Planning a trip to Alsace? A beautiful place to visit in France. This picturesque region in northeastern France is a treasure trove of captivating experiences, offering an enchanting blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From exploring charming fairy-tale villages and impressive medieval castles to indulging in world-renowned wines and savory Alsatian cuisine, you’ll find countless best things to do in Alsace. Discover majestic places like Strasbourg Cathedral and the romantic canals of Colmar, or embark on an adventure through the scenic Vosges Mountains. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or an outdoor adventurer, our guide to the best things to do in Alsace will ensure you make the most of your visit to this mesmerizing region. Dive in and explore the magic that Alsace has to offer!
10 Best Places to Visit in Alsace
Planning a trip to Alsace, France? Renowned for its picturesque villages, exquisite vineyards, and vibrant cultural heritage, Alsace offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Here’s your guide to the best places to visit in Alsace with essential travel information to enhance your trip. From charming towns to stunning natural landscapes, discover the must-see spots that make Alsace a top destination in France.
- Historical and Cultural Hub: The capital city of Alsace, Strasbourg, is known for its rich history and cultural significance.
- Top Attractions: Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame), Petite France, European Parliament, and Parc de l’Orangerie.
- Activities: Enjoy a boat tour through the Ill River, explore the stunning Christmas markets (in winter), and visit the Alsace Museum.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather, or December for the famous Christmas markets.
- Nearby Attractions: Kammerzell House and the Rohan Palace.
- Fairytale Town: Known for its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and flower-lined canals, Colmar is often referred to as the “Venice of Alsace.”
- Top Attractions: Little Venice (La Petite Venise), Unterlinden Museum, Saint Martin’s Church, and the Bartholdi Museum.
- Activities: Take a scenic boat ride in Little Venice, stroll through the old town, and sample Alsatian wines.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for blooming flowers or December for the enchanting Christmas markets.
- Nearby Attractions: Eguisheim and the Route des Vins d’Alsace.
- Medieval Charm: Often listed among the most beautiful villages in France, Riquewihr is nested in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards.
- Top Attractions: Dolder Tower, Thieves’ Tower and the Torture Chamber museum, and Hugel Winery.
- Activities: Walk through the beautifully preserved medieval streets, sample local wines, and visit artisan shops.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn for vineyard tours.
- Nearby Attractions: Ribeauvillé and Kaysersberg.
- Picturesque Vineyard Village: Known for its circular layout and well-preserved architecture, Eguisheim is a must-visit.
- Top Attractions: Saints Peter and Paul Church, Eguisheim Castle, and Wolfberger Winery.
- Activities: Wander the concentric streets, enjoy wine tasting, and explore the local boutiques.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October for the best weather and vineyard tours.
- Nearby Attractions: Munster Valley and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle.
- Historic Town: Obernai is known for its rich history and beautiful medieval architecture.
- Top Attractions: Visit the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Place du Marché, and the Ramparts of Obernai.
- Activities: Explore the local markets, hike the Mont Sainte-Odile, and taste local Alsatian dishes at Winstubs (wine taverns).
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and vibrant colors.
- Nearby Attractions: Mont Sainte-Odile Abbey and Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg.
- Industrial Heritage: Known for its museums and industrial history, Mulhouse offers unique attractions.
- Top Attractions: Visit the Cité de l’Automobile (Schlumpf Collection), the Cité du Train, and the Zoo and Botanical Garden.
- Activities: Explore the Electropolis Museum, and visit the Mulhouse Christmas Market.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring to fall for the zoo and gardens; December for the Christmas market.
- Nearby Attractions: Parc du Petit Prince, France’s largest amusement park.
- Historic Appeal: Often voted as one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace, Kaysersberg offers medieval charm.
- Top Attractions: Visit Château de Kaysersberg, the Church of Sainte-Croix, and the Weinbach Castle.
- Activities: Walk through the historic streets, shop for local handicrafts, and enjoy wine tastings.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for lush vineyards; December for the Christmas market.
- Nearby Attractions: Riquewihr and Eguisheim.
- Majestic Fortress: Perched high above the Alsace plain, this restored medieval castle offers breathtaking views and rich history.
- Location: Orschwiller, Bas-Rhin.
- Top Attractions: Explore the castle’s grand halls, towers, and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding vineyards and forests.
- Activities: Guided tours, medieval reenactments, and historical exhibitions.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through autumn for the best weather conditions.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit the nearby Monkey Mountain and Eagle Park.
- Gateway to the Vosges: Known for its beautiful natural surroundings, Saverne is situated at the foot of the Vosges Mountains.
