Alsace Day Trips: Top 5 Unforgettable Adventures
Alsace, that sliver of France bordering Germany, it’s almost like a storybook come to life. The place is just overflowing with cute villages, sloping vineyards, and a vibe that’s hard to resist. So, if you happen to be hanging around the region, consider these super worthwhile day trips. Getting out of the main hub, you might just catch something unexpected!
1. Colmar: A Fairytale Town Come True
Colmar, frequently nicknamed “Little Venice,” is really well-known for its seriously charming canals and perfectly preserved historic center. Very specifically, the half-timbered homes painted in candy colors and the flower-filled window boxes might leave you convinced you’ve been transported straight into some sort of Disney flick. As a matter of fact, I had this kind of reaction during my visit! This place definitely seems to make visitors happy. Read our full review: Colmar France Full Review and Details
What You Might Consider Doing: You could consider taking a boat trip down the Lauch River, a great way to see the town. Or, just wander around. This is just my humble suggestion though. Be sure that you check out the Quartier de la Poissonnerie, formerly, the fishmonger’s district, for what I would describe as one of the more eye-catching spots in town. Seemingly, every corner in this neighborhood offers picture-perfect moments.
Food and Drink: Colmar is really a delightful destination for gourmands, too. If you ask me, you’ve simply got to try some local specialties, like tarte flambée (or, Flammkuchen) or baeckeoffe, the well known Alsatian casserole. So, naturally, wash it all down with a glass of local Riesling! Oh, right. Also, consider visiting the Marché Couvert, Colmar’s covered market. Here, you’ll have the ability to test a load of different foods and goods.
Getting There: It looks as if Colmar is super accessible by train from Strasbourg, with frequent connections that typically make it take just thirty minutes. A bit alternatively, you could also consider driving; you might actually get more freedom to investigate the surrounding area that way. Either way, though, you might get there! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Colmar Hotels)
2. Riquewihr: A Step Back in Time
Riquewihr is really known as one of the “most beautiful villages in France.” Basically, stepping into Riquewihr appears something like going into a historical past book. Reportedly, this completely stunning walled town seemingly manages to preserve its 16th-century appearance almost perfectly. If that’s not enticing, then I don’t know what is!
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Things You Could Try: I’d advise starting by taking a walk on the Rue du Général de Gaulle, Riquewihr’s main street. Really specifically, the historic homes are simply superb to observe and admire. Then, you might want to investigate the Dolder, which is a defensive tower that’s also basically become a landmark of the town. After you get to the top, you may get to see a gorgeous scenic point that might actually make you gasp!
Wine Time: Riquewihr is quite conveniently placed on the Alsace Wine Route. So, I think that you should not miss an opportunity to go on one or several wine-tasting tours. Several local vineyards give tourists the chance to actually tour the vineyards, discover how the winemaking is done, and sample quite a few different vintages.
Getting There: The most uncomplicated method that I know of is to rent a car and drive to Riquewihr. Driving is, apparently, an incredibly great choice when you want the liberty to travel about and visit nearby villages too. Yet, from Colmar, public transportation can actually be found, though I do believe it will often involve some transfers. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Riquewihr Hotels)
3. Eguisheim: Circular Charm
Eguisheim is fairly close to Colmar and has actually earned the official designation of “one of France’s most beautiful villages.” I’m serious. What you would possibly consider particularly distinctive is, like, its circular layout that unfolds in concentric circles around a medieval citadel. If you ask me, it is actually unique! Read our full review: Eguisheim France Full Review and Details
What to See and Do: Basically, begin your walk at the Fontaine Saint-Léon. What is really attractive about the spot, is, that it basically marks where the birthplace of Pope Leo IX was supposedly situated. I am just relaying some knowledge I gathered though. From there, take some time traveling through the enchanting alleyways, with their half-timbered buildings. Arguably, make sure to give some consideration to capturing the gorgeousness of the village at the Rue du Rempart, one of the primary circular streets.
Local Flavor: While you happen to be hanging around Eguisheim, be sure you consider attempting a wine tasting session. Seriously, there are numerous vineyards positioned in and around the town that actually welcome visitors. Plus, to match that wonderful Alsatian wine, what about thinking of acquiring some regional foods and delights coming from local suppliers and farmers?
Getting There: Like I’ve stated, Eguisheim sits really close to Colmar. Therefore, it is generally genuinely accessible to travel there via car or by taking the local bus lines. As I have observed, having access to a vehicle may still give you greater versatility to discover other nearby interesting locations and locations. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Eguisheim Hotels)
4. Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle: A Medieval Masterpiece
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle gives what you would call an amazing sight sitting high on a hill offering panoramic views of the Alsace plain. Restored at the starting of the 20th century, after facing destruction in the course of the Thirty Years’ Battle, the Castle nowadays serves as a testimonial to medieval architecture and an icon of Alsatian heritage.
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Things To Explore: When there, I believe you ought to actually make the effort to take a tour led by an expert, considering that the visits allow insights into the storied history and the structural elements of this imposing castle. Furthermore, it looks like exploring the different courtyards, the armory, plus the great hall is genuinely worthwhile.
Fantastic Scenery: You can very definitely benefit from exceptional landscape views from the Castle’s walls looking outward across the Vosges Mountains, combined with Alsace Plain. The picturesque place appears amazing for landscape photographers, also, people who have an appreciation for panoramic landscapes.
Getting There: Arguably, you might possibly find driving to Haut-Koenigsbourg is apparently among the simplest options, because of how it is going to make it easier to get up towards the mountain where the castle is. Another way, tour bus services run coming from close-by towns particularly Sélestat; nonetheless, schedules should still always be verified earlier. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle Hotels)
5. Strasbourg: A Blend of France and Germany
Strasbourg is both the capital of the Alsace place, plus the recognized chair in the European Parliament, displaying a truly fascinating mix coming from French and German influences. Just think, its old town, Grande Île, a UNESCO The planet Heritage site, boasts superb cultural locations, beautiful museums, with spectacular Alsatian dining places that anyone must experience.
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Leading Attractions: Without any hesitation, I can mention Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, is pretty impressive for its beautiful Gothic style combined with a breathtaking view out of its observation tower. At some point consider exploring La Petite France, an appealing location showcasing cobblestone walkways, canal-side houses, plus captivating flower screen boxes.
Tradition & Food: So, why don’t you treat yourself to some conventional Alsatian meals with restaurants around Strasbourg to sample famous nearby options similar to flammkuchen together with sauerkraut. Remember that I stated the conventional marketplace coming from Strasbourg does feature many forms of cheese alongside pastry, just perfect regarding foods sampling combined with taking a piece back home.
Accessibility: It is pretty simple to travel to Strasbourg, due to its superb train connections serving significant places around France coupled with neighboring European nations. Besides the advantages from railway solutions, Strasbourg provides considerable bus lines and streetcar methods which make getting about and sightseeing simple. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Strasbourg Hotels)