Alsace
Top-Rated Alsace Villages & Medieval Towns
A delightful way to explore Alsace is by traveling through the picturesque foothills of the Vosges Mountains and along the Rhine plain. This entire area is a UNESCO-listed natural regional park. A driving route leads through the unspoiled, bucolic landscape and runs parallel to the meandering Rhine River from Molsheim, past the historic cities of Obernai and Colmar, to Guebwiller.
The itinerary leads to adorable little hamlets, charming country villages, and exquisitely preserved medieval towns, where colorful potted flowers burst from the windowsills of pastel-painted half-timbered houses, and narrow cobblestone lanes invite pleasant strolls that feel like stepping back in time.
Learn about the best places to visit in the region with our list of the top Alsace villages and medieval towns.
1. Colmar
Colmar
The dainty picture-perfect beauty of Colmar belies its importance as a center of culture since the 13th century (especially during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century). With its historic neighborhoods, winding pedestrian streets, and atmospheric canals, Colmar has retained the enchantment of a bygone era. Typical of the region, the city's half-timbered burghers' houses have balconies adorned with potted geraniums, which bloom in spring and summer. Colmar has earned the distinction of a "Ville Fleurie" (Flowering City) because of its vibrant floral displays.
This quintessential Alsatian town is brimming with old-world atmosphere, especially in the Krutenau Quarter. Also known as "Little Venice," this quarter is where tourists can embark on a boat tour around the canals. Throughout the historic center of town, tourists will come across magnificent architecture such as the Maison des Têtes, a splendid Renaissance mansion, and the Maison Pfister, one of the finest old 16th-century houses in the city. To admire beautiful art, the Musée Unterlinden is an obligatory stop, while the Koïfhus (Old Customs House) gives an insight into Colmar's thriving commercial activity during the medieval era.
2. Riquewihr
Riquewihr
Tucked in between the crests of the Vosges Mountains and the expansive Alsace plain, Riquewihr is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (Most Beautiful Villages of France). From far away, with the church steeple rising above the village, Riquewihr looks like a drawing in a children's storybook. The best spot to view the village is from the pathway near the 14th-century Tour des Voleurs (Thieves' Tower).
Awarded the title of "Village Fleuri" (Flowering Village), Riquewihr has many historic buildings embellished with flowering balconies. Adding to the charm, the village has pleasant public squares adorned with fountains. The main street of the village, the rue du Général-de-Gaulle, is a lovely place for a leisurely stroll. The rue du Général-de-Gaulle ends at the Dolder gate tower, which was built in 1291 and now houses a museum. For such a tiny village, there are plenty of cafés, bakeries, boutiques, and restaurants that appeal to the many tourists who visit throughout the year.
3. Obernai
Obernai
About 25 kilometers south of Strasbourg, this Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire has retained its medieval ambience, seen in the 13th-century tower, old town gates, narrow pedestrian lanes, and characteristic burghers' houses. The Place du Marché (Market Square) features Gothic and Renaissance houses, which lend an elegant air.
A short walk away from the Place du Marché, the 15th- to 16th-century Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) dazzles onlookers with its ornate Alsatian-style balcony. Nearby, in front of the Hôtel de la Cloche, is one of the most scenic spots in Obernai, the Puits des Six Seaux (Six-Bucket Well). Tourists can walk a few more blocks to the Place de l'Etoile, a lovely square with angular half-timbered houses and storks' nests on the roofs.
4. Kaysersberg
Kaysersberg
Ruins of an Old Imperial Castle provide a reminder of Kaysersberg's illustrious past as a Free Imperial City. With remnants of medieval walls, a Romanesque church (the Eglise Sainte-Croix), historic half-timbered houses, and Renaissance burghers' mansions, Kaysersberg has an appealing old-world ambience. Many buildings are decorated with potted flowers, earning the town a "Ville Fleurie" title.
For those who want to experience the magic of Christmastime in Alsace, Kaysersberg should be at the top of a tour itinerary in December. The town's traditional Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) draws many revelers because of its authentic decor and joyous atmosphere. Holiday shoppers appreciate the artisanal market, which features an assortment of craft vendors selling handmade items such as ceramics, jewelry, Christmas tree decorations, gingerbread cookies, and other unique seasonal specialties.
