During this season, Eguisheim residents decorate their half-timbered houses for the holidays, featuring beautiful Christmas lights. The village comes alive thanks to the Vignerons Festival of Eguisheim, the oldest Alsatian wine festival. From 1900 to 1908, the Chteau du Haut-Koenigsbourg was restored to its original splendor. The spectacular renovated castle is a joy to explore. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Riquewihr. If you choose to travel via train, Alsace has two train stations: one in Strasbourg and the other in Mulhouse. To continue the scenic strolls, travelers need only venture just outside Dambach-la-Ville, where there are many hiking trails through the countryside. ), hand-crafted souvenirs (wreaths, ornaments, and other decorations), and live music. Another popular activity here is to hike, If youd prefer to explore Ribeauvill with an expert, the tourism office organizes free guided tours of the old town and Town Hall. Take your time strolling through Ribeauvill, stopping to appreciate the charming half-timbered houses. 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). They run every day except for Mondays and Saturdays (from May to October). Turckheim hosts several events throughout the year, such as an Easter celebration and the Trois-Epis car race. To experience the medieval heritage of Ribeauvill, tourists should arrive for Pfifferdaj (the Fiddlers' Festival) in September. Obernai is also a popular place to travel during the holidays. Pin it for later! This explains why bears make an appearance at the Eglise Abbatiale Saints-Pierre-et-Paul. Several trails outside the village afford wonderful views of the idyllic scenery. The citadel's pure lines and 48 quarters form a perfect octagon, an astounding architectural accomplishment. Make sure to take home a bottle of their Riesling! I recommend going to. Kaysersberg celebrates with a charming, Since Obernai is located along the Alsace Wine Route, we also suggest dropping by the, Obernai is also a popular place to travel during the holidays. Slestat 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. 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. Furthermore, this wine route is a trendy trip thanks to the many picturesque vineyards and historic towns along the drive. The countryside surrounding Mittelbergheim is ideal for taking walks. 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. With remnants of medieval walls, a Romanesque church (the Eglise Sainte-Croix), historic half-timbered houses, and Renaissance burghers' mansions, Kaysersberg has an appealing old-world ambience. Plus, you can visit the top tourist attractions here year-round, making the Alsace region a convenient option for a vacation to France. Heres an interesting fact about Tuckheim: the village is one of the few in France to employ a municipal night watchman still. During springtime and summer, potted flowers adorn the window sills of fetching historic houses, as well as public spaces such as fountains and statues. nonno Mittelbergheim is also renowned for its gastronomy. germany bing france alsace The village's enchantment is further revealed in its atmospheric cobblestone streets and small squares. 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. This venue also serves ham and cheese platters if youd like a little snack with your wine. In fact, the Alsatian wine route passes through almost 70 communes! The town's March de Nol (Christmas Market) draws many revelers because of its authentic decor and joyous atmosphere. This medieval walled town is surrounded by a dreamy landscape of vine-covered, rolling hills. ribeauville alsace rhin Plus, you can visit the top tourist attractions here year-round, making the Alsace region a convenient option for a vacation to France. Eguisheim is one of the best Alsace Wine Route villages and was even voted the Village prfr des Franais(Favorite French Village) in 2013. Kaysersberg is one of the most beautiful villages in France and one of the best places to visit in Alsace. The village is also famous for its March de Nol (Christmas festivities, from December 1st to 24th), which include an Advent Calendar ritual at the Town Hall with candle lightings, Christmas carols, and "Wiehnachts Bredele" (Christmas cakes). For some of the towns most picturesque homes, stroll down the main street of Rue du General de Gaulle. Most of the best things to do in Colmar are located in its well-preserved Old Town. 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. Eguisheim's captivating ambience makes it one of Alsace's top destinations for Christmas. Colmar, often called the capital of Alsatian wine, is one of the most beautiful and largest villages in Alsace. 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. This delightful village (three kilometers from Andlau) has a remarkable unity of architectural style, with most buildings dating to the 17th and 18th centuries. This quintessential Alsatian town is brimming with old-world atmosphere, especially in the Krutenau Quarter. The rez-de-chausse (street level) of La Metzig is now a restaurant that serves authentic Alsatian cuisine. The entire course, from top to bottom, spans approximately 106 miles (170 km). The beauty and romance of Hunawihr has earned it a place on the list of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France." I want my husband to get stationed in Europe and I hope to visit these villages with my family. ingridzenmoments Moreover, this Alsatian village was the birthplace of Nobel Peace Prize winner Albert Schweitzer. Afterward, if youre ready to try some authentic Alsatian cuisine, stop by Restaurant La Soi for an excellent Tarte Flambe. These are BEAUTIFUL places! 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Wine lovers cant forget to visit the Cave de Ribeauvill! Visitors will enjoy discovering the beauty of Dambach-la-Ville, while wandering through a maze of winding cobblestone streets. Only six kilometers from Obernai, this historic town was another Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire. Nearby, in front of the Htel de la Cloche, is one of the most scenic spots in Obernai, the Puits aux Six Seaux (Six-Bucket Well), which dates to 1579. A delightful way to explore Alsace is by traveling through the picturesque foothills of the Vosges Mountains and along the Rhine plain. The towns name means emperors mountain in German, and it sits along the Alsace Wine Route, between Riquewihr and Colmar. This monumental church is one of the finest examples of Jesuit architecture in Alsace. For those who enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities, it's worth exploring the rural area outside of Guebwiller in the Vosges Mountains. Many of Riquewihrs Old Town buildings date back to the 16th century or earlier, such as the Dolder Tower and the Town Hall. The Alsace Wine Route (Route du Vin Alsace) is a designated section of the Alsace region that passes through some of the best wine-producing towns in France. Visitors circle through the spiral stairways that lead to the fully furnished living quarters. The medieval-themed festivities continue in Ribeauvill with the Medieval Christmas Market. Therefore, this article lists the top eight Alsace towns to see on your trip, featuring famous villageslike Colmar, Riquewihr, and Ribeauvillas well as some hidden gems. For a full Alsace villages map, click here. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. Many of Riquewihrs Old Town buildings date back to the 16th century or earlier, such as the Dolder Tower and the Town Hall. Flights to Alsace are available for many of the bigger cities in Europe, including Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Rome, Barcelona, and Madrid.