Last Updated on 27th February 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
Imagine a road trip through timber-framed villages, quintessentially French vineyards, and some of the most magical cities you could ever hope to dream of. Well, all this and more is possible should you opt to visit The Alsace, a stunning region in Eastern France best-known for its rich history and many Christmas markets during the festive season. Here’s your ultimate guide to the most beautiful villages, cities, and Alsace towns you’ll simply love!
The Alsace in eastern France is a stunning region characterised by its proximity to the border with Germany. Indeed, historically part of the Holy Roman Empire and then the German realm of culture, the area has traded hands many times since the 17th-century, resulting in a region which is a rich blend of both German and French cultures.
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Which is the best town to visit in The Alsace?
I personally love all of the towns and villages that I’ve visited in the Alsace (and having been on two road trips here, I’ve pretty much seen all of them). However, it has to be said that not all cities and towns are made equal, and so if you’re only short on time, I would prioritise seeing the following:
- Colmar
- Strasbourg
- Eguisheim
- Riquewihr
- Kaysersberg Vignoble
Best cities and towns in the Alsace
Colmar
One of the most magical cities in the Alsace is that of Colmar. Situated in the northeastern part of France, this fairytale-like town is filled with cobbled streets, meandering flower-lined canals and colourful houses.
Aside from being a picturesque dream, there’s lots to do and see in the town. You can take a guided boat tour down the canal and visit La Petite Venise, a historic setting with restaurants that serve refined Italian cooking. Or, there’s a covered market filled with small shops selling local produce, perfect for a picnic!
Abundant with beautiful old buildings, churches and a museum, Colmar is rich with history. This charming little town is also on the popular Alsace Wine Route, so visitors can enjoy some of the regions finest wine while walking around the vineyards in which the grapes were grown.
It’s hard not to fall in love with this enchanting destination, and you can visit any time of the year as it gets prettier with every change of season. During the festive period, Colmar’s centre comes to life with six different Christmas markets, all radiating with warmth and festive cheer!
For even more inspiration, be sure to check out our suggestions for how to spend one day in Colmar and the best hidden gems of Colmar.
Mulhouse
Nicknamed as “the French Manchester” this large industrial city is located in eastern France near the Swiss and German borders. It is actually the second largest (after Strasbourg) in the Alsace region.
This thriving city has a fascinating history, in the 19th century it became one of France’s leading textile centres. Known for its plentiful museums, visitors can indulge in the endless source of knowledge from methods of transport to the production of printed fabrics, learning about some of the area’s richest culture.
Mullhouse is filled with art and a must-see when visiting is the beautiful pink house next to the church, the Old Town Hall (Mairie de Mullhouse). Dating back to 1553, this building is a masterpiece of Rhenish Renaissance architecture that you won’t want to miss.
Sitting in the heart of three countries, you can also enjoy the authentic traditional Alsatian cuisine along with the region’s best wine and beer!
Strasbourg
The largest city in the Alsace, and indeed its most visited is Strasbourg. The city is most famous for its towering cathedral which was the tallest building in the world between 1647 and 1874. Today, the city is self-proclaimed to be the capital of Christmas and hosts an annual festive event.
With so many things to do, Stasbourg is brimming with energy and as soon as you walk through the winding streets you’ll find yourself immersed in a city of beauty and wonder. A city of timeless beauty, it’s definitely worth the trip!
Strasbourg in particular comes to life during the festive period. Imagine sipping Glühwein while wandering streets illuminated by warm lights and decorative ornaments. As if being inside a magical snow-globe, with frosted rooftops and colourful lights, this dream of a city is where you want to visit around Christmastime.
While in the eastern French city, I would particularly recommend checking out the Petite France district, which is characterised by its many waterways and abundance of timber-framed houses. If you’re planning a trip to the city, then be sure to check out our suggested Strasbourg walking tour.
Turckheim
One of the smaller and off the beaten path Alsace towns that you won’t want to miss is that of Turckheim. Located on the eastern slopes of the French mountain Vosges, this quaint historic town has am incredible built heritage.
Filled with magnificent medieval architecture visitors can enjoy the town simply by strolling through it, popping into the various bars and cafes.
Possibly one of the biggest draws to Turckheim is that of its unique Christmas market, the Land of Stars. A magical world will occupy the town during the festive season and visitors from all over can enjoy the impressive Christmas decor of the town.
Niedermorschwihr
The little village of Niedermorschwihr is characterised by its quaint timber-framed houses, nestled between rolling green hills of the French countryside.
Part of the Wine Route, the village is well known for its surrounding vineyards, perfect for those who appreciate a good glass of wine! You can also enjoy the many restaurants the village has to offer.
A standout monument that you cant miss, in the heart of the village, is the 14th or 15th century Église Saint-Gall, a beautiful church with a crooked spire.
Thann
A beautiful historic town, renowned for its masterpiece of Gothic architecture St Theobald’s Church, Thann sits just a short walk away from the ruins of a castle.