5. Ribeauvillé
Ribeauvillé historic houses with floral displays
This pretty little village (only four kilometers from Riquewihr) literally blossoms with quaintness. During springtime and summer, potted flowers adorn the window sills of fetching historic houses, as well as public spaces such as fountains and statues. Thanks to these exceptional floral displays, Ribeauvillé has been awarded the title of four-star "Village Fleuri" - the highest rating. The village's enchantment is further revealed in its atmospheric cobblestone streets and small squares.
To experience the medieval heritage of Ribeauvillé, tourists should arrive for the Fiddlers' Festival in September or the Medieval Christmas Market in December. During the Middle Ages, Ribeauvillé was ruled by the Count of Ribeaupierre, known as the "King" of the region's traveling musicians, who paid dues to him for his protection and gathered annually at Ribeauvillé for "Pfifferdaj" (the Fiddlers' Festival, which is still celebrated every year on the first Sunday in September). Other cultural events include the Kougelhopf Festival in May (devoted to the special cake made with raisons and almonds) and the Festival of Ancient Music in October.
6. Eguisheim
Eguisheim
The typical Alsatian village of Eguisheim (five kilometers from Colmar) is nestled in a sunny valley surrounded by the vine-covered foothills of the Vosges Mountains. Because of its beauty and charm, the village has earned many distinctions: It's one of France's "Plus Beaux Villages," as well as a winner of the "Grand Prix National du Fleurissement," France's most prestigious national floral award, and was voted the "village préféré des Français" (favorite village in France) in 2013. Visitors will understand all the praise after exploring the town's enchanting cobblestone streets.
The narrow lanes wind around the village in a concentric pattern, giving the feel of being in a fairy-tale world. Brightly painted half-timbered houses dating from the 16th and 17th century feature window sills, which are lovingly decorated with potted flowers. Eguisheim's captivating ambience makes it one of Alsace's top destinations for Christmas. The village celebrates the season with a festive Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) in the Alsatian tradition.
7. Sélestat
Half-timbered houses in Sélestat
Sélestat boasts a rich cultural heritage, beginning as a Carolingian stronghold in the 8th century and then as a Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire. The city became a center of humanism in the 15th and 16th centuries and today is recognized as a "Ville d'Art and d'Histoire" (City of Art and History). Sélestat has a library founded in 1452, which possesses thousands of valuable manuscripts dating from the 7th to the 16th centuries.
At the center of the town is the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), and nearby are two outstanding churches: the three-towered Romanesque Eglise Sainte-Foy and the 13th-century Eglise Saint-Georges, featuring modern stained-glass windows by Max Ingrand. One of the most fun things to do in Sélestat is visit the Maison du Pain d'Alsace, a museum and working bakery dedicated to the art and techniques of Alsatian baking. Visitors can watch the bakers create local specialities (and later sample some at the coffeeshop) such as pretzels, kougelhopf, brioche, bredele (cookies), and a wide variety of breads.
8. Münster
Münster Valley
Famous for its cheese, Münster is a great starting point to explore the "Route du Fromage" (Cheese Trail). Visitors can begin this gourmet experience by sampling cheeses at the Maison du Fromage (a museum devoted to cheese) and at farmhouse inns. Another local culinary specialty is called "tourte," a type of meat "vol-au-vent."
For those exploring the Alsace region, the Münster Valley is an excellent base for taking excursions to the villages around the Vosges Mountains such as Equisheim (20 kilometers away), Hattstatt (25 kilometers away), and Rouffach (30 kilometers away). The cities of Turckheim and Colmar are both within a 30-minute drive.
9. Dambach-la-Ville
Dambach-la-Ville
This medieval walled town is surrounded by a dreamy landscape of vine-covered, rolling hills. The gorgeous natural backdrop is the perfect juxtaposition for the town's brightly painted half-timbered houses. Visitors will enjoy discovering the beauty of Dambach-la-Ville, while wandering through a maze of winding cobblestone streets. To continue the scenic strolls, travelers need only venture just outside Dambach-la-Ville, where there are many hiking trails through the countryside. Other excursions include the nearby village of Epfig (eight kilometers away), which has a rare 11th-century Romanesque chapel.
