Riquewihr: The Fairytale Village which Inspired Beauty & the Beast
Last Updated on 19th July 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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Often said to be one of the most beautiful towns in the Alsace region, and so stunning that it is 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 medieval wall. Here’s your guide to visiting the fairytale village of Riquewihr, as well as top tips to know before you go!
Contents
A history of Riquewihr
The origins of the charming town of Riquewihr date back to the Middle Ages, when the Lords of Hobourg owned the land in the 13th century and fortified the small town.
By 1324, they sold Riquwihr to the aristocratic family of Württemberg, who later would convert the entire town to Protestantism in the 16th century (it’s from this period in history that many of the buildings date back to).
Known as a “winzerdorg” or as it translates in English, a “wine village”- Riquewihr has been a trading hub for Alsatian wine for centuries, and continues to do so today. The town prospered greatly from its wine production and exports, making some of the most beautiful wines of Alsace and the world!
It also draws visitors in for its well-preserved architecture, offering an untouched feel of a town that has practically stayed the same since the 16th century, it inspires and exudes magic in the air!
The Beauty and the Beast Connection
Perched on a hillside somewhere along the Alsace wine route, Riquewihr is a fairytale town that feels like it’s been plucked straight out of a storybook.
And, this sentence couldn’t ring more true, as legend has it this is the very town which inspired the beloved fairytale of Beauty and the Beast!
In fact, Riqewihr is said to be one of the two towns which inspired Belle’s hometown, the second being its neighbouring town, Ribeauvillé.
If you’ve watched the Disney animation, it’s not hard to see why- from timber-framed buildings painted all colours of the rainbow, lining the flower-framed riverbanks, the town looks remarkably like the little town Belle calls home!
Things to do in Riquewihr
Riquewihr is pretty tiny and you can get a good lay of the land within an hour or two of wandering its cobbled lanes.
The entirety of the old town (i.e. the parts of the village which lie within the fortified walls) are completely pedestrianised, meaning that you should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk a fair bit.
Explore the ramparts
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 the Alsace region, and it’s hard not to fall in love with its fairytale charm. Simply exploring by foot and getting lost is one of the best ways to experience it!
Dolder Tower & Rue Charles de Gaulle
The most iconic landmark of Riquewihr is the emblematic Dolder Tower. Built-in the 13th century, the pink sandstone tower was originally used as both a belfry and gateway to the town, acting also as a defensive watch-tower to look out from.
Today, the tower has been transformed into a small museum, where visitors can uncover the local past until the present day, as well as climb up to the 4th floor and enjoy views of the the town.
Tour des Voleurs
The Thieves’ Tower as it is called in English is another small museum set within a 14th century fortification in the northwest corner of the town.
During the 15th century the tower was used as a prison and today visitors can explore the dingy underground cell, as well as the instruments of torture that were used. The upper levels of the tower overlook vineyards. Here, you can visit the guardroom which is furnished, and also a small display of wine-growing tools.
Sainte-Marguerite Protestant Church
Situated on the Rue des Trois Églises (Street of the Three Churches) you can find the largest of the three, Église Ste Marguerite, a Protestant church that sits that’s capped with a towering bell tower. The interior is richly decorated with intricately carved wood adorning both the organ and altar.
Visit the Christmas Market
Come the festive season, Riquewihr, like much of the Alsace region, is transformed into a Christmas town, with over 100 stalls lining the rue des Remparts. A dazzling display of all your childhood dreams come true, this magical pocket is a haven of festive treats, a merry atmosphere and beautiful decorations!
One particular joy to see in the town during the Christmas period is to enjoy the beautiful light show. This takes place on a daily basis post-nightfall and sees much of the town illuminated in various golden lights. Read our guide on how to visit Riquewihr’s Christmas Market here.
