If you have ever visited Alsace, the image of its picturesque half-timbered houses and charming fortified villages which served as inspiration, for example, for the Disney film Beauty and the Beast. Riquewihr, one of the most beautiful corners of this French region, was used by Disney illustrators to recreate the town of Belle, a fairy tale town brought to the big screen.
If, on the other hand, you have not yet had the opportunity to travel to French Alsace, you have a golden opportunity during the next long weekends in November and December, on the occasion of All Saints’ Day or the Constitution. One of the best times to visit this region is undoubtedly the end of the year or the beginning of January, when its streets are filled with a very Christmas atmosphere with the best traditional markets that can be found in all of Europe. But it is also very pleasant to travel to Alsace in spring or autumn, when the temperatures are still mild and the landscapes magnificent.
Whatever the season, you should know that getting around Alsace is quite easy thanks to its small size and a modern and well-equipped public transport network, as explained by the region’s official tourism website. Its A35 motorway crosses the entire region and allows you to travel the entire territory from north to south in just under two hours.
It is true that Colmar and Strasbourg – the capital – are the best known cities in Alsace, but they are not the only ones to visit if you decide to embark on an adventure through the French northwest and have several days to lose yourself in its landscapes.
Strasbourg, a French city with a German soul
Historically, Alsace was disputed for centuries between France and Germany until World War I in 1919 when it became French with the Treaty of Versailles; this made it a territory rich with the culture and traditions of both nations.
Strasbourg concentrates the essence of the region, so if we have less than four or five days, it is a good option to know all the characteristics of Alsace concentrated in a single city: its wooden houses, the canals on the river and the typical gastronomy. Franco-German.
In addition, this city is home to the official headquarters of some European Union institutions such as the European Parliament. Some must-see places are Rue du Dôme, Place Broglie and the Imperial Quarter, Notre-Dame Cathedral, as well as the Rohan Palace on Place du Château or the beautiful Petite France district, with its cobbled streets and bridges decorated with flowers. Its old town has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
If you travel on the Pont de la Constitution, you can already enjoy its Christmas atmosphere, knowing that Strasbourg is also the Christmas capital par excellence of the region. Its market on Place de la Broglie – with more than a hundred stalls – is one of the best known.
The houses and canals of Colmar
Half an hour from Strasbourg is the most popular tourist spot in the region: Colmar, even more so than Strasbourg. The city has a rich history dating back to the 9th century and has been shaped by various cultures, including German and French. Colmar has preserved its cultural heritage through its preserved architecture and numerous museums. Although it is a popular tourist destination, Colmar still has many hidden treasures to discover.
From stunning views of the Vosges Mountains to Lac Vert, to the tranquil beauty of Little Venice, to the historic Unterlinden Museum and charming Saint-Joseph Market, Colmar is a city full of surprises. The city also has a thriving food and wine scene, with local specialties such as Flammkuchen Alsace wine and Riesling.
Little Venice is a picturesque district of Colmar located on the banks of the Lauch River. It is characterized by the colorful half-timbered houses that line the river, creating a charming and romantic atmosphere. The district owes its name to its resemblance to the Italian city of Venice, with its small canals and the boats that cross them.
In Colmar you can also take a trip into the Gothic through the Collegiate Church of Saint Martin. This is a beautiful church located in the heart of the city, dating from the 13th century and which played an important role in the history of Colmar. The church served as a place of worship for the city’s bourgeoisie and was also a center of artistic and cultural life. This place of worship is open to visitors and guided tours are offered to discover its history and see its beautiful architecture and works of art up close.
Obernai, a journey into the past
Obernai, a city of international renown, prides itself on being the second most visited city in the Bas-Rhin after Strasbourg, the European capital. Located on the Wine Route, nestled between the Vosges mountains and Mont Saint Odile, Obernai has an unrivaled charm. This historic city, former imperial city of the Décapole, offers its 11,000 inhabitants and its visitors a high standard of living and a very pleasant atmosphere. In Obernai you will find the perfect balance between the urban environment, close to all amenities, and the countryside, an invitation to tranquility and rest.
The charm of this Alsatian city lies in its ramparts, its historic center, its traditional Alsatian houses and its church bell tower. Obernai is also a cultural, sporting, entrepreneurial, gastronomic and historical city which is part of the select group of “Plus Beaux Détours de France” (“Plus Beaux Détours de France”).
Riquewihr, a fairy tale town
Hidden between a double walled enclosure lies one of the most charming jewel villages of Alsace, Riquewihr. The town looks like something out of a storybook, and that’s not a figure of speech. If its narrow, cobbled streets, its picturesque and colorful half-timbered houses, its tower and its fountain remind you of something, it’s not by chance. Riquewihr inspired Disney illustrators to design the town of Belle, the protagonist of the animated feature film Beauty and the Beast.
This small town of just 1,200 inhabitants is a treasure trove of wonders and beauty, nestled in a charming rolling landscape covered in vineyards. It has all the characteristics of medieval Alsatian villages: bubbling fountains, small houses with steep roofs and half-timbered facades in endless pastel tones, artisan workshops and numerous wine estates, where seven fantastic wines are produced, including Riesling.