To savor Alsatian culture, Dambach-la-Villeone is one of the best places to visit - especially during the Fête de la Myrtille (Blueberry Festival) that is held every two years in July. This lively festival attracts crowds, who come to sample the fresh blueberries and handcrafted blueberry pies, tarts, and juices.
Another festive occasion is the Marché de Noël every year in early December, which brings Christmas spirit to the town with live music concerts and an old-fashioned artisanal market. At dozens of stalls set up outside at the Place du Marché and inside at the Town Hall and in the Salle de la Laube, vendors sell unique Christmastime decorations and gift items.
10. Rosheim
Rosheim
Rosheim has an interesting heritage uncovered in the vestiges of its past: medieval walls with gated towers, one of the finest Romanesque churches in Alsace (the 12th-century Eglise Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul), and many flower-bedecked half-timbered houses. (Rosheim is listed as a "Ville Fleurie"). Only six kilometers from Obernai, this historic town was another Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire. Equally intriguing, the town has evidence of a Jewish community dating back to 1215. Although the 19th-century Jewish synagogue is now closed, tourists can still appreciate its neo-Romanesque facade.
11. Molsheim
Eglise des Jésuites in Molsheim
Within a maze of cobblestone streets, the medieval town of Molsheim boasts wonderfully preserved old houses. Visitors should begin a tour at the town's Place du Marché (the old market square) and then walk a few blocks to the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville to see the 16th-century "La Metzig" (Butchers' Guild House). The rez-de-chaussée (street level) of La Metzig is now a restaurant that serves authentic Alsatian cuisine. On the outskirts of the town is the Eglise des Jésuites built in 1617. This monumental church is one of the finest examples of Jesuit architecture in Alsace.
12. Turckheim
Turckheim
Found in the verdant Münster Valley, just six kilometers from Colmar, Turckheim is layered in history. Visitors enter the town through its medieval gates, relics of the ancient ramparts: the 14th-century Porte de France, the Porte de Munster, and the Porte du Brand.
Other well-preserved monuments tell more of the city's story. The Romanesque Eglise Sainte-Anne dates to the 12th century. The 16th-century Corps de Garde was an assembly room used by the town's guilds, while the 17th-century Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) served as the Court of Justice when Turckheim was an Imperial City (from the 14th to 17th centuries).
Turckheim hosts several events throughout the year, such as an Easter celebration and the Trois-Epis car race. The village is also famous for its Christmas festivities (from December 1st to 24th), which include an Advent Calendar ritual at the Town Hall with candle lightings, Christmas carols, and "Wiehnachts Bredele" (Christmas cakes). A highlight of Christmastime in Turkheim is the Marché de Noel des Lutins, a Christmas village of tiny houses (shops) created by local artisans, who present their arts and crafts. Every night, holiday gifts and treats such as cupcakes are distributed.
13. Andlau
Andlau | Spiterman / photo modified
Andlau is a quaint village in a tranquil valley near the forests of the Vosges foothills, where bears once roamed in abundance. The bear is a symbol of the village and also has a Christian significance in Andlau. According to local legend, a bear indicated to Saint Richard where to build the abbey of Andlau in the 9th century. This explains why bears make an appearance at the Eglise Abbatiale Saints-Pierre-et-Paul. The church crypt is guarded by a bear carved from stone, and a small bear is found in the intricate bas-reliefs on the exterior. Other whimsical bear sculptures decorate public spaces throughout the town.
14. Mittelbergheim
Mittelbergheim
At the foot of Mount Saint Odile in a ravishing landscape of vine-covered fields, Mittelbergheim is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France." This delightful village (three kilometers from Andlau) has a remarkable unity of architectural style, with most buildings dating to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Mittelbergheim is also renowned for its gastronomy. Many of the village's traditional restaurants offer specialties of the region, prepared from fresh ingredients from local markets.
The countryside surrounding Mittelbergheim is ideal for taking walks. Several trails outside of the village afford wonderful views of the idyllic scenery. With its slow-paced country feel, Mittelbergheim is a good place to relax, appreciate nature, and experience the joie de vivre of Alsace.
15. Guebwiller
Guebwiller | Soiwatter / photo modified
The attractive and cultured town of Guebwiller stands at the foot of the "Grand Ballon," the highest summit of the Vosges Mountains. Guebwiller is recognized as a "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" because of its architectural treasures, including the Romanesque Eglise Saint-Léger; the 11th-century Eglise Saint-Michel; and the 14th-century Couvent de Saint Dominique, originally a monastery of the Dominicains de Haute-Alsace, which has been transformed into a performance venue for music concerts.
