the 13th century as part of the village ramparts, the Tour des Voleurs (Thieves' Tower) once served as a prison and now houses a museum. The Musée de la Tour des Voleurs (14 rue des Juifs) presents an eclectic mix of exhibits, including a historic collection of gruesome torture devices, and in the adjoining Maison de Vigneron, an assortment of furniture and interior décor from a 16th-century vineyard house.

For such a tiny village, there are plenty of cafés, bakeries, boutiques , and restaurants that appeal to the many tourists who visit throughout the year.

About 25 kilometers south of Strasbourg, this Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire has retained its medieval ambience, seen in the 13th-century tower, old town gates, narrow pedestrian lanes, and characteristic burghers' houses.

The Place du Marché (Market Square) features Gothic and Renaissance houses, which lend an elegant air. On this picturesque cobblestone square stands the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), which dazzles onlookers with its ornate Neo-Renaissance façade.

A short walk away from the Place du Marché is the Office of Tourism on the Place Beffroi, which occupies a quaint half-timbered house bedecked with potted flowers. Nearby, in front of the Hôtel de la Cloche, is one of the most scenic spots in Obernai, the Puits aux Six Seaux (Six-Bucket Well), which dates to 1579.

Tourists can walk a few blocks from the Puits aux Six Seaux to the Place de l'Étoile , a lovely square with angular half-timbered houses and storks' nests on the roofs.

One of the best times of year to visit Obernai is during the holiday season. Visitors will enjoy the convivial spirit of the town's quintessentially Alsatian Christmas celebration. A magnificent Christmas tree and magical illuminations decorate the town, while a festive Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) brings together artisan vendors that sell authentic locally made crafts.

Ruins of an Old Imperial Castle provide a reminder of Kaysersberg's illustrious past as a Free Imperial City. With remnants of medieval walls, a Romanesque church (the Eglise Sainte-Croix ), a 13th-century château, historic half-timbered houses, and Renaissance burghers' mansions, Kaysersberg has an appealing old-world ambience.

For those who want to experience the magic of Christmastime in Alsace, Kaysersberg should be at the top of a tour itinerary in December. Festive illuminations and old-fashioned holiday décor give the town an enchanting ambience during the season, which begins around November 25th and continues until the New Year.

The town's Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) draws many revelers because of its authentic décor and joyous atmosphere. Holiday shoppers appreciate the artisanal market, which features an assortment of craft vendors selling handmade items such as ceramics, jewelry, Christmas tree decorations, gingerbread, fruit jams, kougelhopf, and other seasonal specialties.

This pretty little village (only four kilometers from Riquewihr) literally blossoms with quaintness. During springtime and summer, potted flowers adorn the window sills of fetching historic houses, as well as public spaces such as fountains and statues.

Thanks to these exceptional floral displays, Ribeauvillé has been awarded the title of four-star "Village Fleuri"— the highest rating. The village's enchantment is further revealed in its atmospheric cobblestone streets and small squares.

To experience the medieval heritage of Ribeauvillé, you should arrive for Pfifferdaj (the Fiddlers' Festival) in September. During the Middle Ages, Ribeauvillé was ruled by the Count of Ribeaupierre, known as the "King" of the region's traveling musicians, who paid dues to him for his protection and gathered annually at Ribeauvillé for a minstrels' festival ("Pfifferdaj," which is still celebrated every year on the first Sunday in September).

The medieval-themed festivities continue in Ribeauvillé with the Medieval Christmas Market in early December. Visitors are immersed in the magic of an old-fashioned Alsatian Christmas celebration, complete with market stalls that sell holiday decorations, artisanal items, and gourmet delicacies of the Middle Ages. Troubadours (singers, clowns, dancers) entertain the crowds, adding to the authentic ambience.

Other cultural events include the Kougelhopf Festival in early May (devoted to the special cake made with raisons and almonds) and the Festival de Musique Ancienne that presents a program of music concerts (focused on medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music) from mid-September through early October.

The typical Alsatian village of Eguisheim (five kilometers from Colmar) is nestled in a sunny valley surrounded by the vine-covered foothills of the Vosges Mountains.

Because of its beauty and charm, the village has earned many distinctions: It's one of France's "Plus Beaux Villages , " as well as a winner of the " Grand Prix National du Fleurissement," France's most prestigious national floral award, and was voted the " village préféré des Français " (favorite village in France) in 2013.

The village is a cluster of enchanting cobblestone lanes that wind around in a concentric pattern, giving the feel of being in a fairy-tale world. Brightly painted half-timbered houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries feature decorative windowsills bursting with colorful potted flowers.

Eguisheim's captivating ambience makes it one of Alsace's top destinations for Christmas. The village celebrates the season with a lively and beautifully decorated Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) in the Alsatian tradition. The Christmas market begins around November 25th and continues until the end of December.

Sélestat boasts a rich cultural heritage, beginning as a Carolingian stronghold in the 8th century and then as a Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire. The town is just a 35-minute drive (50 kilometers) from Strasbourg.

The city became a center of humanism in the 15th and 16th centuries and today is recognized as a "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" (City of Art and History). As a testimony to its rich cultural heritage, Sélestat has a library that was founded in 1452, which possesses thousands of valuable manuscripts dating from the 7th to the 16th centuries.

At the center of the town is the 18th-century Neoclassical Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), and nearby are two outstanding churches: the three-towered Romanesque Eglise Sainte-Foy and the 13th-century Eglise Saint-Georges , featuring modern stained-glass windows by Max Ingrand.

One of the most amusing things to do in Sélestat is visit the Maison du Pain d'Alsace (7 Rue du Sel), a museum and working bakery dedicated to the art and techniques of Alsatian baking. Visitors can watch the bakers create local specialities (and later sample some at the coffeeshop) such as pretzels, kougelhopf , brioche , bredele (Christmas cookies), and a wide variety of breads.

Famous for its cheese, the Valley of Munster is a great starting point to explore the "Route du Fromage" (Cheese Trail). Visitors can begin this gourmet experience by sampling cheeses at La Maison du Fromage (a museum devoted to cheese) and at farmhouse inns.

Gastronomes will appreciate the region's cozy restaurants, which specialize in the regional cuisine (renowned for its hearty dishes). Local specialties include Fleischkiechles (ground meat patties), Baeckeoffe (meat stew topped with sliced potatoes), trout in a special sauce, and Tartes Flambées (Alsatian-style pizza made with cream and Emmental cheese).

Traditional markets are a hallmark of the region's authentic cuisine. An outdoor farmers market takes place at the Place du Marché in Munster on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Vendors sell cheese, meats, regional culinary specialties (such as sausage sandwiches), and clothing, as well as locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

In the town of Muhlbach-sur-Munster (five kilometers from Munster), vendors come to the Marché du Terroir (Market of the Terroir) on Sunday mornings from early July through mid-September at the Place du Weier to sell bread, cheese, and other produits du terroir (regional food products).