- Top Attractions: Visit the Rohan Castle, the Botanical Garden of Saverne, and the scenic Zorn River.
- Activities: Hiking in the Vosges Mountains, exploring the charming town center, and boating on the Marne-Rhine Canal.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for outdoor activities and lush landscapes.
- Nearby Attractions: Château du Haut-Barr and Phalsbourg.
- Historic Border Town: Known for its picturesque scenery and well-preserved medieval architecture.
- Top Attractions: Explore the Abbey Church of Saints Peter and Paul, the Maison du Sel (Salt House), and the Wissembourg Ramparts.
- Activities: Stroll along the Lauter River, take a cycling tour, and sample local wines.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and vibrant scenery.
- Nearby Attractions: Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park and the German border towns.
10 Best Things to Do in Alsace
Looking for an adventure in the scenic region of Alsace? Known for its charming villages and world-famous wines, Alsace also offers plenty of thrilling adventure activities for the bold and the brave. From hiking through the scenic Vosges Mountains to exploring mysterious caves, Alsace has something for every type of adventurer. Dive into our guide to discover the best things to do in Alsace, France for those seeking adrenaline and excitement!
- Scenic Trails: One of the top adventure activities in Alsace, hiking in the Vosges Mountains offers stunning views, rich flora, and fauna.
- Top Locations: Popular trails include Hohneck, Grand Ballon, and Le Donon.
- Activities: Hiking, bird-watching, and nature photography.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through autumn for ideal weather conditions.
- Nearby Attractions: Lac Blanc and Route des Crêtes.
- Thrilling Rides: Alsace is a paradise for mountain bikers, offering rugged terrain and challenging trails.
- Best Trails: Bike Park Lac Blanc and trails in the Vosges Regional Nature Park.
- Activities: Downhill biking, cross-country, and trail riding.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn.
- Nearby Attractions: Colmar, for post-ride relaxation with local cuisine and wine.
- Breathtaking Views: Experience the beauty of Alsace from the skies with paragliding.
- Top Spots: Katzenberg in Guebwiller and Le Markstein.
- Activities: Tandem paragliding, solo flights for experienced paragliders.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn for favorable wind conditions.
- Nearby Attractions: Wine Route of Alsace and its many charming villages.
- Watersports Adventure: Paddle through scenic waters and enjoy the tranquility of Alsace’s rivers.
- Best Rivers: Ill River, Rhine River, and Bruche Canal.
- Activities: Canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for the best water levels and weather conditions.
- Nearby Attractions: Strasbourg and its beautiful canals.
- Climbing Challenges: Test your skills on the rock faces of Alsace.
- Best Locations: Grotte des Partages and Roc d’Anges.
- Activities: Rock climbing, bouldering, and abseiling.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring to autumn for the best climbing conditions.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore the nearby medieval castles after your climb.
- Winter Sports: Alsace transforms into a winter wonderland offering excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
- Top Ski Resorts: Le Champ du Feu, Le Markstein, and La Bresse Hohneck.
- Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
- Best Time to Visit: Winter season, from December to February.
- Nearby Attractions: Christmas markets in nearby villages.
- Underground Exploration: Discover the mysterious caves of Alsace.
- Best Spots: Grotte de la Werette and Grotte des Compagnons.
- Activities: Spelunking, guided caving tours, and geological exploration.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though guided tours are more frequent in summer.
- Nearby Attractions: Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle for historical exploration.
- Aerial Adventure: Float above Alsace and take in the panoramic views of vineyards, villages, and castles.
- Best Locations: Launch sites near Colmar and Strasbourg.
- Activities: Sunrise and sunset balloon rides, with optional champagne toasts.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for the best visibility and weather.
- Nearby Attractions: Enjoy local culinary delights and wine tasting after your flight.
- Equestrian Trails: Explore the natural beauty of Alsace on horseback.
- Top Trails: Trails in Vosges Regional Nature Park and around Riquewihr.
- Activities: Guided horseback rides, trail riding, and equestrian centers.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through autumn for the best trail conditions.
- Nearby Attractions: Vineyards, where you can stop for a tasting.
- High-Flying Fun: Experience the thrill of zip lining and navigating aerial obstacle courses.
- Best Parks: Form’Aventures and Parc Alsace Aventure.
- Activities: Zip lining, high ropes courses, and adventure parks.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through autumn.
- Nearby Attractions: After adventure, explore the quaint nearby towns like Obernai.
Travel Information for Alsace
Planning a visit to Alsace? This mesmerising region in northeastern France offers a unique blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine and wines. Here’s your comprehensive travel guide for Alsace, packed with essential travel information for Alsace to ensure your trip is unforgettable.
