10 Jaw-Droppingly Beautiful Places to Visit in Alsace: France’s Fairytale Region
Looking for the best places to visit in Alsace? You’re in the right place – read on for details!
Alsace is a picturesque region in eastern France, nestled between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River. The area has changed hands between France and Germany multiple times in the past 600 years, creating a unique blend of French and German influences.
The result? An area of France that is INSANELY beautiful and charming. Practically every village is full of colorful, half-timbered buildings, charming squares with quaint little fountains, and beautiful churches.
The countryside is filled with chateaux and vineyards, and hiking and biking opportunities abound.
Seriously, this is one of the prettiest regions of France, bar none.
Plus, thanks to its proximity to both Germany and Paris (Strasbourg, the biggest city, is just a 2-hour train ride from Paris), this is a region easily accessible to many visitors to either country.
Let’s jump right into the list of the prettiest places to visit in Alsace. I hope you have your pen ready, because your bucket list is about to get a lot longer!
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10 Gorgeous Places to Visit in Alsace
1. Strasbourg
Strasbourg, a beautiful, historic city, is the capital and largest city in Alsace. Interestingly, it is also the seat of the European Parliament.
The Grand Île, surrounded by the Ill River, is the historic heart of the city, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The most iconic landmark in town is the Strasbourg Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with intricate stonework and an astronomical clock that performs daily at noon. If you don’t mind a climb, the panoramic views from the cathedral’s terrace are incredible.
The Petite France neighborhood is one of the most scenic spots in Strasbourg. This charming area is filled with half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals, and picturesque bridges.
Stroll along the Passerelle des Anciennes Glacières for one of the best views of the Maison des Tanneurs and the quaint surroundings.
Strasbourg is also packed with things to do. There’s the Palais Rohan, a grand palace that now houses three different, fascinating museums. Visit Place Gutenberg to see the statue of Gutenberg, the father of the printing press.
You can also take a boat tour on the Ill River or stroll across the Barrage Vauban dam to admire the Ponts Couvert (Covered Bridges).
Whether you’re walking along the riverbanks, touring the Batorama boat, or discovering the city’s rich history in the Historical Museum of Strasbourg, there’s so much to explore in this vibrant city.
Plus, if you’re visiting in December, you’ll get to explore the Strasbourg Christmas Market, one of the best holiday markets in all of Europe.
2. Colmar
Colmar feels like a storybook town, with its colorful half-timbered houses, tiny canals, and flower-lined streets. The vibrant homes, though not all timbered, are painted in pastels and other bright colors, giving the town its signature charm.
The Petite Venise area is the highlight of Colmar. The canals here are small and shallow, once used by fishermen, but today they’re mostly for pleasure boats.
Walking along the Quai de la Poissonnerie, the pastel-colored houses are reflected in the water, making for some picture-perfect views, especially with the flowerpots overflowing in the summer. This is truly one of the prettiest spots in the entire region!
Another scenic neighborhood is the Quartier des Tanneurs, home to tanners in medieval times. Its narrow streets and timbered houses make it one of the cutest spots in town, second only to Petite Venise.
Don’t miss the Schwendi Fountain in Place de l’Ancienne Douane, said to have inspired the town fountain in Beauty and the Beast.
The town is full of interesting and unique buildings, such as the Maison Pfister, known for its turrets and painted wooden facade, or the Maison des Tetes, which is decorated with sculpted “heads”.
Colmar is also home to several interesting museums. The Unterlinden Museum is housed in a former Dominican convent and displays medieval and Renaissance art, including the famous Issenheim Altarpiece.
Art lovers could also visit the Bartholdi Museum, dedicated to Colmar-born sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, best known for creating the Statue of Liberty.
Like Strasbourg, the Colmar Christmas Market is one of the most charming holiday markets in Europe.
3. Eguisheim
Eguisheim is a small, colorful village just 15 minutes from Colmar, and feels like stepping into a medieval postcard. This half-timbered village was named the “Preferred Village of the French” in 2013, and it’s easy to see why.
The Rue de Remparts is the most charming street in town. This cobblestone lane follows the old town ramparts and encircles the village.
The street is lined with vibrant half-timbered houses and spilling with flowers in the summertime. You’ll want to take a photo every few steps—I know I did!
Seriously, of all the adorable, picturesque spots in Alsace, Eguisheim’s Rue de Remparts might be the cutest.
