Visit Alsace in 3 days: Wine Route and most beautiful villages

Travel tip: 

• 🏨 See the top-rated places to stay in Alsace
• 🚗 Car hire at Basel Mulhouse Airport: best prices (rated 4.6 on Trustpilot)
• 🏰 Guide to activities in Alsace
• 🗺️ Strasbourg CityPass, 7 days 

Here is an itinerary idea for visiting this magnificent region over 3 days, with the must-sees not to be missed: 

• Colmar
• The Wine Route and the most beautiful villages of Alsace
• Strasbourg and the European Parliament

Day 1: Visit Alsace in 3 days starting from Colmar

Welcome to the most Alsatian of cities, with its traditional flower-decked half-timbered houses and its famous Tanners' district.

What to see and do in Colmar? Our 5 must-sees 

Here are the 5 things to do if you spend a day in Colmar: 

1. Explore Little Venice

This is the picturesque district of Colmar to see if you are passing through. We love it for its canals and its pretty colourful half-timbered houses. You can stroll along the canals and capture its charming views, or take a boat ride if you feel like it.

Not far away, you can also catch a glimpse of the pretty Roesselmann Fountain.

2. See the old town of Colmar and the Pfister House 

Take the time to wander the cobbled lanes to admire traditional Alsatian architecture. The Pfister House, dating from the 16th century, is part of it. It is an emblematic house of Colmar with its frescoes and sublime wooden sculptures. 

If you have time, also drop by the Adolf House, one of the oldest houses in Colmar, built in 1350. Nearby is an iconic well of the town, dating from 1592, with two lion heads, and the Bartholdi Museum.

3. Visit the Unterlinden Museum or the Chocolate Museum

Housed in a former 13th-century convent, the Unterlinden Museum holds an exceptional collection of medieval and modern art, including the famous Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald. For information, it is near the Colmar Tourist Office and the tourist train. 

4. Discover the Collegiate Church of St Martin

During these 3 days in Alsace, don't miss this magnificent 13th-century Gothic church, known as the cathedral of Colmar. You can admire its impressive architecture and its stained-glass windows.

5. Go to the Colmar Covered Market 

This 19th-century market is the ideal place to discover and taste local specialities. So what better than to plan a gourmet break! You will find a variety of fresh produce, cheeses, wines and regional crafts. The Schwendi Fountain is nearby.

If you plan to spend more time, here are other sights to see in Colmar: 

• the Court of Appeal
• the André Malraux Contemporary Art Space
• the Museum of Natural History and Ethnography
• the Hansi Village and its museum 
• the House of Grapes 
• the Bartholdi Museum, where the famous sculptor was born
• the Museum of Alsace Wines
• the Municipal Works Museum

Where to sleep in Colmar: our favourite hotels

• Relais & Châteaux La Maison Des Têtes, rated 9.1 Fabulous on Booking.com and 9.7 for its location
• Gîte de l'Ange, apartment with mezzanine rated 9.3 Fabulous on Booking.com and 9.8 for its location
• L'esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar - MGallery, king-size bedroom, town centre rated 9.1 Fabulous on Booking.com and 9.7 for its location

Day 2: Wine Route and the most beautiful villages of Alsace

For this second day, discover the most beautiful villages on the legendary Wine Route

From Colmar: Visit Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr

For this second day, set off to discover the picturesque villages of Alsace with pick-up directly from your hotel or Airbnb in Colmar.  You will travel along the wine route past superb vineyards and little villages with traditional Alsatian architecture. A magical and colourful experience!

You will visit: 

• Eguisheim, one of the most beautiful villages in France
• the villages of Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr
• Kaysersberg, famous for its fortress 

With, as a bonus: tasting of Alsace wines such as Crémant, Gewurztraminer or Riesling in a cellar in the region.

From Strasbourg: Visit Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, Riquewihr and the Kaysersberg valley

You will take the wine route aboard a panoramic bus and visit: 

• Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, perched at nearly 760 metres above sea level
• the medieval village of Riquewihr
• the historic town of Kaysersberg with its high fortress and its bridge
• Colmar, Little Venice and its half-timbered houses

Visit Alsace in 3 days with its traditional villages

Sélestat 

Located in the heart of Alsace, Sélestat is famous for its Humanist Library, founded in the 15th century, which holds medieval manuscripts and precious incunabula. Among the monuments to see or emblematic events, you have: 

• St George's Church, 
• the town ramparts
• the Witches' Tower
• the Corso Fleuri, a parade of flower-covered floats held every year

Turckheim, another picturesque Alsatian village 

Nestled among the Alsace vineyards, Turckheim is famous for its ramparts and medieval past. The Porte de France is one of the village's main entrances. We love it for its narrow lanes and colourful, flower-decked half-timbered houses. Don't miss St Anne's Church, with its typical bell tower, and the village's many wine cellars where you can taste Gewurztraminer and Riesling. 

Ribeauvillé, medieval town on the Alsace Wine Route. 