For those exploring the Alsace region, the Münster Valley is an excellent base for taking excursions to the villages around the Vosges Mountains such as Eguisheim (20 kilometers away), Hattstatt (25 kilometers away), and Rouffach (30 kilometers away). The cities of Turckheim and Colmar are both within a 30-minute drive.

This medieval walled town is surrounded by a dreamy landscape of vine-covered, rolling hills. The gorgeous natural backdrop is the perfect juxtaposition for the town's brightly painted half-timbered houses. Visitors will enjoy discovering the beauty of Dambach-la-Ville, while wandering through a maze of winding cobblestone streets.

To continue the scenic strolls, travelers need only venture just outside Dambach-la-Ville, where there are many hiking trails through the countryside.

Other excursions include the nearby village of Epfig (eight kilometers away), nestled in an idyllic spot surrounded by vine-covered foothills. The village has a rare Romanesque chapel that dates back to the 11th century, the Chapelle Sainte-Marguerite.

Dambach-la-Ville is a delightful place to visit during the Fête de la Myrtille ( Blueberry Festival) that is held every two years in July. This lively festival attracts crowds who come to sample the fresh blueberries and handcrafted blueberry pies, tarts, and juices.

Another festive occasion is the Marché de Noël every year in early December, which brings Christmas spirit to the town with live music concerts and an old-fashioned artisanal market. At dozens of stalls set up outside at the Place du Marché and inside at the Town Hall and in the Salle de la Laube, vendors sell unique Christmastime decorations and gift items.

Picturesque vine-covered hills envelope this lovely small town, which has many flower-bedecked half-timbered houses. The surrounding Pays du Mont Sainte-Odile (countryside of Mount Sainte-Odile) features scenic walking and hiking trails that draw many visitors from springtime through autumn.

Only six kilometers from Obernai, this historic town was another Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire. The town's heritage is revealed in the vestiges of its past: medieval walls with gated towers and one of the finest Romanesque churches in Alsace, the 12th-century Eglise Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul , which is renowned for its ornate sculpted decorations.

Equally intriguing, the town has evidence of a Jewish community dating back to 1215. Although the 19th-century Jewish synagogue is now closed, tourists can still appreciate its neo-Romanesque façade.

Within a maze of cobblestone streets, the medieval town of Molsheim boasts wonderfully preserved old houses and historic monuments.

Visitors should begin a tour at the town's Place du Marché (the old market square) and then walk a few blocks to the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville to see the 16th-century " La Metzig " (Butchers' Guild House). The rez-de-chaussée (street level) of La Metzig is now a restaurant that serves authentic Alsatian cuisine.

On the outskirts of the town is the Eglise des Jésuites built in 1617. This monumental church is one of the finest examples of Jesuit architecture in Alsace.

Found in the verdant Münster Valley, just six kilometers from Colmar, Turckheim is layered in history. Visitors enter the town through its medieval gates , relics of the ancient ramparts: the 14th-century Porte de France, the Porte de Munster, and the Porte du Brand.

Other well-preserved monuments tell more of the city's story. The Romanesque Eglise Sainte-Anne dates to the 12th century. The 16th-century Corps de Garde was an assembly room used by the town's guilds, while the 17th-century Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) served as the Court of Justice when Turckheim was an Imperial City (from the 14th to 17th centuries).

Turckheim hosts several events throughout the year, such as an Easter celebration and the Trois-Epis car race .

The village is also famous for its Marché de Noël (Christmas festivities, from November 25th through December 30th), which include an Advent Calendar ritual at the Town Hall with candle lightings. There are Christmas carols, an exhibition of antique toys, and charming chalets where vendors sell regional holiday specialties such as Wiehnachts Bredele (Christmas cakes) and artisanally crafted items for gift-giving.

A highlight of Christmastime in Turckheim is the Village des Lutins , a Christmas village of tiny houses (shops) created by local artisans, who present their arts and crafts. Every night, holiday gifts and treats such as cupcakes are distributed.

Andlau is a quaint village in a tranquil valley near the forests of the Vosges foothills, where bears once roamed in abundance. The bear is a symbol of the village and also has a Christian significance in Andlau.

According to local legend, a bear indicated to Saint Richard where to build the abbey of Andlau in the 9th century. This explains why bears make an appearance at the Eglise Abbatiale Saints-Pierre-et-Paul . The church crypt is guarded by a bear carved from stone, and a small bear is found in the intricate bas-reliefs on the exterior.

Other whimsical bear sculptures decorate public spaces throughout the town.

At the foot of Mount Saint Odile in a ravishing landscape of vine-covered fields, Mittelbergheim is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France." This delightful village (three kilometers from Andlau) has a remarkable unity of architectural style, with most buildings dating to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Mittelbergheim is also renowned for its gastronomy. Many of the village's restaurants offer specialties of the region, prepared with fresh ingredients from local markets.

During the period of Advent, the town celebrates the season with an event called " Bredelmarik ," a market devoted to traditional Alsatian Christmas cakes and cookies. The market takes its name from the word " bredele ," which describes a variety of Christmas cookies ranging from vanilla butter cookies and gingerbread to meringues and hazelnut cookies.

The countryside surrounding Mittelbergheim is ideal for taking walks. Several trails outside the village afford wonderful views of the idyllic scenery. With its slow-paced country feel, Mittelbergheim is a good place to relax, appreciate nature, and experience the joie de vivre of Alsace.

The attractive and cultured town of Guebwiller stands at the foot of the "Grand Ballon," the highest summit of the Vosges Mountains.

Guebwiller is recognized as a "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" because of its architectural treasures, including the Romanesque Eglise Saint-Léger ; the 11th-century Eglise Saint-Michel ; and the 14th-century Couvent de Saint Dominique , originally a monastery of the Dominicains de Haute-Alsace, which has been transformed into a performance venue for music concerts.

For those who enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities, it's worth exploring the rural area outside of Guebwiller in the Vosges Mountains . In this pristine countryside, there is a wide selection of hotels and inns that offer an escape to nature.

Other nearby attractions include the Renaissance houses in Soultz (four kilometers away) and the Basilique de Thierenbach in Jungholtz (six kilometers away), a lavish Baroque church that is a pilgrimage destination devoted to the Virgin Mary.

Sheltered by the rolling foothills of the Vosges Mountains, this walled medieval village is one of the few Alsatian towns with its fortifications from the Middle Ages (built in 1311) still completely intact.

Tourists will enjoy meandering through the village's winding lanes ; walking along the ramparts ; and visiting the Jardin d'Aneth , a medieval garden where berries and medicinal plants are grown.