In the center of town is the Place de Saint Leon, a picturesque square with a fountain and a statue of Pope Leon IX, who was born in Eguisheim. The nearby Chapel Saint Leon IX is a must-see, with its colorful columns and whimsical ceiling designs.
Eguisheim is in the heart of wine country, and there are plenty of spots to stop for a wine tasting or pick up a few bottles to take home.
If you enjoy biking, the village has bike rentals, and you can easily ride through the vineyards, nearby villages, or even to and from Colmar.
Although Eguisheim is small, it’s full of charm and history—perfect for a half-day visit.
4. Riquewihr
Riquewihr is one of the most charming villages in Alsace, surrounded by vineyards and filled with colorful half-timbered houses. This village has earned its reputation as one of the most beautiful in France and really does feel like a fairytale come to life.
One thing I liked about Riquewihr in particular is how you could see some of the vineyard-covered hills from the streets in town – that glimpse just added a lot of visual interest.
The main street, Rue du General de Gaulle, is pedestrian-only and lined with bright, ornamented buildings. Wrought iron signs hang over doorways, adding even more charm.
As you wander through town, don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a striking 25-meter tower that once served as a watchtower. Today, it houses the Musée de Dolder, which showcases Riquewihr’s medieval history and defensive fortifications.
For something more unusual, visit the Tour des Voleurs (Thieves’ Tower), where prisoners were once held. The museum includes original rooms from the 1200s and even displays instruments of torture (though it’s easy to skip over if that’s not your thing.)
A unique stop in Riquewihr is the Féerie de Noel boutique, a magical Christmas shop that’s open year-round.
It’s like stepping into a festive wonderland, with room after room filled with ornaments, decorations, and holiday charm – a great stop no matter what season you visit.
5. Ribeauvillé
Ribeauvillé is adorably scenic, with the characteristic half-timbered homes, flower-filled streets, and colorful buildings typical of Alsace.
What makes Ribeauvillé distinct, though, are the three castles that sit perched high in the hills above the town, making an impressive backdrop to the city. And while Ribeauvillé is very close to Riquewihr, it sees far fewer tourists.
Ribeauvillé has an interesting history. First mentions of the town date back to the 700s, and the town was named for the Ribeaupierre family who controlled the region in the Middle Ages.
Make sure you walk along Grand’Rue, Ribeauvillé’s main street, lined with colorful half-timbered houses and historic landmarks.
Don’t miss the Butcher’s Tower, which separates the upper and lower towns, or the charming Place de la Sinne, a square with a fountain sculpted by local artist André Friedrich.
Ribeauvillé is also famous for its minstrel festival, Pfifferdaj, one of the oldest in Alsace. The Pifferhuss, or House of Minstrels, is a notable building dedicated to this centuries-old tradition.
One of the best things to do in Ribeauvillé is hike to the Three Castles of Ribeauvillé. These ruins sit high above the town and offer incredible views of the valley.
The hike is a bit steep but worth the effort, especially when you reach Saint Ulric, the largest and most adventurous of the castles. You can explore its maze of rooms and towers, getting a real sense of its history.
The other two castles, Giersberg and Haut-Ribeaupierre, are smaller but still offer impressive views and a glimpse into the region’s past.
6. Kaysersberg
Kaysersberg is a delightful village nestled among the hills with castle ruins towering just above. It doesn’t see the same crowds as other Alsatian villages like Riquewihr or Eguisheim, and its scenic charm and quiet atmosphere make it well worth a visit.
As you explore the village, you’ll cross the Pont Fortifié, a fortified bridge that connects the upper and old parts of the town. The main street, Rue de General de Gaulle, is full of charming half-timbered houses and shops.
Don’t miss the Verrerie de Kaysersberg, where you can watch master glassblowers at work for free, then browse the nearby glass boutiques for intricate pieces.
Another highlight is the Eglise Sainte-Croix, a beautiful church featuring a large “Christ Colossal” sculpture and a detailed golden retable.
The best thing to do in town, though, is hike the short trail up to the ruins of the Château de Kaysersberg. The castle, built in the 1200s, once served as a defensive stronghold for the Lords of Ribeaupierre who controlled the region.
The ruins are free to visit, and climbing the tower offers incredible views over the village and surrounding vineyards.
7. Bergheim
Bergheim is a sleepy little village that feels off the beaten path, making it perfect for a peaceful visit. With hardly any tourists, the village has a strong local vibe and is full of charm.
