France is one of the most visited countries in the world, and while many tourists flock to Paris, the French Riviera, and Provence, those looking for a quieter alternative with an authentic French feel should head to Alsace France. On the border of France and Germany, the Alsace region is one of the most enchanting and culturally rich regions.
Having been to Alsace many times for my travel blog, Travel Books and Movies, the region is one of the most beautiful, peaceful, and culturally rewarding destinations you can explore–especially if you’re a foodie, a history enthusiast, or a culture traveler. Through the years, the Alsace region of France has alternated between both French and German control, so the destination is a unique mix of cultures with charming villages and special food items.
This guide will take you through the best destinations in Alsace, the region’s famous food and wine specialties, and a suggested five-day itinerary to help you explore this incredible region while checking out the local community and culture.
The key thing to remember when visiting Alsace is to take it slow. Visit local bakeries for tasty pastries and fresh bread. Sip wine at a family-owned vineyard. Enjoy a relaxed stroll through the cobblestone streets and just follow your instincts on where to go.
Must-See Destinations in Alsace France
Special Tip: If you’re a Beauty and the Beast fan, you might recognize that the small towns of Alsace inspired some scenes from both the cartoon and the live-action versions. (You might also like this list of bbooks and movies set in France.)
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is Alsace’s capital, the largest city in the region, and a hub of culture and European history. It is a perfect starting point or base camp for visiting Alsace. Visitors flock to Strasbourg every November and December for the epic Christmas decorations and markets.
The city is home to the UNESCO-listed Notre Dame Cathedral (a masterpiece of Gothic architecture known for its engineering feat: the astronomical clock), and the charming La Petite France district–a maze of half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and canals that will make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
Go for a stroll along the Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes for cute shops, or maybe take a boat ride on the canals to see the city from a different angle. Strasbourg is actually home to the European Parliament—a reminder of its role as a “crossroad for cultures and countries”. Make sure to visit during the summer for the epic Bastille Day celebrations.
Colmar
Often referred to as the “Little Venice” of Alsace, Colmar is one of the most photogenic towns in France. It also has colorful half-timbered houses, canals, and boat rides that create a whimsical atmosphere ideal for exploring at a relaxed pace.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the usually overcrowded Venice, Colmar is a quiet city with a similar built-on-water experience. This particular location in Alsace France is also a great base if you’re a wine lover—it is close to most of the iconic vineyards in the region.
Walking through Colmar’s Old Town, you’ll discover more cobblestone streets, unique stores, and welcoming cafés serving local specialties. The Unterlinden Museum is a popular spot—it’s home to incredible pieces of art and history.
Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé
These two medieval villages are among Alsace’s most picturesque gems. They’re small, but close together, so one of my favorite activities during my visits is to follow a 3-mile path and walk through the vineyards from one village to the other. (Then you can either walk back or take a taxi.)
Riquewihr is a perfectly preserved medieval town that looks straight out of a fairy tale, with colorful houses, charming shops, and a rich winemaking history. The town’s cobblestone streets and welcoming cafés make it the ideal spot for a laid-back stroll.
Nearby, Ribeauvillé is another must-visit with its medieval charm and iconic castle ruins. Both towns feel like stepping back in time and perfectly capture Alsace’s fairy-tale vibes.
Eguisheim
Eguisheim is another hidden gem with a quaint medieval atmosphere. It has a circular layout and colorful houses.
Walking through Eguisheim feels like entering a storybook with its winding streets, historic architecture, and charming flower displays in the spring and summer. It’s perfect for those who enjoy wandering on foot and capturing photos.
The town is also well-known for its local wines, with plenty of opportunities for wine tastings and vineyard exploration.
Food and Drink Specialties in Alsace France
Located close to the German border, Alsace, France is a region that blends French, German, and local culinary traditions in its food and drinks. The local food and wine here are a part of its identity, offering unforgettable dishes you can only find here.
Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to explore the local flavors, Alsace offers some regional specialties you can’t miss.
Wine in Alsace France
Of course, you’ll have to try some of the wine. Alsace is famous for its vineyards, and the wine culture here is a mix of tradition, geography, and heritage. The region specializes in white wines, with varieties like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris (yes, the French word for the same grape as Pinot Grigio) taking center stage.
You can visit vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and learn about the winemaking process by following the famous Alsace Wine Route–many of the vineyards offer tours and tastings (in multiple languages), and some also include lunch.
You’ll enjoy learning about the wine and the wine-making process, and a bonus: many of the wineries offer great views of the rolling hills and quaint villages. If you want to learn more about wine from around the world, these are some of my favorite books about wine.
Flammkuchen
This delicious local specialty of the Alsace region is similar to a thin, crispy pizza but unique to Alsace (so definitely don’t call it pizza when speaking with a local!). Flammkuchen is commonly topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons (small pieces of bacon fat).
It’s the perfect pairing with a glass of local white wine and can be found at many bistros and cafés throughout the region—my favorite is always the one with goat cheese.
Sauerkraut
While most will think of sauerkraut as a German food, the heavy German influence in the region means that sauerkraut is an important part of Alsatian culture. In France, it’s called choucroute and is much more than a side dish.
Flavored with local wine, the true Alsatian version is usually served in a unique Alsatian casserole dish called a Baeckoeffe (“baker’s oven”) with sausages, pork, and other local ingredients. It offers a warm, comforting meal that pairs perfectly with those crisp local wines.
Suggested Itinerary for Visiting Alsace, France
Unless you’re solely staying in Strasbourg and paying for day tours, it’s recommended that you have/rent a car to explore the wine route and visit the small towns (also easier to carry those bottles of wine you buy!). If you’re planning your visit to Alsace, here’s a simple five-day itinerary to see it all.
Day 1: Arrival in Strasbourg: Depending on what time you arrive, you’ll mostly just want to go for a walk (possibly even a guided walking tour) to get a feel for the town and explore La Petite France or even take a boat ride.
Day 2: Explore Colmar: Walk around the old town, enjoy a canal ride in Little Venice, and explore the Unterlinden Museum.
Day 3: Visit Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé: Park in Riquewihr, stroll through the town, and then find the route to walk to Ribeauvillé for lunch. After lunch and a walk exploring that small village, head back to Riquewihr for dinner.
Day 4: Discover Eguisheim and Local Vineyards: Wander the cobblestone streets of Eguisheim, enjoy a wine tasting in the town, and drive the Alsace Wine Route, enjoying more wine tastings along the way.
Day 5: Last Day in Strasbourg: Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and do your last-minute souvenir shopping.
Alsace offers travelers the perfect blend of relaxation, culture, food, and wine. It’s not just about the sights but about enjoying its laid-back lifestyle, interesting history, and natural beauty.
Enjoy Strasbourg’s international charm, Colmar’s picturesque canals, or the wine routes that wind through all the charming villages. The Alsace region encourages you to slow down, explore, and connect.