A tour of the village should also include the Place du Marché to admire the fountain featuring the village's coat of arms, the Grand Rue lined with handsome flower-bedecked houses, and the Eglise Notre-Dame de l'Assomption (parish church).

The beauty and romance of Hunawihr has earned it a place on the list of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. " Surrounded by vine-covered hills and woodlands, this winsome country hamlet features quiet streets lined with floral-adorned half-timbered houses.

Besides its pastoral charm, Hunawihr has a few unique tourist attractions: the Butterfly Garden , which allows exotic butterflies to flourish in greenhouses that replicate natural habitats; and the NaturOparC Stork Reintroduction Center , which reintroduces native storks into the wild to help this endangered species survive.

The village also has a fortified church, the 15th- to 16th-century Eglise Saint-Jacques le Majeur , where villagers took refuge in times of invasion. This monument is a rare example of defensive religious architecture.

This breathtaking castle (15 kilometers from Ribeauvillé and 10 kilometers from Bergheim) is an important symbol of the Alsatian heritage. Like many medieval fortresses, the majestic Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is located at an impressive height.

On a rocky promontory more than 700 meters high, the fortress was strategically situated for observing the landscape and providing defense in case of invaders. Since the castle was built in the 12th century by the Hohenstaufens, this amazing monument has witnessed the course of European history.

From 1900 to 1908, the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg was restored to its original splendor. The spectacular renovated castle is a joy to explore. Visitors circle through the spiral stairways that lead to the fully furnished living quarters.

Other noteworthy aspects are the drawbridges, armory, and cannons, which recall the fortress' military purpose. From the Grand Bastion artillery platform, visitors can take in exhilarating panoramas that encompass the plains of Alsace, the Vosges Mountains, and the Black Forest.

The castle also has a Medieval Garden planted with flowers, plants, and medicinal herbs used during the Middle Ages.

Official site: http://www.haut-koenigsbourg.fr/en/

One of the spiritual highlights of a tour through the Vosges Mountains, the Mont Saint-Odile (12 kilometers from Mittelbergheim) is an emblematic Catholic monument of Alsace. This pilgrimage site attracts both religious pilgrims who come to pray, as well as visitors who come to simply experience the beauty and serenity of the setting.

Located on a wooded ridge at 753 meters above the surrounding countryside, Mont Sainte-Odile offers a peaceful natural environment and awe-inspiring views. Besides being a working monastery, Mont Sainte-Odile is also a tourist destination with accommodations and dining options at the Hôtel-Restaurant Mont Sainte-Odile .

The Mont Sainte-Odile convent is surrounded by ten kilometers of a prehistoric defensive wall known as the Mur Païen (Heathens' Wall). The two-meter-thick wall stands to a height of around six meters high. On the summit of a hill (at 511 meters) outside the modern convent is the site of the original convent of Sainte-Odile, which was destroyed in a fire in 1546.

This unique fortified citadel is situated in the Alsace plain on the Route Verte (Green Route), which leads to Germany's Black Forest. Because of its exceptional historical and cultural value, Neuf-Brisach is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Built in 1699 as a citadel for King Louis XIV (the Sun King), Neuf-Brisach features architecture never before seen in Europe, and is considered a masterpiece of Vauban. The citadel's pure lines and 48 quarters form a perfect octagon, an astounding architectural accomplishment.

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Alsace, land of fortified castles

Like stone sentinels perched along the crest of the Vosges mountains, dozens of castles watch over the plain from the north to the south of Alsace. These marvels of medieval defensive architecture can be seen in the distance, their imposing silhouettes silhouetted against the peaks. They carry with them the memory of centuries of history and have seen generations of men and women come and go. Nestling in the heart of the Vosges forest, the mystery they exude has inspired tales and legends that blend reality and fantasy. An exceptional Alsatian heritage, with the highest density of castles in Europe, a must-see.

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I'm criss-crossing Alsace in search of favourites and nuggets to share with you.

Alsatian beer

Alsace's brewing tradition is well established.

The birthplace of great breweries, it is now enjoying a renaissance thanks to the dozens of small-scale micro-breweries that have sprung up in recent years. Push open their doors to discover how they are made, take part in a brewing workshop or enjoy a tasting session in a taproom.

Blonde, brown, amber or white; lager, lager, IPA, Indian Pale Ale, stout; each brewer has his own recipe, and Alsace beer comes in a thousand varieties.

*Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Drink in moderation.

Spring in Alsace

People are busy preparing for Easter and its traditions. We're celebrating the return of Spring and admiring the ephemeral beauty of magnolias and other seasonal flowers in tender colours. Caught up in the energy of spring, we set off along the cycle paths and footpaths to make the most of the new-found fine weather.

Follow the guide

Small in size but big in its diversity, Alsace is an endless source of surprises and variety, promising a truly exceptional time!

If you love heritage, culture and the art of living, Strasbourg is an exciting, energizing place to be. You’re going to fall in love with it!

Come to Colmar, one of the quaintest cities in Alsace, and enjoy its art of living!

Building on the strengths of its industrial past, Mulhouse now stands out as a creative, innovative place.

A surprising mixture of gentle living and urban excitement!

Northern Vosges and Alsace Bossue

In the hollow where the Lorraine plateau meets Northern Alsace lies a secret region with rich, rugged landscapes.

Northern Alsace

A land of craftsmanship and history, Northern Alsace boasts a rich heritage to explore!

The Plain of Alsace

Shaped by nature, the Plain of Alsace is a unique place, promising outings with a complete change of scenery.

Picturesque Sundgau nestles at the heart of shimmering landscapes and lush green valleys.

The Vosges Mountains

If you’d like a breath of fresh air, adventure and a change of scenery, come to the Vosges Mountains, where you’ll experience some amazing outings!

The Alsatian Wine Route

A string of picturesque villages, well-known wine-producing towns and exceptional landscapes await you, for a delicious getaway.

Itineraries

Plenty of inspiration for an ideal stay

So much to do!

A selection of experiences not to miss

Outings and events

In Alsace, there’s always something to celebrate!

Our theme websites

Get even more ideas and inspiration from our dedicated websites, so you can have the Alsatian experience that suits you best!

Fall in love with the most mythical of wine routes

Alsace at Christmas time

Experience the magic and emotion of an incomparable Christmas

Alsace by bike

Ride through France’s top cycling destination

Experience.alsace

To find the best of Alsace

Plan your trip

GETTING AROUND IN ALSACE

Ideally located in the heart of Europe, Alsace is easily accessible thanks to a dense and developed network and a multitude of means of transport.

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Inspiration, discovery, practical information: plan your stay by consulting our various magazines, brochures and guides.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PASS'ALSACE

Visit more, spend less! With the Pass'Alsace, get free entry and many advantages in more than 50 emblematic sites and places of interest.