Shop for local souvenirs
Of course, one of the most magical ways to remember your trip is by picking up a local souvenir or two. Riquewihr’s shops truly look like something out of Father Christmas’ grotto, an enchanting array of colourful treasures and knick-knacks, some of which are completely ornamental but too beautiful not to purchase! Here are some of the more popular souvenirs you can pick up in the Alsace:
- Christmas decorations – You’ll find some of the cutest Christmas decorations in the Alsace region! From twinkling snow fairies to upright stern-looking nutcrackers, be sure to check out the Christmas shop, Féerie De Noël, in the heart of town.
- Alsatian wine glasses – Unmistakably unique to the region, these dainty wine glasses are often thimble-sized with long, elegant emerald green stems. Traditionally used to serve the locally grown and produced white wine, it’s said that before Alsation wines were of the high quality they are today, winemakers would use green glass to hide the colour of the wine (which was not so good…).
- Soufflenheim pottery – This Alsatian craft dates back to the Bronze Age, using traditional techniques passed through generations, this style of pottery has been made from local clay sourced from the region.
- Alsace wines – Whether visiting or winery or simply picking up a bottle or two in the local bottle shop, you don’t want to leave this incredible wine-making region without some of their delicious Riesling!
Sample local Alsatian cuisine
Traditionally, Alsace is a region which has frequently changed hands between Germany and France, resulting in a unique blend of culture, particularly when it comes to the culinary scene. Here are some of the more unique treats to try while in the area:
- Green sauerkraut – Made from green cabbage which is thinly sliced and pickled, this sauerkraut also has kale, seaweed, spinach and ginger so it packs a punch of green goodness and is rich in probiotics.
- Baeckeoffe – A casserole dish that is typical of the region, translating to “baker’s oven”, this hearty and warming dish is a mix of sliced potatoes, onions, mutton, beef, and pork which has been marinated overnight in Alsatian white wine and juniper berries and slow-cooked in a bread-dough.
- Spätzle – One of Germany’s most beloved foods, these are a type of Central European egg noodles typically served as a side dish to accompany meats.
Sip on local wine
The Alsace is one of the more famous wine regions of France, and as a result, if you enjoy tasting unique wines, then sampling some of the local tipple should be on your bucket list. One particular wine which is the undisputed king of Alsace grapes is, Riesling, a rich white wine of floral and crisp notes.
Even as you drive up the road approaching Riquewihr, you’ll be greeted by the sight of row upon row of vineyard. Here are some of the local winemakers:
- Gîte l’Agapé – Set within 10 hectares of vineyards, this winery even has a guesthouse which is available to rent out, meaning you can drink as much wine as you like and have a spot to sleep straight after! Check prices and availability here.
- Domaine DOPFF AU MOULIN – A family-run estate since 1574, this winery is one of the most important producers of Alsatian wines and the pioneer of Crémant d’Alsace.
- SARL Bucher Jean-Luc – Here you can visit the winery, meet the winemaker, and learn more (and taste!) the wine from the very cellar it’s stored in. Their shop where you can buy bottles to take home is set within a historic house built in 1568, opposite the Dolder Tower in the heart of Riquewihr town.
Nearby hiking trails
If you’re visiting during the spring, summer, or early fall, then another popular activity is to venture out into the beautiful Alsatian countryside and onto one of the many hiking trails in the region.
One of the most popular routes to take is to hike from Riquewihr to its neighbouring town Ribeauvillé, passing through vineyards along an easy gravel path which boasts spectacular views of the landscape. The route is around 11 kilometres distance in total.
Where to stay in Riquewihr
Thanks to its status as one of the most magical villages in the Alsace, Riquewihr is a cosy place to stay if you’re looking for a smaller town with a more countryside feel.
Hôtel de la Couronne: This cosy hotel is nestled right in the heart of Riquewihr’s centre and is set against the backdrop of a building dating back to 1550. Highlights include a bar onsite and that it’s pet friendly (for an extra charge). Check prices and availability here.
Best Western Hotel & Spa Le Schoenenbourg: This four-star tourist hotel is located just outside of the town centre and boasts amenities such as a pool, spa, and free parking (the parking is a particularly handy amenity in Riquewihr). Check prices and availability here.
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