St Theobald’s Church will blow you away with its mesmerising height and multicoloured tiled roofs. This beautiful building is surrounded by a maze of narrow streets that are filled with the buzz of shops, bars and restaurants.
Like a lot of the towns in the region of Alsace, Thann is no different when it comes to Christmas time as the town comes to life with magic. For more information about Thann in the festive period, check out our Thann Christmas Market guide.
Cernay
With little by way of attractions, the charm of Cernay lies in its authentic Alsace nature and rural location.
Discover the beauty of its historical heritage and immerser yourself in the feeling of walking back in time as you stroll along the river, admiring the magnificent medieval houses.
Considered to be the bringer of luck and wealth, the white stork is an emblem of the Alsace region. Unique to the town of Cernay resides a Stork Park! Visitors can view the majestic birds that are free to roam where they please, often flying above the city or searching for food in the nearby river.
Eguisheim
Listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France, it’s hard to resist the winding cobbled streets lined with brightly painted traditional medieval buildings that make up Eguisheim.
Charming and full of atmosphere, this charming destination has plenty to see. Les Trois Châteaux du Haut-Eguisheim (the three castles of Eguisheim), dating back over a thousand years and towering above the town, are romantic ruins with panoramic views of the area, a must-see when visiting!
There are a great deal of restaurants, cafes and shops filled with local treasures. And like many places in the region, Eguisheim has wonderful vineyards to explore. During wintertime, Eguisheim has its own amazing Christmas Market.
Kaysersberg Vignoble
Kayserberg is a charming jewel of a town, where the houses sit right on the river edge and the paved streets are rich with history.
A notable landmark to visit is Église Sainte-Croix (Holy Cross Church), a magnificent monument built in the first half of the 13th century. Inside the church visitors can admire the numerous artworks, and take in the impressive Gothic style building.
Château de Kaysersberg is another popular attraction, where you can get to by following a marked path from the town. There are also many beautiful cycling and walking routes to take in the surrounding vineyards and forests. At Christmas, you can visit the Kaysersberg Christmas Market on the weekend.
Guebwiller
Nicknamed as “the city with three churches”, this stunning destination is the highest peak of the Vosges in Alsace. Three beautiful churches from three different centuries (12th, 14th and 18th) are individual in character and places you won’t want to miss when you visit!
For those with a curiosity and love for art, the museum of Theodore Deck, a master of ceramic art in the 19th century, is a wonder to walk around.
The small but charming Guebwiller is, like many of the Alsace region, undoubtedly the best place to try new wines and enjoy the relaxed setting of the surrounding green hills. During wintertime, Guebwiller plays host to the famous ‘blue Christmas‘.
Obernai
Obernai is situated at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile, resting beside farms and cabbage fields that stretch out into the distance, a luscious green.
This historic gem of a town in lined with pretty half-timbered houses and charming cafes, and just a minutes walk from the main square, visitors can find the neo-Gothic Église Saints Pierre et Paul.
Although a touristic spot to visit, Obernai remains unspoilt and retained its traditional character and allure. For more inspiration about this Alsatian town, check out our Obernai Christmas Market guide.
Ribeauville
Surrounded by ancient walls lies one of the oldest towns in the Alsace region, Ribeauville.
When it comes to visiting this picturesque village the best way to take it all in is to simply walk around! Admire the colourful streets and enjoy the feeling of going back in time in this fantasy-like village.
Nestled between the vineyards and mountains you can also visit the three castles of Ribeauville. The ruins of the castles are a lovely walk away from the village, and once you reach them you are hit with the spectacular views.
Riquewihr
Often said to be one of the most beautiful towns in the Alsace region, and so stunning that is actually alleged to have inspired Beauty and the Beast, Riquewihr is pretty unique in that it is more or less the same way as it was in the 16th century and is still surrounded by a wall.
A remarkable architectural heritage, this town proudly remains one of the most preserved medieval towns in France. The detail of the houses and cobbled hidden streets make this one of the most beautiful places in Alsace, and its hard not to fall in love with this fairytale of a town.
There are also a number of wineries and vineyards surrounding, where some of the most beautiful wines of Alsace and the world have been made. Riquewihr is also home to an annual Christmas Market.
Selestat
In the heart of Alsace, Selestat is full of charm and history, welcoming visitors with its warming atmosphere.
Often dubbed the ‘cradle of the Christmas tree’ thanks to the fact that a document in the Humanist Library dates back over 500 years and is alleged to be the first such documentation of the Christmas Tree, Selestat has become the home of the real story of the Christmas tree.
A major draw to this beautiful pocket in Alsace is the Selestat Christmas Market. Each year an exhibition is installed, taking visitors through the entire history of the Christmas tree from the 16th century to now. In addition to this, there is a program of Christmas festivities where lots of activities are planned during the advent period.
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Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks. Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh, she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world!