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The Essential Guide to Alsace, France: What to See & Do

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Many visitors never make it to the northeastern French region of Alsace, even though it's easily accessible from Paris by train. But you should strongly consider adding it to your itinerary. The vast area stretching from Strasbourg in the north to Mulhouse in the south is notable for its diverse, postcard-worthy architecture, distinctive food and wine that blends German and French traditions, and arresting landscapes. Alsace boasts a distinctive local culture , in part because it has been part of both France and Germany at different points in its history .

It's famous for storybook-pretty villages with half-timbered houses, cities boasting Gothic cathedrals and enchanting holiday markets, hundreds of miles of vineyards interspersed by medieval villages, and centuries-old castles perched high on clifftops. Alsace is an inland region in northeastern France, bordering Germany and Switzerland and situated primarily on plains formed along the west bank of the Rhine River. The Vosges mountains lie to the west, while the Black Forest and Jura mountain ranges are found to the east and southeast, respectively. The climate is relatively mild and dry, but winters tend to be fairly cold.

In Alsace, you'll hear French and Alsatian, a Germanic dialect, spoken. Some half of residents in the region speak Alsatian in addition to French, the sole official language. Also, German is widely taught in regional schools.

The region has been a source of conflict and contestation between France, what is now Germany, and local independence movements for hundreds of years. After the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, 90 percent of the broader region known as Alsace-Lorraine was annexed into the German Empire in 1871, then ceded to France during the Treaty of Versailles at the close of World War I in 1919. It gained a measure of independence and self-governance between the world wars, only to be occupied by German troops in 1940, at the beginning of World War II. Today, as part of the broader and recently created "Grand Est" region of France, Alsace features laws and regulations different from those found elsewhere in France, and Alsatians are proud of their unique cultural traditions and identity.

The Best Time to Visit

Boasting a relatively dry climate and semi-temperate mercury levels through much of the year, Alsace can be a pleasant destination year-round.

If you're interested in wine-tasting and sampling local festivities, June through August is an excellent choice. During the summer months, annual harvest festivals turn the Alsace wine route (see more below) into a circuit of cultural discovery, with wineries opening their doors for special tastings and the streets of numerous cities giving way to live music, folk dancers, and other events.

If traditional holiday markets and festivities are calling your name, go in late November and December. Colmar and Strasbourg, in particular, are famous for their idyllic Christmas markets , where glowing wooden lodges, lights, decorations, and wintery treats such as mulled wine give Scandinavia a run for its money in the hygge department.

Finally, if outdoor activities like hiking, river cruises, and visiting the region's beautiful castles sound most appealing, consider going in the spring. In April, the pretty town of Colmar puts on a variety of festive events to celebrate the springtime, from pop-up markets to musical performances.

Where to Visit in Alsace

Alsace boasts numerous cities and towns worth exploring, each noted for their architectural gems and distinctive local culture. Depending on the length of your stay, you may choose to organize your itinerary around visits to two or more of these.

Remember that day trips from hubs like Strasbourg, Colmar, and Mulhouse can make it possible to spend time exploring some of the region's prettiest towns and villages , whether by bike, foot, train, or even river cruise. Also, see our suggestions below on the Alsace Wine Route for ideas on touring some of the region's smaller but intensely photogenic towns.

The capital of Alsace and home of the European Parliament, Strasbourg is the region's most populous and urban city and a historic center of political and religious power. Its outstanding feature is its imposing Gothic cathedral, which for centuries was the world's tallest human-made structure.

• Notre-Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of high-Gothic architecture and crowns the city center on the enormous Place de la Cathédrale square. Construction began in around 1015 and was completed in 1439. The cathedral features a distinctive facade in pink sandstone, elegant Gothic spire reaching nearly 466 feet, well-preserved medieval stained glass and statuary. An astrological clock completed in 1842 offers a fascinating spectacle every day at 12:30 p.m. If visiting during the winter holidays, make sure to visit the cathedral's enormous Christmas market, one of Europe's largest and oldest.
• See some of Strasbourg's best museums , many of which are located in close reach of the cathedral. The nearby Palais Rohan hosts the Fine Arts Museum, Archaeological Museum, and Decorative Arts Museum.
• Take a stroll around the neighborhood known as Petite France, one of the city's oldest and best-preserved. The area was once home to fishers and millers working around the meandering quays of the River Ill. Its colorful, half-timbered houses date to the 16th and 17th centuries and boast   balconies and windowboxes bursting with flowers. The area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This fairytale-worthy city is situated in close reach of the German border and is the third most important in Alsace in terms of population. Colmar is famous for its picturesque riverside areas and old town, local cuisine and wines, and for serving as an essential gateway to the Alsace Wine Route.

• The Petite Venise (Little Venice)  is widely considered one of France's loveliest Renaissance-era quarters. Cut through with canals fed from the Lauch River, the area is endowed with beautifully restored half-timbered houses in bright, storybook-reminiscent shades; window boxes and balconies burst with geraniums and other blooms during the spring and summer, drawing tourists in the thousands. The Rue des Tanneurs features sloping rooftops once used by tanners to dry animal hides, while fishermen once carried out their busy trade on the Quai de la Poissonnerie.
• The Musée Unterlinden is a gallery built around a stunning Dominican cloister from the late Gothic period. The gallery features important works such as the Issenheim Altarpiece, a late medieval masterpiece depicting New Testament stories; it was created by painter Mathias Grünewald and the sculptor Nicolas de Haguenau. Also come to see late-15th century prints and an outstanding modern art collection, with paintings from the likes of Renoir, Monet, and Picasso.
• Old Town is home to numerous impressive buildings built in the medieval and Renaissance periods , and dating from the 12th to the 17th centuries.
• Take one or more day trips to nearby, picturesque towns, including Riquewihr, Eguishem, and Kaysersberg (the latter boasts an impressive 13th-century fortified castle). Also, make sure to hop over (and up) to the Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg, a fortified medieval castle in the town of Orschwiller. Dating to the 12th century and perched high above the Alsace plains in the Vosges mountains, the castle is one of Alsace's most impressive structures. It was renovated in the 19th century, giving it the appearance of a formidable and intact fortress.

The second-largest Alsatian city after Strasbourg, Mulhouse is located in the southernmost part of the region near the Swiss border. While the industry-heavy town isn't as popular with tourists as the more picturesque Strasbourg and Colmar are, it can serve as an excellent hub for exploring the "Haut Rhin" area. Confusingly enough, the term means "High Rhine" but refers to the southern part of the Alsatian plains.

