Why Alsace Should Be On Your Radar
Geographically small, yet culturally rich, the Alsace region is perfect for the time-poor. Best explored as a weekend road-trip, visitors will be treated to stunning scenery, unique cuisine and an abundance of wine.
Here are six reasons Alsace should be your next adventure.
Alsace’s glorious food
Fine dining enthusiasts would be hard-pressed to find a more enjoyable destination than Alsace. The region houses 27 Michelin-starred restaurants, promising a culinary adventure for any foodie. And – for the cost-conscious – there are plenty of quirky winstubs (bistros) that specialise in pairing foods with local wine.
Try Thierry Schwartz in Obernai for a local gem you can boast home about. And, for that special treat, Villa René Lalique – just north of Strasbourg — has been designed by one of the region’s most talented architecture and serves up dishes to match.
Discover France’s finest white wine
Alsace is home to France’s white wine route — La Route des Vins d’Alsace. This 110-mile trail loosely follows the Rhine River and meanders through more than 100 wine-producing villages.
The route offers an abundance of wine excursions and private vineyard tours. Crémant d’Alsace, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer are particularly special local wines – all should be sampled en-route.
The Peak Route trail: outdoors in Alsace
Explore Alsace’s stunning mountainous scenery by taking its Peak Route trail. Winding through the Vosges mountain range, tourists will enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest, the Alsatian plains and – on a clear day – the Alps.
Along this 70-kilometre trail are landscapes of stark contrast – including calm lakes, sprawling forests and mountain pastures.
A paradise for panoramas: Chateaus perched on mountain-tops
Among Alsace’s rugged terrain sit several fortresses. The Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg is perched upon one of the Vosges’ peaks and offers panoramic views of the Alsatian plain. This castle has seen nine centuries of history and will have visitors feeling like Medieval royalty.
There’s also the chateau atop Mont Sainte-Odile. It’s a significant pilgrimage site at an altitude of more than 750m – and its many surrounding pathways afford far-reaching views over Alsace.
Charmingly beautiful villages
Visitors should also explore Alsace’s flurry of tiny villages. Each exhibits its own personality, and many capture the true essence of the region.
One example is historic Riquewihr, frequently crowned one of France’s most beautiful villages. It’s also celebrated for the variety of flowers it produces, which transform it into a kaleidoscope of colours every spring. Riquewhir is instantly recognisable by its church steeple, which cuts an imposing figure over the tiny village.
Colmar – city of culture
The city of Colmar is rich in culture – evident in its many central monuments, impressive Medieval buildings and beautiful red-slated roofs. It’s been a cultural hub since the 13th Century; its winding cobbled streets and network of canals retaining the character of a past era.
Colmar’s Krutenau Quarter (Little Venice) is glorious in summer. Tree-lined streets are enjoyed by amblers, and al-fresco café culture is rife. Boats glide along narrow canals, providing passengers with uninterrupted views of balconies adorned with vibrant flowers.
Tempted by the beauty of Alsace? Time your visit to the city during the best events in Alsace.