ALSACE
Alsace is a region where French and German cultures harmoniously blend. With its fairytale villages, renowned vineyards, and stunning Vosges mountains, this guide helps you explore the unique history, celebrated wines, and festive traditions of France’s eastern heartland.
Why Visit Alsace?
Fairytale Villages: Explore charming towns with colorful, half-timbered houses and flower-lined canals that feel straight out of a storybook.
World-Famous Wines: Follow the Alsace Wine Route, known for its superb white wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
Rich History & Culture: Discover a legacy of Roman, French, and German influences reflected in the region’s architecture, cuisine, and dialect.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the perfect time for hiking in the Vosges and wine tasting, with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
Deep Off-Season (January-March): You will find the best value on accommodation and a peaceful atmosphere. It is also an excellent season for skiing in the Vosges mountains.
Peak Season (June-August, December): The weather is warm, and the region is very popular. Be prepared for crowds, especially during the festive Christmas markets in December.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Strasbourg
Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, is a vibrant city known for its magnificent Gothic cathedral and the picturesque La Petite France district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also a key center for the European Union.
Your Smart Tip: The city is easily explored on foot or by tram. Consider using the city’s Park & Ride facilities to avoid driving and parking in the city center.
Colmar & The Wine Route
Colmar is a medieval gem, often called the “capital of Alsatian wines.” It’s an ideal base for exploring the famous Alsace Wine Route, which winds through picturesque villages like Eguisheim and Riquewihr.
Your Smart Tip: To truly experience the magic of the wine country, rent a car or a bike and stop at the numerous wineries and villages at your own pace.
The Vosges Mountains
The Vosges mountain range offers a stunning natural contrast to the plains and vineyards below. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, skiing, and scenic drives like the Route des Crêtes.
Your Smart Tip: Don’t miss the chance to visit the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, a magnificent restored medieval castle offering breathtaking views of the plains.
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
Perched on a hill overlooking the plains of Alsace, Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is one of the region’s most famous landmarks. The medieval castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Rhine valley and the Black Forest in Germany. It has been meticulously restored to its 15th-century glory.
Your Smart Tip: To beat the crowds, visit the castle early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The views are especially stunning during these times, with soft light illuminating the valley below.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is semi-continental, with warm, sunny summers and cold winters. The Vosges mountains protect the region, making it one of the driest in France.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: While French is the official language, many older people and those in rural areas speak Alsatian, a German dialect.
Dining: Food and wine are central to the culture here. It is common to enjoy multi-course meals and to pair local wines with your dishes.
Regional Identity: Alsatians are proud of their unique blend of French and German cultures. It is best to be respectful of local traditions and to avoid making sweeping generalizations about either.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($25–$50), mid-range hotels ($80–$140), luxury ($170+). Prices are significantly higher in December during the Christmas markets.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$50 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Car rental ($40/day), train ticket (regional).
Activities: Wine tasting tours ($30+), museum entry ($15+).
Daily Budget:
Budget: $70–$100 (hostels, small plate food, public transport).
Mid-range: $110–$180 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
Luxury: $200+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A car is the most convenient way to travel the Alsace Wine Route and to explore the smaller villages.
By Train: An efficient train network connects major cities like Strasbourg, Colmar, and Mulhouse.
By Bus: The bus network is well-developed for travel between towns and cities, especially along the Wine Route.
Must-Try Food
Choucroute Garnie: A hearty dish of fermented cabbage with sausages, pork, and potatoes.
Baeckeoffe: A meat and potato stew marinated in white wine and slow-cooked in a sealed earthenware pot.
Flammekueche: A thin, crispy tart topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon, similar to a pizza.
Coq au Riesling: Chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with Alsatian Riesling wine, mushrooms, and herbs.
Spatzle: A type of soft egg noodle or dumpling, often served as a side dish.
Tarte à l’oignon: A savory onion tart, similar in style to a quiche.
Munster cheese: A soft, pungent cow’s milk cheese from the Vosges mountains.
Pain d’épices: A traditional gingerbread made with honey and spices.
Tarte aux quetsches: A plum tart, a classic dessert in the region.
Kugelhopf: A distinctive ring-shaped sweet bread or cake, often served for breakfast or dessert.
Must-Try Drinks
Riesling: The most famous of Alsace’s wines, known for its crisp, dry, and aromatic profile.
Gewürztraminer: A full-bodied, aromatic white wine with notes of lychee and rose.
Crémant d’Alsace: A sparkling wine produced in the region, popular as an aperitif.
Pinot Gris: A rich, full-bodied white wine with smoky and spicy notes.
Pinot Noir: The only red grape variety widely grown in the region, producing light, fruity red wines.
Eau de vie: A clear fruit brandy, often made from pears or plums, served as a digestive.
Bière artisanale: Craft beer is very popular in Alsace due to its German influence.
Vin Chaud: Mulled wine, a staple at the Christmas markets.
Jus de pomme: Fresh apple juice, a popular non-alcoholic option.