• See the Automobile Museum (Cité de l'Automobile). This fascinating exhibit displays some 400 vintage cars. It offers insight into the history of the industry, before heading to the Cité du Train, a collection devoted to the history of locomotives and rail travel.
• Taste local cuisine at some of Mulhouse's trendiest restaurants , including Le Gargantua, a table and cellar offering creative twists on Alsatian cuisine paired with local wines.
• Take a day trip to the nearby Thur Valley , walking or cycling its green paths and Thur riverside areas to explore local vineyards and quaint countryside. You can also make easy and quick jaunts over the Swiss and German borders, setting out for hikes in the Black Forest mountains or spending a few hours exploring the elegant Swiss town of Basel.

Wine in Alsace

Interested in wine? Alsace is one of France's most important wine regions , with a dizzyingly complex " wine route" that stretches for around 100 miles east of the Rhine rive r; the Vosges mountain range lies to the west. While Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Loire Valley wines are more famous than those produced in Alsace, the landscape here is incredibly diverse and produces some distinctive and delicious whites in particular. Some 1,200 wineries—most from small, family-owned producers—are clustered along the route, which extends from nearby Strasbourg in the north to Colmar in the south.

Like neighboring Germany, Alsace produces mostly white wines, from dry to sweet; they make up around 90% of wines made in the area. Local vineyards produce finished products from an incredibly diverse variety of grapes, including Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Gris (formerly known as "Tokay") varietals. In addition to still wines, try to taste at least one example of Crémant d'Alsace, a sparkling white wine similar to champagne.

Vineyards in the area tend to lie at altitudes of 650 to over 1,300 feet, giving them optimal sunlight; also, typically dry conditions on the plains favor winemaking. Vines are often strung or "trained" on high wires to maximize exposure to sunlight.

Using Colmar or Strasbourg as a hub, explore the vineyards and cellars surrounding what seems like endless storybook towns along the long route. Eguishem is famous for its Riesling and Gewürtztraminer white wines. Barr is noted for exquisite examples of these same wines and boasting a picture-pretty medieval town center, while Riquewihr, a tiny, beautiful village that has been known for its winemaking activities since the Middle Ages. The latter produces elegant organic chardonnay-based whites, as well as prized "Grand Cru" rieslings.

To make the most of the route, we recommend taking a guided tour. You can find more information on available tours, the top winemaking towns and vineyards, cellars open to visitors, and annual harvest festivals in Alsace at the official Wine Route website .

One sight that will become familiar as you tour the region is the winstub , an Alsatian-style cellar and restaurant that serves both local wines and hearty regional specialties such as sausages, cheese plates, sauerkraut, and others. You can find a list of some of the best  winstubs  in the region here .

Foods to Try in Alsace

Make sure to try a few typical Alsatian foods and dishes during your stay. These include sauerkraut, bretzel (pretzels), flammkuchen (an onion, cheese, cream, and chopped pork pie shaped like a rounded or square pizza), sausages and potatoes, and bäckeoffe, a meat, potato and vegetable stew made with beef, pork, and mutton, all slowly cooked in white wine such as Riesling. Meanwhile, typical Alsatian cheeses include Munster, a semi-soft, robust, and unpasteurized cow's milk cheese that's widely exported, and Tomme Fermière d'Alsace, a hard cows milk cheese that's lightly washed with a fruity white wine.

In southern Alsace, fried carp is a favorite, and is tied to the region's historic Jewish and Yiddish communities. During the springtime, look out for a variety of dishes featuring or accompanied by white asparagus, which is produced in the region and is generally fresh and delicious.

Craving dessert? Local treats such as sweet flammkuchen, kougelhopf (a domed-shaped brioche cake dusted with sugar), and traditional pain d'epice (gingerbread or spiced bread) should do the trick. Local versions of cheesecake and apple tarts are also quite popular, and delicious.

How to Get There

Getting to Alsace is relatively straightforward. Regular trains connect Paris Gare de l'Est to Strasbourg, with journeys averaging around two hours. You can easily catch a connecting train to Colmar and other cities and towns in Alsace from Strasbourg.

In addition, Strasbourg Airport services flights from destinations, including London, Amsterdam, Munich, Bordeaux, and Toulouse. Carriers operating at the airport include Air France and Lufthansa.

There are also a wealth of practical tips, suggested itineraries, advice on accommodation, and other useful resources at the Visit Alsace site , managed by the regional tourism board.

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These are the Best Alsace Villages to Visit

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Most Beautiful Villages in Alsace

Alsace , in Eastern France, is a region well-known for its medieval villages, hilltop fortresses, Christmas Markets , and good wines. This coveted bucket list destination in the Grand Est region is awash with idyllic charm; everything from the architecture to the landscape is captivating and inviting in equal measure.

From north to south, there are plenty of pretty small villages and towns in Alsace to discover. With great scenery, picturesque alleys, lovely squares, and medieval buildings, these Alsace villages are enchanting places not to be missed!

Choosing which typical towns and villages in Alsace to visit on your holiday can be challenging; all these Alsatian villages are gorgeous! We’ve researched some of the most authentic and beautiful villages in Alsace to give you a real taste of local life. Some of these Alsace best villages are part of the Alsace Wine Route , while others are off the beaten path.

GOOD TO KNOW: the main reason you won’t find Colmar on this list of best Alsace villages is that Colmar is not a village but a city! With 70,284 inhabitants (2015 INSEE), Colmar is the third biggest city in Alsace, only after Strasbourg and Mulhouse. However, Colmar is an excellent place to stay in Alsace as there are many pretty villages near Colmar. Check out where to stay in Colmar and the best things to do .

How to Visit the Best Villages in Alsace

For your visit, we recommend exploring these villages as part of an Alsace Road Trip . Driving around this gorgeous region is a revelation and a great way to see as much as possible.

Start your Alsace explorations in Strasbourg , Colmar, or Sélestat, and once you have visited these gorgeous cities, hire a car to explore the rest of the region on four wheels. Check out our quick guide to France by car and our best tips for renting a car in France .

Click here to rent your car in Alsace

By Guided Tour

Guided tours are an excellent way to explore the Alsace villages. Tours leave from Colmar or Strasbourg, and they usually include 2 or 3 of the prettiest villages in Alsace and a local lunch with wine tastings. Get the most out of rural Alsace traveling on a comfortable minivan with the comments of a knowledgeable guide.

> This full-day tour Alsace Villages Wine Route from Strasbourg visits Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Eguisheim.

> This Alsace Villages half-day tour from Colmar visits Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Hunawihr.

Best Alsace Villages Map

Click here to view the Best Alsace Villages Map on Google

Best Alsace Villages Near Colmar

From Eguisheim to Hunawihr, here are the 5 best Alsace villages near Colmar to visit – and a hotel recommendation for the main ones.

