An ideal destination for lovers of outdoor tourism
The history of the Alsace Wine Route
The Alsace Wine Route now stretches for around 170 kilometres, linking Marlenheim in the north to Thann in the south, across the two departments of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin. Created in 1953, it remains one of the oldest tourist routes in France and continues to captivate visitors with the richness and diversity of its landscapes. It passes through more than 120 villages and small towns, including some of Alsace’s most iconic, such as Riquewihr, Eguisheim and Obernai, renowned for their colourful half-timbered houses, flower-lined streets and architectural heritage blending Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Along the route, the road winds its way between the Alsace plain and the foothills of the Vosges mountains, offering an immersion in the heart of wine-growing landscapes shaped over centuries. The vineyards, among the most renowned in France, are dotted with perched medieval castles, such as Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, which watch over the valleys and serve as a reminder of the region’s rich history.
Today, the Alsace Wine Route is also an ideal destination for lovers of outdoor tourism. Numerous campsites, ranging from the simplest to the most comfortable, are located right next to the vineyards and villages, offering an authentic and friendly way to discover the region. Whether you’re travelling with a tent, a van or a motorhome, you’ll easily find suitable accommodation, often nestled in stunning natural settings.
To make the most of this region, one recommendation stands out more than ever: leave your car at the campsite. Alsace now boasts a particularly well-developed network of cycle paths, including the famous ‘véloroute’ through the vineyards (EuroVelo 5), which allows you to cover a large part of the route in complete safety. By bike, you’ll ride through the vineyards, pass picturesque villages and easily reach the cellars for tastings, all whilst savouring the peace and beauty of the landscapes.
Even before your first tasting, let yourself be charmed by a few unmissable stops along this exceptional route, promising a total immersion in Alsatian nature, culture and way of life.
What are the must-see stops on the Alsace Wine Route?
Colmar, the capital of Alsatian wines
Nestled in the heart of Alsace, Colmar immediately captivates with its picturesque charm. Often likened to a veritable bonbonnière, the town enchants with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses with colourful façades and the romantic canals of the Petite Venise district. Ideally situated at the heart of the Alsatian vineyards, Colmar fully deserves its nickname as the ‘capital of Alsatian wines’. It is an excellent starting point for exploring the Wine Route and discovering the many surrounding vineyards, with opportunities to taste fine wines, meet the winemakers and sample local culinary specialities.
But Colmar is not just about its wine heritage. The city is also a cultural hotspot. The Unterlinden Museum, which has been fully renovated and expanded in recent years, houses one of the major masterpieces of Western art: the famous Issenheim Altarpiece. Just a short walk away, the Bartholdi Museum pays tribute to Auguste Bartholdi, a native of the city and creator of the legendary Statue of Liberty.
Colmar is therefore an essential stop on any trip along the Alsace Wine Route.
Obernai, a microcosm of Alsace
Situated in the foothills of the Vosges, at the mouth of the Ehn valley, Obernai embodies all the charm of Alsace. The second most visited town in Alsace after Strasbourg, it captivates visitors with its rich heritage and authentic atmosphere. Behind its well-preserved ramparts, the historic centre reveals a maze of cobbled streets, flower-bedecked half-timbered houses and lively squares, such as the famous Place du Marché with its belfry and Renaissance well.
Obernai is also a prime stop on the Alsace Wine Route. The vineyards surrounding the town invite you to discover and taste the great Alsatian grape varieties in friendly cellars where expertise is passed down from generation to generation. Here, everything is perfect for a leisurely stroll: leave your car at the town’s entrance and set off on foot to explore its narrow streets, among craft shops, traditional winstubs and gourmet stops… always in moderation, of course.
To extend the experience in the heart of nature, settle into a peaceful setting such as Le Vallon de l’Ehn Campsite. Nestled in lush green surroundings, this campsite is an ideal base for exploring the area by bike or on foot, amongst vineyards, hills and traditional villages.
Obernai offers a taste of Alsace that leaves no one indifferent.
Riquewihr, the pearl of the vineyards
A true gem of the Alsace Wine Route, Riquewihr is a remarkably well-preserved medieval town, nestled between the Vosges mountain range and the Alsace plain. Surrounded by almost intact ramparts, the village seems frozen in time, with its cobbled streets, colourful half-timbered houses and fortified towers lending it a unique charm.
Situated in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards, Riquewihr is an unmissable stop for lovers of wine and heritage. Here, the setting lends itself as much to contemplation as to tasting: traditional cellars, family-run estates and winegrowers’ shops invite you to discover the full richness of the local grape varieties, from Riesling to Gewürztraminer.
Strolling through Riquewihr combines the pleasure of ancient stonework with that of the ‘wine’s lifeblood’, in an atmosphere that is both authentic and vibrant. Listed among the most beautiful villages in France, it offers a complete immersion in the Alsatian way of life, blending history, gastronomy and exceptional vineyard landscapes.
Ribeauvillé, between vineyards and fortified castles
Among the must-see stops on the Alsace Wine Route, Ribeauvillé holds a special place. Nestled at the foot of the Vosges, this charming town encapsulates everything that makes the region so charming and authentic. If you had to choose just a few stops, Ribeauvillé would naturally be a must.
Its historic centre charms visitors with its colourful half-timbered houses, Renaissance fountains and picturesque narrow streets, perfect for a leisurely stroll, especially on sunny days when the cool shade of the alleyways invites you to take a walk. There are numerous wine cellars and shops, offering plenty of opportunities to discover local specialities and the great wines of Alsace.
Towering over the town, three iconic fortified castles — Saint-Ulrich Castle, Girsberg Castle and Haut-Ribeaupierre Castle — serve as a reminder of the town’s rich medieval past and offer superb panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards.
The town also boasts many remarkable buildings, such as the town hall, the Tour des Bouchers, the old grain market, and the Maison des Ménétriers, all testaments to its prosperous history.
To extend your experience close to nature, the Pierre de Coubertin Municipal Campsite makes for a pleasant base. It is not uncommon to spot the white stork there, the region’s symbol, which adds an extra touch of charm to your stay.
Ribeauvillé stands out as a destination that is as rich in history as it is unforgettable.
Kaysersberg, the Alsatian way of life
Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Kaysersberg charms visitors with its authenticity and peaceful atmosphere. Dominated by the ruins of its imperial castle and crossed by the River Weiss, this village offers a picture-postcard setting with its cobbled streets, flower-bedecked half-timbered houses and famous fortified bridge. But Kaysersberg is also a place steeped in history, marked by the birth of Albert Schweitzer, an exceptional humanist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952, to whom a museum is now dedicated.
Beyond its heritage, Kaysersberg invites you to fully savour the Alsatian way of life. Imagine: it’s nearly midday, you’re strolling along a lively pedestrian street lined with restaurants and welcoming winstubs, such as that of Roger Hassenforder, a local figure and former cycling champion. The sunny terraces beckon… all that remains is to take a seat.
At the table, treat yourself to a thin, crispy tarte flambée (flammekueche), topped with cream, onions and bacon, accompanied by a glass of Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives. Here, time seems to stand still. We savour, we chat, we enjoy.
It is in these simple, precious moments that the true magic of the Alsace Wine Route is revealed. In Kaysersberg, you’re not just coming for a visit, but for a genuine experience… one you won’t forget in a hurry.