Wine, Castles & Holidays in Alsace, France

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Advisor - Whitney Fessler
Curated By

Whitney Fessler

  • France

  • Food & Wine

  • Arts & Culture

  • Family Travel

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • Road Trip Travel

  • Small town

  • Countryside

  • Vineyard

charming houses in a small village
Curator’s statement

The Alsace Region of France is rich in culture with vineyards, castles, hiking, Holiday Markets, and an infusion of German influence. Driving from Strasbourg to the southernmost parts of Alsace is a great way to experience it all.

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Where to stay in Alsace, France

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Things to do in Alsace, France

grape vineyard with a small white thatched roof house

This part of France is famous for the Alsace Wine Route, but that's not all it has to offer. Dine on classic Alsatian food like tarte flambee (spoiler alert - it's not what you think it is), explore the region by foot on trails connecting small villages, and learn about the region's history with Germany. So many tiny towns to explore, each with hole-in-the-wall wine tasting rooms around every corner. Savor the smells and delights of the Easter and Christmas Markets, or tour one of the many castles in Alsace.

Strasbourg is a large town, with an airport, train station and all of the bigger city amenities. Colmar is smaller and nicknamed Little Venice because of the canal that runs though. Hop on a gondola or dine along the water for a unique experience. Did you know that Colmar is the birthplace of Auguste Batholdi, who sculpted the Statue of Liberty? There is even a replica in Colmar that is 12 m high.

The route between the two is dotted with small villages, castles, many vineyards, and even a Barbary Macaque Sanctuary! Each small village has its own unique history, shopping, dining experiences and wines. You can easily spend a half day in each place, or quickly swing through for a taste of the local flare on your way to a new location.

Day Trip

La Montagne des Singes - This Barbary Macaque Sanctuary is fantastic place to take the kids!

Places to eat & drink in Alsace, France

quaint town on a canal with a bridge and restaurants on the water

Breakfast

Any patisserie or boulangerie, as they are all amazing and unique, or pick up some pastries, bakery treats and fresh produce for a classic in-home breakfast.

Lunch

  • Restaurant Le Kaysersberg: healthy, classic Alsatian food with a view of the castle above the village.

  • l'Arpege Colmar - An intimate fine dining, perfect for a midday meal after exploring Colmar's Little Venice.

Dinner

Advisor - Whitney Fessler

Travel Advisor

Whitney Fessler

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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Amanda Faulkenberg's guide, Winter Wonderland in Strasbourg, France.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to France.