1. Eguisheim

Located just out of Colmar, Eguisheim (Haut-Rhin) is a wonder. This Alsace village has a unique layout, where the streets are arranged in concentric circles around the Château Saint-Léon.

Eguisheim is Pope Léon IX’s birthplace. The sculpture of the Pope dominates Place du Château from the top of the beautiful Renaissance fountain.

Wander around the narrow cobbled streets, flanked by the beautiful architecture of half-timbered houses with balconies and windows full of flowers. Don’t miss the central square with its magnificent stone fountain, the Château Saint-Léon , and Saint-Pierre-et-Paul Church with its unique Vierge Ouvrante (14th century). In November and December, the Eguisheim Christmas Market is always one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets to visit in Alsace.

Where to Sleep in Eguisheim

• Few places in Alsace can beat Hostellerie du Château for its incomparable location (on the main square) and its rooms with a unique charm.
• Live like a local in Notre Maison à Eguisheim , one of the village’s picturesque houses with a well-equipped kitchen, garden, and room for 6 people.

2. Kaysersberg

Kaysersberg Vignoble (Haut-Rhin) is one of the best towns in Alsace to visit along the Wine Route. Nestled at the entrance of a Vosges Valley, 11 km northwest of Colmar, Kaysersberg is built next to the River Weiss, which flows between the houses.

Kaysersberg means “‘the Emperor’s mountain,”‘ and the ruins of the imperial castle that dominates the city have an incredible charm.

You are going to love Kaysersberg, with its beautiful historic center, its many half-timbered houses from the 15th – 16th centuries, and a unique fortified bridge (1514) built in pink sandstone from the Vosges. Don’t miss the Sainte-Croix Church (12th century) with its magnificent Romanesque portal.

3. Beblenheim

Bleblenheim (Haut-Rhin) was the surprise of our last trip to Alsace in October 2020. One of the lesser-known Alsace wine villages on the Wine Route, Bleblenheim stretches out at the foot of the Sonenglanz, the hill producing the famous Grand Cru.

Bleblenheim is as picturesque as the most popular Alsace villages on this list, but it does not see the crowds of Riquewhir or Kaysersberg. Mostly destroyed during WW2, Bleblenheim was totally rebuilt after the war. However, the village still keeps a postcard-picture look and twenty or so houses from the 16th-17th centuries.

Admire the Gothic-style fountain of Saint-Nicolas (16th century) at the entrance of the village. On 14 Rue de Hoegen, the former château works today as a wine cooperative. Then, get lost in its winding streets with its pretty half-timbered houses. The Rue Saint-Martin and Rue Jean Macé are particularly picturesque.

4. Riquewihr

Nestled in the vineyards, 15 km northwest of Colmar, Riquewihr (Haut-Rhin) is one of the best villages Alsace has to offer and our personal favorite.

Riquewihr has everything to fall in love with it. This fortified Alsace village was built in the 16th century, and it is as if time has slowed down in this town.

Apart from its beautiful half-timbered houses and picturesque alleys, Riquewihr has no less than 40 classified Historical Monuments and three museums. Don’t miss the famous Thieves’ Tower , the former prison of Riquewihr, or the Rue du Général de Gaulle , with its winegrowers’ houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. Then, follow the town’s walls and visit the village’s three defense towers, some of Alsace’s oldest fortifications.

Where to Sleep in Riquewihr

Sleeping in Riquewihr is a good alternative to Colmar. During the day, Riquewihr is packed with day tourists, but at night, there’s a much more local atmosphere than in Colmar.

• The charming Hotel à l’Oriel is located in the heart of the Old Town, and it offers individually decorated traditional rooms, a good breakfast, and private parking.
• If you prefer an apartment with a kitchen, the lovely La Maison d’Amélie is central and comfortable, and it always gets the best ratings

5. Hunawihr

This lovely Alsace village located out of Riquewihr is one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace to visit, best known for its unique fortified church Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur , built in the 14th century. From the church’s cemetery, there is a wonderful view over the plain of Alsace and the Black Forest.

Explore Hunawihr ‘s cobbled streets, colorful houses, and the beautiful stone fountain (18th century) with two secondary basins.

Hunawihr is one of the stops of the Grands Crus Wine Trail , a lovely 16km-hike that goes through the Alsace vineyards of the communal territories of Riquewihr, Beblenheim, Benwihr, Hunawihr, and Zellenberg. This rural trail (4.5 hours for the full loop) starts out of Riquewihr, and it includes interpretive panels explaining the works in the vineyards and wine production.

Alsace Best Villages Near Sélestat

The city of Séleestat is also a good base to explore some of the most beautiful towns in Alsace. City of Art and History, Sélestat is the third city in Alsace for the wealth of medieval heritage, only behind Strasbourg and Colmar. From Sélestat, you can explore some of the best villages in Alsace and other beautiful places to visit in Alsace , like the Vosgues or the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg.

6. Ribeauvillé

With an ideal setting between the Vosges and vineyards, the historic and wine-growing town of Ribeauvillé is a must for the Alsace Wine Route.

When visiting this Alsace village, don’t miss the Grand Rue , with charming half-timbered houses along it, and the Tour des Bouchers (13th-16th centuries). The picturesque Place de la Sinne, with its beautiful stone fountain (1862), is worth a stop too.

Ribeauvillé still keeps part of its medieval fortifications, overlooked by the ruins of the three castles of the Counts of Ribeaupierre. In November and December, the Medieval Christmas Market of Ribeauvillé is a must in the region.

7. Saint-Hippolyte

Saint-Hippolyte (Haut-Rhin) will always be remembered for the amazing lunch we had at the local winstub, which belongs to the Hôtel à la Vignette . Indeed, this small village located at the foot of the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg was the perfect lunch stop after the visit to the castle.

Saint-Hippolyte belonged to the Dukes of Lorraine. This enclave in the heart of Alsace was fortified around 1310 with ramparts and ditches reputed impregnable. The Dukes of Lorraine loved the wine from Saint-Hippolyte, and chariots overloaded with liters of wine crossed the Vosges regularly to the Dukes’ Palace in Nancy.

Explore Saint-Hippolyte’s streets, with pretty architecture and flourished balconies, and the walk that follows the ramparts. Don’t miss the beautiful stone fountain located at Place Hotel de Ville (1555).

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What to do in Alsace and Lorraine?

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Alsace and Lorraine

Reading time: 0 min Published on 12 April 2023, updated on 1 June 2024

What are the things you just have to see, do, and taste while you’re in Alsace? From Strasbourg’s Petite France to the little Venice (Colmar), and on to the vineyards and bars, this list is far from exhaustive, but it’s a great place to start.

Visits you cannot miss in Alsace

• Notre Dame Cathedral and the Petite France district in Strasbourg A masterpiece of gothic art, in pink sandstone lace, the cathedral stands majestically above the roofs, while Petite France, with its cobbled streets and picturesque canals, invites you to stroll.

