Strasbourg, Colmar, and Mulhouse are ideal towns for touring by bike. Pedestrian areas, bike routes, and secure parking stands make this a safe and fun method of exploring the area. Pick up maps and information at the offices of tourism or bike rental locations. In Strasbourg, Vélhop operates a self-service bike rental system with dozens of stations around town. Get...
Little boats called barques float along the canals of Petite Venise, giving tourists a unique view of Colmar from the water. Buy tickets on board Sweet Narcisse at the below the bridge on Boulevard Saint-Pierre in the Petite Venise neighborhood. Multi-lingual guides point out interesting sites and answer questions during the 30-minute cruise. Departures are every half hour between 10...
La Route des Crêtes is a 50m/80km ridge road running north-south the Vosges Mountains from the village of Sainte-Marie aux Mines, west of Sélestat, to Cernay, near Thann. A drive along this former military supply route makes an ideal day trip most of the year, but snow and ice close the passage during the winter. Ski areas are reached by shuttle from...
Alsace is the national winner of the Department in Bloom trophy, awarded annually by the National Committee for Towns and Villages in Bloom. Flowers are everywhere, especially geraniums. Towns and villages throughout France take the national challenge to plant and display flowers along the roadways and on buildings, monuments, and homes. Any open green space that enhances the town’s beauty...
This attractive town sits below the southern Vosges Mountains, surrounded by terraced Grand Cru vineyards, about 25m/40 km southwest of Colmar. Walk along pedestrian-only streets and admire the 16th-century town hall and other ancient buildings surrounding Place Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc Square). Places to visit The artistic abbots of Murbach built much of Guebwiller during the 13th and 14th...
This little village at the foot of Mount Saint Odile well deserves its ranking among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Flower-decked Renaissance buildings made of local sandstone stand in the town center and half-timbered houses climb into the surrounding hills. Stop at the charming town hall to see a fine exhibit about the area’s vineyards and wine. Vines have grown in...
Five Alsatian towns have the honor of being designated one of the most beautiful villages in France. Named by Les Plus Beaux Villages de France as a village with noteworthy quality, reputation, and development, each location has historical value, places importance on restoring common areas, and offers something unique to visitors. Alsatian destinations include: Hunspach Eguisheim Hunawihr Mittelbergheim Riquewihr
Almost 50 groomed and signed trails allow hikers to get out into the vineyards along the Route des Vins d’Alzace. Watch for signs posted along the roadways, beside vineyards, and in the villages saying Sentier Viticole. Maps and details about the trails are available at the tourist offices in all but the smallest villages along the Wine Road. You can also...
Inhale deeply, before you sip, and discover the unique aroma of Alsatian wines. Each variety has the rich fragrance of the fertile soil in which the grapes are grown. The seven Alsatian grape varieties: Sylvaner, dry & fruity Pinot Blanc (aka Kleiner), dry & full-bodied Riesling, dry & fruity Muscat d’Alsace, dry, delicate & fruity Pinot Gris (aka Tokay) rich...