- By Air: The main airport serving Alsace is Strasbourg Airport (SXB). Other nearby airports include EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (MLH/BSL) and Frankfurt Airport (FRA), which is a short train ride away.
- By Train: Alsace is well-connected by high-speed TGV trains. Major train stations include Gare de Strasbourg, Gare de Colmar, and Gare de Mulhouse. From Paris, you can reach Strasbourg in about 2 hours by TGV.
- By Car: Alsace is accessible via the extensive French motorway network. The A35, known as the “Alsace Wine Route”, runs north to south through the region.
- By Bus: Long-distance bus services like FlixBus and BlaBlaBus offer routes to various cities in Alsace, including Strasbourg and Colmar.
- Public Transit: Alsace has a reliable public transport system, including buses and trams in cities like Strasbourg and Mulhouse. Look for CTS (Strasbourg) and Solea (Mulhouse) for schedules and routes.
- Car Rentals: For greater flexibility, rent a car from agencies available at airports and major cities. An ideal option for exploring scenic routes like the Alsace Wine Route.
- Biking: Alsace is bike-friendly with numerous cycling paths. Rent bikes in cities like Strasbourg to explore the beautiful countryside.
- Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis are available in urban areas. Rideshare services like Uber operate in Strasbourg and other larger cities.
- Luxury Hotels: Enjoy top-tier luxury at places like Château d’Isenbourg in Rouffach and Regent Petite France & Spa in Strasbourg.
- Boutique Hotels: Unique stays are plentiful with options like Hôtel A la Cour d’Alsace in Obernai and Hôtel Le Parc in Saint-Hippolyte.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Affordable yet comfortable choices include Ibis Hotels, B&B Hotels, and hostels like Ciarus in Strasbourg.
- Vacation Rentals: Platforms like Airbnb and Gîtes de France offer quaint cottages and charming village homes.
- Spring (March to May): Ideal for picturesque bloom and mild weather, perfect for exploring vineyards and villages.
- Summer (June to August): Warm weather, perfect for hikes and outdoor activities. Be mindful of the peak tourist season.
- Autumn (September to November): Beautiful fall foliage and the grape harvest season, making it ideal for wine tours.
- Winter (December to February): Visit for the enchanting Christmas markets, especially in Strasbourg and Colmar.
- Strasbourg Cathedral: A stunning Gothic masterpiece and one of France’s tallest churches.
- Old Town Colmar: Explore the fairy-tale architecture and romantic canals.
- Alsace Wine Route: Discover world-famous wines and vineyards stretching over 170 kilometers.
- Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg: A restored medieval castle offering breathtaking views.
- La Petite France: Wander through this picturesque district in Strasbourg, with its half-timbered houses and charming canals.
- Riquewihr: A well-preserved medieval village often regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
- Alsatian Cuisine: Savor traditional dishes such as choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages), flammekueche (Alsatian pizza), and baeckeoffe (a meat and potato casserole).
- Wines: Alsace is renowned for its white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. Visit local wineries for tastings.
- Pastries and Sweets: Indulge in local treats like kougelhopf (a sweet bread) and bredele (Christmas cookies) during the festive season.
- Markets: Visit local markets such as Marché de Strasbourg and Marché de Colmar to sample fresh, local produce and specialties.
- Local Markets: Shop for artisanal goods, wines, and produce at markets like Marché de Mulhouse and Place des Dominicains Market in Colmar.
- Boutique Shops: Find unique gifts and souvenirs in the charming boutiques of La Petite France and Colmar’s Old Town.
- Department Stores: Strasbourg offers several shopping malls, including Place des Halles and Rivetoile Shopping Centre.
- Language: While French is the official language, many locals speak Alsatian, a Germanic dialect. Basic French phrases are appreciated, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.
- Currency: The currency used is the Euro (€). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it’s helpful to have some cash for smaller purchases.
- Safety: Alsace is generally very safe, but stay vigilant in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets. Use hotel safes for your valuables.
- Weather: Be prepared for changing weather, particularly in the spring and autumn. Always carry a light jacket and an umbrella.
- Greetings: A polite “Bonjour” (hello) and “Merci” (thank you) go a long way. In formal settings, it’s customary to shake hands or offer a light kiss on the cheeks (La bise).
- Dining Etiquette: Dining is considered an art in France. Wait until everyone is served before starting your meal, and tipping is generally included in the bill as service compris, but leaving a small extra tip for appreciated service is common.
- Dress Code: Dress modestly for church visits and stylishly for dining out. While casual wear is suitable for sightseeing, Parisians and Alsatians alike appreciate a well-put-together appearance.