• The old town of Eguisheim on the Alsace Wine Route A stop of charm is needed in this typical small town, where one wanders in the heart of the ramparts, in a maze of alleys, lined with old half-timbered houses.

• The village of Kaysersberg Elected favorite village of the French in 2017, we understand why when we walk on its fortified bridge, in its medieval streets that go up to the castle.

• The Railway Museum and the Cité de l'Automobile in Mulhouse By visiting these two Alsatian museums, you will be glued onto this rail ride, from the first locomotives to the TGV, and the most beautiful car brands in the world: Bugatti, Mercedes, Rolls-Royce, ...

• Colmar, little Venice Capital of the wines of Alsace, she likes the water too, that of her channels where it is good to sail in Venetian style, along the half-timbered houses.

• The humanist library of Sélestat The building designed by Rudy Ricciotti serves as a showcase for the outstanding collection of the humanist Beatus Rhenanus, composed of medieval manuscripts and documents of the fifteenth and sixteenth century.

• Unterlinden Museum of Comar This former convent, now a museum, houses works of art from the late Middle Ages and the early Renaissance, including the famous Isenheim altarpiece.

• The Lalique Museum in Wingen-sur-Moder The glass creation in its entire splendor! The museum revives the delicate art of René Lalique since the 1920s: chandeliers, perfume bottles, vases,...

• The pretty city of Mosheim At the foot of the vineyards, is an old university town, which has preserved amazing buildings, such as the large church of the Jesuits, the Carthusian monastery or a butcher shop of the Renaissance period.

Visits you cannot miss in Lorraine

• The Pompidou-Metz center in Metz In a very contemporary building, the most beautiful works of modern art are exhibited, drawn from the collection of the Center Pompidou in Paris.

• The citadel of Belfort Built between the 17th and 19th centuries, this imposing fortress, partly designed by Vauban, overlooks the city of Belfort.

• Place Stanislas in Nancy Bearing the name of the King of Poland, it was built in the 18th century and connects two neighborhoods, between the old town and the medieval town. It is a perfect example of French classicism, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Essential activities in Alsace

• Hit the giant zip line in the Brumath Forest Guaranteed thrills in this adventure park, zip line at the water's edge! Other courses take you into suspension in a forest of oaks and beeches.

• Take a look at the historic sites of the Great War The Historial de la guerre from 14-18 traces the tragic events of this period, to the summit of the Hartmannwillerkopf massif, nicknamed the Mountain of Death.

• Take off the barefoot trail of Lac Blanc If you have always dreamed of walking barefoot on a path, now is the time. On a 1.2 km long course, you will tread a variety of soils: stones, wood, bark, slabs, sand, fir cones, small rivers ...

• Strolling between the smells of anise and cinnamon at the Christmas market in Strasbourg Been alive since 1570. In its 300 small cottages, we find everything that creates the magic of Christmas: confectionery, decorations, gingerbread, traditional crafts, toys,...

• To think of himself as a knight at Haut-Koenigsbourg castle To visit the castle is to dive into the Middle Ages. This ancient fortress 800 meters above the plain of Alsace, has been fully restored in the spirit of the 12th century.

• Take the reins of a carriage to explore the Ried On 2000 hectares, is a rich nature reserve of wet meadows and forests. Take the time to discover it in a carriage, drawn by draft horses, the old-fashioned way.

• Treat yourself to a gastronomic moment in one of the Michelin-starred restaurants Alsace is a land of great chefs. Some thirty Michelin-starred restaurants exist, such as L'Auberge de l'Ill in Illhaeusern, Bistrot des Saveurs in Obernai, Painter's Workshop in Colmar, Le Kasbür in Saverne, and many more ...

• Dine in the vineyards at Philippe Sohler Estate An unforgettable experience in the heart of the vineyards for an outdoor dinner, where you can taste great wines, to suit your meals.

• Cross the winter and the Munster Valley with sled dogs What's more invigorating than crossing the snow-covered forests of the Vosges, pulled by a team of dogs? This is possible at the Ballon d'Alsace, at the foot of Black Lake or at the Platzerwasel pass.

• Approach the Barbary macaque to Monkey Mountain In a forest of 24 hectares, they are very close to you and the guides explain everything about their behavior.

• Visit the Christmas markets Alsace knows how to highlight Christmas, and the traditional markets are numerous. In Strasbourg,

Essential activities in Lorraine

• Follow the bison on safari in Petit Réderching They come from the United States, and are raised in freedom in the heart of the country of Bitche, in a ranch installed on 103 hectares of pastures.

• Get fresh ideas in Vittel and Contrexéville These spa towns of the Vosges have waters beneficial to health. They rely on well-being in a Belle Époque atmosphere.

• Enjoy Lake Gérardmer In the summer, you can indulge in paddling, rowing, sailing, swimming. In winter, you can ski on the 100 km of Nordic trails connected to the area of Xonrupt and La Bresse.

• Relive the Battle of Verdun Symbol of the great war of 14-18, Verdun is visited with emotion: its memorial, its ossuary, its underground citadel, its World Center of Peace. You mustn’t forget…

• Plan your trip to Alsace
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Guide to the prettiest towns of Alsace

• Guest writer

A guide to the best villages, vineyards and castles of Alsace by award winning photographer Jeremy Flint.

The north-eastern French region of Alsace is a place of scenic splendour and historical wonder. Picturesque small towns, colourful half-timbered houses and vineyards carpet the landscape. Away from the conventional travel routes of Paris, Provence and the Côte d’Azur, this cultural corner is less than 6 hour’s drive from Calais. It’s one of the most beautiful and undiscovered places in France. Alsace borders Germany and Switzerland, and lies on the west bank of the river Rhine, between the Rhine and the Vosges mountains with Lorraine and Franche Comté to the west.

There are many wonderful locations to visit in Alsace. This guide highlights the most impressive sights to see and capture on camera within the region.

Alsace Wine Route

A tour along the Route des Vins d’Alsace (Alsace wine route) uncovers some of the best things to discover in the area. The route spans the wine growing area over 170km and five regions from near Strasbourg in the north to just south of Colmar. This is one of France’s oldest and most popular drive, and traverses the heart of the region. The journey takes you through a multi-coloured landscape of luxurious green vines. You’ll spot perched castles and impressive mountains. Stop off at charming villages. And savour, swirl and purchase aromatic Alsace vintages at one of the many roadside wine cellars.

