Stretching between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River, Alsace is like a fairy tale land. Although we have heard the name of this region in history lessons with the wars, today it has a completely different face. In its cobbled streets and villages full of wooden houses, time seems to flow a little slower. What about the storks? 👀 They are everywhere! Since Alsace is on the migration route of storks, it hosts hundreds of storks every year. It is possible to see their nests on the rooftops, which look like something out of a postcard.
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How to Get to Alsace?
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to the region. One of the most logical ways is to fly to Basel, Zurich, Stuttgart or Frankfurt and travelling from there by bus, car or train.
Note: You need a car to visit the villages of Alsace. Therefore, we recommend you to rent a car. You can complete the following tour in 1 day. Because the villages are very close to each other, it is enough to spend 1-2 hours for each one.
Where is Alsace?
Alsace is located on the borders of France. In the north-east, it borders Germany. The Rhine River flows to the east and the Vosges Mountains to the west. The region consists of three cities, with the capital Strasbourg in the north, Mulhouse in the south and Colmar in the centre.
Best Season to Visit Alsace?
Alsace offers a completely different beauty every time of the year. But you can choose the right time depending on what you are looking for.
In spring (April-May) nature comes to life and the vineyards start to bloom. While the crowds have not yet arrived, the streets and villages feel like your own. Summer (June-August) is the most active time. The weather is hot, the days are long and festivals abound. If you are interested in grape harvest and wine tasting, September and October are for you! In autumn, the vineyards turn red and golden, the villages look like something out of a postcard, and in winter (November-December) Alsace turns into a Christmas fairy tale. Some of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets are set up here.
Must-Visit Places in Alsace
We’ve made a list of must-visit places in Alsace. Yet, we should remind you that you can find more on Piri Guide mobile app. Piri Guide detects your location, offers you the best travel routes, and starts telling you the hidden stories of wherever you are. All you have to do is to get your headphones or earbuds and follow the path at your own pace. Then, don’t set out for your trip before downloading the digital travel guide!
Eguisheim
With its colourful wooden houses, narrow streets and wineries, Eguisheim is one of the most popular villages in Alsace. In 2013 it was voted France’s favourite town. It has also been on the list of ‘France’s most beautiful villages’ since 2003. It is an easy place to visit and impossible to get lost. Because the streets form circles around the castle. We strongly recommend you to walk on Rue du Rampart, one of the streets around the castle.
Turckheim
Turckheim was once caught in the middle of the German-French conflict. Today it is one of the most important villages in Alsace with its timber-framed houses and medieval gates. The population is about 3800.
Turckheim is a quiet village. After passing through the French Gate, the village is lined with places to see. When you go straight ahead, you will see a fountain and the Corps de Garde building on your right. This pink building is currently used as a police station.
Kaysersberg
This is a village located at the bottom of the Vosges Valley, around the Weiss River. With its cobbled streets, colourful half-timbered houses and medieval fortifications, it’s a quintessential Alsatian village. Like Eguisheim, Kaysersberg was voted France’s favourite village in 2017 on a TV show hosted by Stéphane Bern. It used to be called Kaysersberg. Now it is known as Kaysersberg-Vignoble. In 2016 it was merged with the neighbouring villages of Kientzheim and Sigolsheim to form a new commune. The village is so well preserved that five of the six towers of the medieval fortifications are still standing.
Riquewihr
At the foot of the Vosges Mountains, among the vineyards, this village with its historical walls has been the inspiration of the filmmakers. It has about 1300 inhabitants. The streets are full of wineries for such a small population. Almost everyone in the village is doing this job. Therefore, in the 16th century, they became so rich with the wine trade that they were able to strengthen the walls of the castle.
Like Eguisheim, Riquewihr is a member of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. It also has the third highest number of houses recognised as national heritage in Alsace. The other two are Strasbourg and Colmar.
Ribeauville
Ribeauville is the most populous of the villages on the list. With its vineyards and densely built houses, it is a paradise in the middle of greenery. Of course, the historic walls surrounding the village, which are still standing, are the centrepiece of Ribeauville as an Alsatian classic. The most common thing you will come across in this village is the historical fountains. There is a fountain on almost every corner to drink and cool off. By the way, the storks of Alsace love Ribeauville the most. If you are here in season, you will definitely see storks.
Bergheim
We’re in Bergheim, the favourite village of 2022. The oldest tree in Alsace is in Bergheim. A 700-year-old linden tree stands quietly in the park at the entrance to the village. It has been here since 1313. The village used to have four big gates, but only the 22-metre Obertor, the High Gate, is still standing. Like the Dolder Tower in Riquewihr, the part facing outside looks more eerie, while the part facing the village is designed as the facade of the houses. Apart from Obertor, there are six other towers in the village. The Square Tower, the Witches’ Tower, the Pig Tower, the Gunpowder Tower, the Fahrer Tower and the Deiss Tower. Gunpowder and Fahrer towers were used for defence purposes. There is currently a house in the Deiss tower.
If you have plans for France for the summer, we have listed the most beautiful summer routes of France here.
