One absolute must while visiting France is to visit Alsace region and discover all its wineries and winegrowers. Only 20 minutes away by plane from the Strasbourg-Entzheim, Alsace is located between the Vosges, the Black Forest and the Rhine. This neighboring region of Germany with an eventful history will delight you with its plains, its typical towns and villages, but most of all, its renowned vineyard . By the way, did you know that Alsace is the smallest region in France? It is nonetheless very dynamic, and as a wine region, welcomes many tourists each year.
The richness of Alsatian cultural and historical heritage is recognized in the world. It is good to live there, the landscapes are varied, and the local gastronomy is delicious.
What are the must-see places to visit Alsace region?
Here is our selection of the places that we appreciated the most while writing this article on Tourism in Alsace. This list is not exhaustive of course, but you will have an overview of the most visited places, and rightly so! What to give you ideas for plan your stay and your itinerary.
Old Colmar
Very close to the Vosges mountains, Colmar is the capital of Haut-Rhin. In the middle of the Alsace Wine Route, it is an ideal getaway for those who want to discover the typical Alsatian architecture: the famous half-timbered houses and their half-timbered frames. You can stroll there between the terraces and the traditional wine cellars in the Quartier des Tanneurs and rue des Marchands. A true institution, the Pfister house, built in 1537, is a historical monument, symbol of the architectural Renaissance.
The commune of Neuf-Brisach
Built by the architect Vauban at the time of Louis XIV in 1699 , this old stronghold in the shape of a star is by its architecture unique in Europe. Its fortifications and ramparts are intact, a true masterpiece that will delight lovers of architecture and history.
Strasbourg and its cathedral
When we talk about the charming Alsatian capital, it’s impossible not to imagine passing there without entering its great gothic cathedral. It is the keystone of tourism in Alsace. The city offers a wide range of activities to do with family or friends, as well as many addresses for foodies and wine lovers. Our favorite: the Grande Île de Strasbourg , listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
This fortified castle located in Orschwiller in the Bas-Rhin dominates the plains of Alsace. Former property of the German Empire in 1919, Alsace and France recovered it in 1956 following the Treaty of Versailles. With more than 500,000 visitors each year, it is a must in the region. You can immerse yourself in the time of the Dukes of Alsace by discovering its courtyards, its dungeon, the weapons room or the Kaiser’s room.
The best of Tourism in Alsace: What to visit?
In addition to hiking or biking on the many trails and cycle paths that dot the Grand-Est, there is an alternative that will delight everyone. Those who love the city, nature, or small villages and even castles will appreciate the Alsace Wine Route.
This legendary wine route, festive and picturesque, is one of the most beautiful ways to discover the region . The Alsatian vineyard stretches the entire length of the region from Wissembourg to Mulhouse, passing through Strasbourg and Colmar for approximately 170km.
You will find on your route many areas to visit. The vineyards that work every day to preserve their precious vines will share with you the millennial history of the region, their traditions and their love of the land. And of course, their wine, for example by reserving a Visit at a winery in Alsace.
Which wines to taste in Alsace
Fine, elegant and rich in aromas , Alsace wines surprise you with their diversity . This region with the ideal climate for the cultivation of white wine in particular gives rise to 7 different grape varieties:
- Muscat;
- Riesling;
- Pinot Gris ;
- Pinot noir (the only red grape in Alsace);
- Gewurztraminer;
- Sylvaner;
- Pinot blanc.
More than 50 Grands Crus make up the richness of Alsace wines. 3 AOCs (Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée) help you to find your bearings during your visits: the Appellation “Alsace”, “Alsace Grand Cru” or even “Crémant d’Alsace” (a blend of grape varieties giving an effervescent wine, produced according to a traditional method similar to Champagne).
Alsatian cellars and estates are part of the discovery of Tourism in Alsace
Visits, wine workshops, food and wine pairing , or a walk in the vineyard, you are spoiled for choice regarding your activities during your wine tourism stay in Alsace . The bioclimatic cellar Yarrow offers, for example, a tasting of 5 wines from their atypical production at the foot of the Vosges hills after a visit to their estate. The view over the vines is simply breathtaking!
In Gertwiller, the Zeyssolf family welcomes you to their cellar dating from 1850. A place steeped in history perpetuated by a family of winegrowers for more than 3 centuries, who today offer you to taste their specialty: Pinot Gris “Rose” or the Klevener of Heiligenstein . It is an essential discovery of tourism in Alsace.
You will find our selection of winegrower partners in all the region and the main towns of Alsace (Strasbourg, Colmar, Riquewihr, etc.) who welcome you all year round for a unique moment of sharing, high in flavor and rich in memories. To book, all you need to do is select the criteria that suit you in a few clicks. No booking fees, Winalist is the platform you need to choose your oenological activities throughout Alsace and Europe.
