Prettiest Villages Along France’s Alsace Wine Route You Can’t Miss

The Alsace wine route in France is one of the most beautiful (and underrated) wine regions in the world.  With storybook villages, vineyards as far as the eye can see, and mountain views – you’re definitely going to want to add this region of France to your bucket list.  I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Alsace multiple times, with my first visit being in 2017 (word’s gotten out and it’s become much more popular since then!).  In this post I’m sharing the prettiest villages in the Alsace and tips for planning your visit.

 

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History of France’s Alsace Wine Route

The Alsace Wine Route in northeastern France is one of the most scenic and charming wine trails in the country, winding through storybook villages, rolling vineyards, and centuries-old cellars.  Officially established in 1953, the route stretches for over 170 kilometers from Marlenheim to Thann, near the German border.  This region has changed hands between France and Germany several times over the centuries, and you can feel the blend of cultures in everything from the architecture, to the food, and the wine.  In my opinion, it’s one of the most underrated wine regions in the world.

 

1.  Colmar

Out of each village on this list, Colmar is the biggest and perhaps the best place to base yourself as you explore the region.  Here you can take a boat ride along France’s canal, take a Segway tour of town, wine taste at the tasting rooms in town, and eat local foods like flammekueche.  If you do plan to base yourself in Colmar and want to take a tour of other villages, I recommend this half-day tour or this full-day tour.

 

BEST HOTELS IN COLMAR

If you do want to base yourself in Colmar to explore the region, here are the hotels that I recommend…

• Relais & Châteaux la Maison des Têtes
• L’esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar – MGallery
• Hotel le Colombier

 

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2.  Eguisheim

There’s a rumor that Eguisheim is the village that inspired Beauty and the Beast, and when you visit – you’ll know why.  With cobblestone streets – in a circular layout – and half-timbered homes, this medieval village dates back to 720 AD.  Eguisheim is also famous for being the birthplace of Pope Leo IX (Brunon d’Eguisheim) in 1002.

 

BEST HOTELS IN EGUISHEIM

If you want to spend the night in Eguisheim, here are the hotels that I recommend…

• Hotel SPA Husseren Collections (I would only recommend this hotel if you have a car or a private driver)
• James Vignoble Hôtel
• Auberge du Rempart

 

3.  Kaysersberg

Kaysersberg is a fortified village in the Alsace that dates back to 1227 when a castle was built by Emperor Frederick II.  The name “Kaisersberg” translates to “Emperor’s Mountain” which is evident by the hills and mountains that tower over the village.  In 2017, Kaysersberg was given the honor of “France’s Favorite Village” which instantly attracted tourists from all over the world.

If you’re planning to visit Kaysersberg, I highly recommend lunch or dinner at La Winstub du Chambard where you can try incredible food from the region.

 

BEST HOTELS IN KAYSERSBERG

If you want to spend the night in Kaysersberg, here are the hotels that I recommend…

• Relais et Châteaux le Chambard
• Hotel KLE, BW Signature Collection
• La Suite – Spa & Sauna

 

4.  Riquewihr

Riquewhir dates back to the Roman times and is highly respected as producing some of the best wine’s in the Alsace region.  Of all of the charming villages in the Alsace, Riquewihr feels most “traditional” which might be because it was largely able to avoid significant damage during WWII.

 

BEST HOTELS IN RIQUEWHIR

If you want to spend the night in Riquewhir, here are the hotels that I recommend…

• Hôtel de la Couronne
• Hôtel le Saint Nicolas
• Gîte le Chemin de Ronde

 

Sample Itinerary:  One Day Exploring the Villages in France’s Alsace Wine Region

If you only have one day to spend in the Alsace wine region, this is what I recommend!  (This itinerary is assuming that you’re basing yourself in Colmar).