For those who enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities, it's worth exploring the rural area outside of Guebwiller in the Vosges Mountains. In this pristine countryside, there is a wide selection of hotels and inns that offer an escape to nature.
Other nearby attractions include the Renaissance houses in Soultz (four kilometers away) and the Basilique de Thierenbach in Jungholtz (six kilometers away), a lavish Baroque church that is a pilgrimage destination devoted to the Virgin Mary.
16. Bergheim
Bergheim
Sheltered by the rolling foothills of the Vosges Mountains, this walled medieval village is one of the few Alsatian towns with its fortifications from the Middle Ages (built in 1311) still completely intact. Tourists will enjoy meandering through the village's winding lanes; walking along the ramparts; and visiting the Jardin d'Aneth, a medieval garden where berries and medicinal plants are grown.
A tour of the village should also include the Place du Marché to admire the fountain featuring the village's coat of arms, the Grand Rue lined with handsome flower-bedecked houses, and the Eglise Notre-Dame de l'Assomption (parish church).
17. Hunawihr
Hunawihr
The beauty and romance of Hunawihr has earned it a place on the list of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France." Surrounded by vine-covered hills and woodlands, this winsome country hamlet features quiet streets lined with floral-adorned half-timbered houses.
Besides its pastoral charm, Hunawihr has several unique attractions: a fortified church (the 15th- to 16th-century Eglise Saint-Jacques le Majeur), where villagers took refuge in times of invasion; the Butterfly Garden, which allows exotic butterflies to flourish in greenhouses that replicate natural habitats; and the Stork Reintroduction Center, which reintroduces native storks into the wild to help this endangered species survive.
Other Places of Interest
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
This breathtaking castle (15 kilometers from Ribeauvillé and 10 kilometers from Bergheim) is an important symbol of the Alsatian heritage. Like many medieval fortresses, the majestic Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is located at an impressive height. On a rocky promontory more than 700 meters high, the fortress was strategically situated for observing the landscape and providing defense in case of invaders. Since the castle was built in the 12th century by the Hohenstaufens, this amazing monument has witnessed the course of European history.
From 1900 to 1908, the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg was restored to its original splendor. The spectacular renovated castle is a joy to explore. Visitors circle through the spiral stairways that lead to the fully furnished living quarters.
Other noteworthy aspects are the drawbridges, armory, and cannons, which recall the fortress' military purpose. From the Grand Bastion artillery platform, visitors can take in exhilarating panoramas that encompass the plains of Alsace, the Vosges Mountains, and the Black Forest. The castle also has a Medieval Garden planted with flowers, plants, and medicinal herbs used during the Middle Ages.
Mont Sainte-Odile
One of the spiritual highlights of a tour through the Vosges Mountains, the Mont Saint-Odile is an emblematic Catholic monument of Alsace. This pilgrimage site attracts both religious pilgrims who come to pray, as well as visitors who come to simply experience the beauty and serenity of the setting. Located on a wooded ridge at 753 meters above the surrounding countryside, Mont Sainte-Odile offers a peaceful natural environment and awe-inspiring views. Besides being a working monastery, Mont Sainte-Odile is also a tourist destination with a hotel, restaurant, and self-service cafeteria.
The Mont Sainte-Odile convent is surrounded by ten kilometers of a prehistoric defensive wall known as the Mur Païen (Heathens' Wall). The two-meter-thick wall stands to a height of around six meters high. On the summit of a hill (at 511 meters) outside the modern convent is the site of the original convent of Sainte-Odile, which was destroyed in a fire in 1546.
Neuf-Brisach
Temple Protestant in Neuf-Brisach
This unique fortified citadel is situated in the Alsace plain on the Route Verte (Green Route), which leads to Germany's Black Forest. Because of its exceptional historical and cultural value, Neuf-Brisach is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1699 as a citadel for King Louis XIV (the Sun King), Neuf-Brisach features architecture never before seen in Europe and is considered a masterpiece of Vauban. The citadel's pure lines and 48 quarters form a perfect octagon, an astounding architectural accomplishment.
(thanks to: www.planetware.com)
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