The Notre Dame de l’Assomption de Bergheim stands proudly at the heart of town, surrounded by a small but lovely flower garden. Inside, the church is simple but has a beautiful altar with golden altarpieces, contrasting stone arches, and colorful stained-glass windows.
Right across the street, you’ll find the Jardin des Sorciers (Witches’ Garden), a small, tranquil garden open to the public.
The village’s main streets, Grande Rue and Rue des Vignerons, run parallel to each other and are lined with colorful half-timbered houses.
Be sure to visit Place du Dr Pierre Walter, a charming square dedicated to the longtime mayor of Bergheim. It’s a typical example of the picturesque beauty you’ll find in Alsace.
Other highlights include the High Gate, an imposing remnant of the town’s fortifications, and the Parc de l’Hôtel de Ville, a peaceful park near the town hall.
8. Chateau de Haut-Koenigsbourg
Perched atop a mountain at 755 meters above sea level, Château Haut-Koenigsbourg offers incredible views over the Alsace valley and is one of the most impressive castles in Alsace.
The castle was built in the 1100’s, where its strategic location made it a key stronghold. It was expanded in the 1400s and fortified with artillery and defenses.
These fortifications allowed it to withstand a month-long siege during the Thirty Years’ War before eventually falling, being looted, and abandoned.
In the early 1900s, the German Emperor William II restored the castle, and today it stands in remarkable condition, full of towers, defensive walls, and a drawbridge.
Visiting the castle feels like stepping back in time. You’ll enter through a portcullis and explore the lower courtyards, which housed stables and a well before continuing to inner rooms.
The interior features highlights like the dining room, with its distinctive chandelier and armor displays, as well as the hunting room and armory, filled with medieval weapons and armor.
Don’t miss the panoramic terraces for breathtaking views down over the surrounding valleys – the villages tiny from the high elevation.
Château Haut-Koenigsbourg’s Germanic style and dramatic setting make it a unique and fascinating stop in Alsace.
9. Vineyards
The Alsace Wine Route is one of the most scenic and culturally rich wine regions in France, and is 170 km winding through charming villages and endless vineyards along the eastern border of the country.
Alsace is known for its distinctive wines, with dry Riesling being the most common. Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc are also standout varieties. The region also boasts 51 Grand Crus.
The region’s dry climate, thanks to the protection of the Vosges Mountains, and soil rich in phosphoric acid and potassium, makes for ideal conditions for growing grapes.
Because of this, Alsace has a rich wine history, with viticulture dating back to the 800s (or even earlier).
All the villages in the region (of which there are dozens) have wine shops in town selling the locally produced wines.
You’ll often see signs for “dégustation,” inviting you to sample the local offerings before making your selection. This is a fantastic way to learn about the individual characteristics of each wine, shaped by the unique climate and soil of the region.
Additionally, many vineyards offer tours and tastings, an incredibly idyllic French countryside experience. You can explore the vineyards available for visits and make a reservation on Rue des Vignerons.
10. Bike Routes
Biking in Alsace isn’t just a random activity only for diehards – it’s one of the region’s main attractions. The Alsace countryside is crisscrossed by hundreds of kilometers of bike trails, with plenty of options for both casual and serious bikers.
The combination of charming villages and scenic trails through endless vineyards makes biking an idyllic activity. Two popular areas for biking include the route between Colmar and Eguisheim, and again in the Riquewihr– Ribeauvillé – Kaysersberg area.
The latter is often considered one of the most beautiful areas for biking, thanks to its rolling hills, mountain views, and endless vineyards.
This is the route I did (Riquewihr – Kaysersberg), and followed the 29km Balade des Chateaux to make a loop through endless villages and past picturesque landscapes.
Many towns have bike rental companies right in the city center, where you can rent regular bikes or e-bikes for 1 or more days.
If organizing your own route seems overwhelming, guided bike tours are also available. These tours take the stress out of planning and allow you to focus on enjoying the beautiful scenery, such as this one from Colmar, or this one near Sélastat.
The Wrap Up
Alsace truly offers a little bit of everything—fairytale villages, bustling cities, a long, fascinating history, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re strolling through colorful streets, visiting medieval castles, or cycling through vineyards, there’s always something beautiful around the corner.
This is definitely a top region that you must put on your France bucket list!
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