Alsace comprises a mix of French and German heritage reflecting each country’s control of the area over the centuries. The wonderful blend of French and German culture is evident in the fairy-tale towns and villages that line the route with their half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. Set on the Rhine, Strasbourg is one of the finest medieval towns in Northeast France. It’s also one of the most photogenic places you can visit in Alsace. With its historical monuments and striking architecture, the city’s finest building Notre-Dame Cathedral should be top of your list. Don’t miss Strasbourg’s historic centre the Grande Île (large island). At this UNESCO World Heritage site you can stroll through atmospheric alleyways and admire elegant buildings and historic churches before enjoying the café-filled squares.

Ribeauvillé

South of Strasbourg, Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr are two of the most beautiful villages in France. And, they are very close to each other. Ribeauvillé is a Route des Vins must, encompassed by vineyards and mountains. Its impressive buildings and fortified castles are the main draw. Don’t miss the the 18 th century   Hôtel de Ville (town hall) where you can see a prestigious collection of silver goblets. And also don’t miss the well-maintained Tour des Bouchers (Butchers’ tower). Perched high on a mountainside overlooking the medieval village, Saint Ulrich Castle stands proud. It’s the oldest and best-preserved castle of its kind, surrounded by an endless forested landscape.

Taking a historic walk through the elegant Medieval ramparts,. Explore hidden courtyards. And admire the brightly coloured architecture. Riquewihr is a truly enchanting village. Venture onto the neighbouring hills to get a real sense of Riquewihr’s chocolate box lid pretty looks and to appreciate its peaceful nature.

For centuries, the vineyards of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé have produced some of the most incredible wines ever made. Wine lovers will adore the fresh and full-bodied Grand Cru appellation varieties, synonymous with the region including the local Kirchberg de Ribeauvillé, Osterberg and Geisberg.

Each village is full of unique and colourful buildings combined with traditional character, and Hunawihr is no exception. It’s situated a mere 2km from Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr. The highlight of Hunawihr is its fortified church Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur. Sitting amongst vineyards on a hillside at the edge of the village, it’s incredibly photogenic. After witnessing this fantastic sight, head into the walled hamlet. Don’t miss the Schickardt House, the Renaissance Town Hall and the Fountain of St. Hune. Last but not least, visit the cellars of this well-established wine-producing village to sample the exceptional liquor. Hunawihr is also home to a stork re-introduction centre so keep your eyes peeled and you will likely spot storks in nature.

Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg

An alternative castle worth visiting, located in the Orschwiller commune, 10 minutes from Ribeauvillé is the medieval Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg. It sits a whopping 757 metres above the Alsace plains. You can explore the furnished fortress and discover its medieval weapon collections. Then scale the summit of the bastion for fantastic views over the Vosges mountains and the Black Forest beyond.

Saint-Hippolyte

At the foot of the Haut Koenigsbourg, Saint-Hippolyte is a wonderfully traditional village. Think timbered houses and quintessential Alsatian architecture. The 14th century parish church was modified in the 15th century by having a bell tower added to it in 1822. This makes it an extremely photogenic church and an incredible piece of Italian gothic architecture. Within the village’s old medieval walls, you will see the Tour des Cigognes (Stork’s tower) topped with nesting stalks. Don’t miss the town hall and a fountain, dating back to 1555, that adorns the square.

The beautiful town of Colmar makes for a great day trip along the Alsace wine route. It’s well-preserved old town, plentiful architectural landmarks and winding canals offer excellent opportunities for photography. Take a stroll along the Grand Rue (high street) for shots of rainbow-coloured houses. And explore Petite Venise (the Little Venice quarter) on foot or by rowing boat for its narrow street and charming canal views.

Massif des Vosges – Vosges mountains

To the west of Colmar, the enchanting forests and softly rounded pastures of the Vosges Mountain range are often cloaked in mist and make a great subject for photography at any time of the year. With secluded lakes and refreshing views, the mountain range is a fantastic adventure playground. You’ll find this a great base for walking adventures and mountain-biking where you can experience varied landscapes and summit nature trails. Driving the Route des Crêtes, an 89 km road in the Vosges Mountains that passes through the Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges ensures idyllic views. Hike up to the peak of Grand Ballon, the highest point in the region at 1424 metres for breath-taking panoramas.

Wherever you choose to visit in Alsace, you will not be disappointed with its scenic splendour, architectural delights, and wonderful half-timbered houses.

Jeremy Flint is an award-winning professional photographer and writer specialising in travel, landscape and location photography. His work is published extensively in National Geographic Traveller Lonely Planet and Country Life amongst others. He is a five-time finalist in Travel Photographer of the Year, Association of Photographers Discovery Award Winner and National Geographic Traveller Grand Prize Winner.

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All rights reserved. This article may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translated) or redistributed without written permission.

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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)

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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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24 PLACES TO SEE IN FRANCE

Alsace-Lorraine

Travel guide.

• Things to Do

Things to Do in Alsace-Lorraine

The easternmost regions of France, Alsace and Lorraine, with ancient capitals at Strasbourg and Nancy, were the object of a centuries-old dispute between Germany and France. In fact, they were annexed by Germany between 1870 until after World War I and from 1940 to 1944. Though they’ve remained part of France since the end of World War II, Alsace especially is still reminiscent of the Black Forest, with its flower-laden half-timbered houses and traditional winstub taverns serving choucroute and sausage.

With this cultural mélange, it’s not surprising Strasbourg became the base of the European parliament. Whereas Lorraine, with its rolling landscape and regal architecture, appears and feels more distinctly French in character and is even the homeland of one of the country’s greatest heroines: Joan of Arc. Ponder these local traits while wandering through the quaint towns of the Alsatian Wine Road or through the natural splendor of the Vosges Mountains.

No clear-cut line delineates Alsace from Lorraine. Alsace is more German. Lorraine, with its rolling landscape, appears more French in character.

Alsace-Lorraine for Kids

The Vosges mountains have plenty of activities for outdoor adventurers, especially the Regional Natural Park of the Ballons des Vosges .  You can discover this incredibly beautiful protected ecosystem hiking, biking, canoeing, horseback riding, or at one of the park’s many heritage sites from farms to former mills. For a less strenuous tour of the area, take a ride on the historic Abreschviller train, 2 pl. Norbert Prévot, Abreschviller ( train-abreschviller.fr ; tel. 03-87-03-71-45 ). Started in 1884 for logging, today old-fashioned steam or diesel trains take visitors on a 6km (4-mile) circuit around the area. The round-trip journey takes 90 min. It runs in April and October on Wednesday, Sunday and holidays at 3pm, and more frequently May to September; check the website for a timetable.

For a family break in Lorraine, stop in at the Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy, 34 rue Sainte-Catherine ( www.museumaquariumdenancy.eu ; tel. 03-83-32-99-97 ), with 57 aquariums and a display of 600 preserved animal and archaeological specimens. Open daily 10am to noon and 2 to 6pm.

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Alsace & Lorraine