• Morning in Eguisheim – 15 min drive from Colmar
• Afternoon in Kaysersberg – 20 min drive from Eguisheim
  • Lunch at La Winstub du Chambard
• Evening in Riquewihr – 15 min drive from Kaysersberg
• Overnight in Colmar – 20 min drive from Riquewihr

 

Planning Your Visit:  Tips & Recommendations

 

Best Time to Visit France’s Alsace Wine Route

The best time to visit the Alsace region in France is during the spring (May to June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is mild and the villages are alive with blooming flowers or colorful vineyards.  These shoulder seasons are perfect for exploring the region’s storybook towns, like Colmar and Riquewihr, without the heavy summer crowds.  July and August are peak tourist months, bringing warmer temperatures and busier streets.  And finally, December in the Alsace is magical; this region is known as having some of the best Christmas markets in Europe – just be prepared for cold weather and make sure to book in advance.

 

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How to Get Around the Alsace Wine Route

I would highly recommend renting a car to get around this region, however if you don’t feel comfortable driving, there are other methods.  If you do rent a car, you can choose to rent from Paris (or wherever you’re coming from) and drive to the Alsace.  Or you can take a train from Paris to the region (I recommend basing yourself in Colmar) and pick up a rental car when you arrive.

Another option is to hire a private tour guide or take a non-private tour to explore.  If you choose this option, your best choice is to base yourself in Colmar or in Strasbourg – as most tours start and end here.  If you’re basing yourself in Colmar, I recommend this half-day tour or this full day tour; and if you’re basing yourself in Strasbourg, I recommend this half-day tour, this full day tour, or this private tour.

Your third option is to bike around the Alsace wine route.  There are many biking trails between the villages and this is a very popular way to get around.  You can rent a normal bike or an electric bike to do this.  And again, I would suggest basing yourself in Colmar and picking up your bike in Colmar to get around.

 

Where to Stay in France’s Alsace Region

While I would recommend staying in Colmar or Strasbourg, if you do want to stay at a unique or luxury hotel in the region, check out these hotels…

• Auberge au Bouef – Sessenheim
• Bleu Minuit L’Arche – Obersteinbach
• Chateau R – Wettolsheim
• Domaine de la Klauss & Spa, Restaurant Gastronomique le K – Montenach
• Hotel des Berges, Restaurant Gastronomique & Spa -Illhaeusern
• Hôtel Interlaken Lounge Bar & Spa – Xonrupt-Longemer
• Hôtel 48°Nord & Restaurant, The Originals Relais – Breitenbach
• L’Hôtel & Spa Ribeauville – Haut-Koenigsbourg – Ribeauville
• La Cheneaudiere – Hôtel Spa – Relais & Châteaux – Colroy-la-Roche
• La Source des Dans – Morsbronn-les-Bains
• Le Parc Hôtel Obernai & Yonaguni Spa – Obernai
• Villa Camoufle – Metz
• 5 Terres Hôtel and Spa Barr – MGallery Hotel Collection – Barr
• 6717 Nature Hôtel & Spa Le Clos des Délices – Ottrott

 

Local Delicacies – Typical Food & Wine from the Region

In France’s Alsace wine region, food and drink go hand in hand – especially if you’re a fan of white wine and hearty, comforting cuisine.  The Alsace is best known for its crisp white wines like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris; thanks to its dry climate and unique terroir.  When it comes to food, Alsace leans into its Franco-German roots.  Dishes are rich and filling, with choucroute garnie (sauerkraut served with a variety of meats and sausages) being one of the most iconic.  Tarte flambée (also known as flammekueche) is another favorite in the region – it’s a thin, crispy flatbread topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons (bacon).  You’ll also find plenty of foie gras, which originated in Alsace, and Munster cheese, a strong-smelling local specialty that pairs well with the region’s wines.

 

France Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting France

 

I hope that this guide to the prettiest villages along France’s Alsace wine route helps inspire your trip and plan your travels.  If you have any questions about visiting the Alsace, leave a comment below!

 

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For more information on things to see and do in the Alsace region, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinfrance” or under my highlights for “France 1″, “France 2”, & “France 3”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “France” highlight

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