Overlooked by the ruins of three fortified castles, Ribeauvillé offers an exceptional panorama of the surrounding area. Don't miss: 

• The Grand'Rue, the town's main street with its craft shops and traditional restaurants
• St Gregory's Church
• The Minstrels' Festival, or "Pfifferdaj" (a colourful medieval festival) 
• The Renaissance fountains 

Eguisheim, ranked among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" in Alsace

Who hasn't heard of Eguisheim with its unique architecture and warm atmosphere? The birthplace of Pope Leo IX, the town was built in concentric circles around the castle of the Counts of Eguisheim. It is a real maze of lanes and multicoloured houses.

You will see: 

• The Place du Château Saint-Léon, with its fountain and chapel, is the beating heart of the village. 
• Many wine cellars offering wine tastings, reflecting the ancestral know-how of the local winemakers
• the Winegrowers' Festival in summer (August)

Rouffach, charming town in Alsace

Located at the foot of the Alsace vineyards, Rouffach and its Church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, is full of historic buildings, such as the former Town Hall and the Witches' Tower. Rouffach is also known for the Château d'Isenbourg, a luxury hotel offering a panoramic view over the vineyards. It is a destination not to be missed if you come to visit Alsace and are looking for an authentic getaway.

The Munster Valley and its famous cheese 

Have you ever tasted Munster cheese ? In the heart of the valley, the village of Munster and its Maison du Fromage offer tastings and cheese-making demonstrations. Hikers can climb up to mountain lakes such as Lac du Schiessrothried. In winter, the Munster valley becomes a ski resort, with ski areas suitable for all levels. Typical villages include Soultzeren and Metzeral. It is the ideal place for lovers of nature and gastronomy!

Neuf-Brisach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

This fortified town owes its originality to its octagonal shape and its star-shaped ramparts. A remarkable piece of military architecture that will delight young and old alike. You can walk along the ramparts, admire the Place d'Armes and discover the secrets of this fortress. Neuf-Brisach is a very good starting point for excursions towards the Rhine.

Bergheim, medieval village surrounded by ramparts 

Go and explore the Church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, with its half-timbered bell tower, or the Museum of Witchcraft. Take the time to stroll along the Grand'Rue. Surrounded by vineyards, Bergheim is known for producing exceptional wines, notably the Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim. Perfect if you are looking for lovely walks with panoramic views over the Alsace vineyards. Don't miss the Gewurztraminer Festival to learn more about Alsatian traditions.

Day 3: Visit Strasbourg, the European capital

Here are a few activity ideas for this third day in Alsace. 

What to do in Strasbourg: our 5 must-sees 

1. Visit Strasbourg's Notre-Dame Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, go and take a look at this sublime cathedral, famous for its unique spire, its colourful stained-glass windows and, of course, its astronomical clock. If you feel like it, climb up to the platform to enjoy the panoramic view over Strasbourg.

2. Stroll through the historic district: La Petite France 

This district is one of the most picturesque in Strasbourg, with its charming half-timbered houses lining cobbled lanes, its canals, its preserved bridges, and its historic Place Broglie. The ideal spot for a romantic stroll and to discover Alsace in all its splendour.

3. Explore the Palais Rohan

This former residence of the bishops and 18th-century palace now houses three prestigious museums: 

• the Museum of Fine Arts, 
• the Archaeological Museum, 
• and the Museum of Decorative Arts.

4. See the European Parliament

Coming to visit Alsace in 3 days without seeing the European Parliament in Strasbourg would be a shame! All the more so as it is one of the European capitals. By visiting the Parliament, you can learn more about how the European Union works and find out more about this institution.

5. Go to the Orangerie Park 

It is the oldest park in the city with its French-style gardens, its lake and its rowing boats. If you come to visit Alsace as a family, you will enjoy this park, which also has a small zoo and even a stork enclosure!  The ideal place to introduce children to Alsatian storks.

Other ideas for outings in Alsace with children if you have a little more time: Le Petit Prince, a magnificent amusement park. 

Where to sleep in Strasbourg? Our favourite hotels

• Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier D'or, rated 9.1 Fabulous on Booking.com and 9.7 for its location
• Hotel Rohan, Centre Cathédrale, rated 8.4 Very good on Booking.com and 9.8 for its location
• Hôtel LÉONOR the place to live, rated 9.3 Fabulous on Booking.com and 9.4 for its location

‍

FAQ Visit Alsace

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions:

What is the most beautiful place in Alsace?

Some will tell you Colmar's Little Venice, others will say Mont Sainte-Odile, a place of pilgrimage in memory of St Odile. It all depends on when you come. In winter, visiting the Christmas markets is a must. You also have the most beautiful villages of Alsace, such as Mittelbergheim and Hunspach, a typical village of the Outre-Forêt voted in 2020 « the French's Favourite Village ». As you will have gathered, it is hard to answer this question when visiting Alsace with its fortified castles (the Haut-Andlau castle or the Ortenbourg one) and its emblematic villages.

What are the must-sees in Alsace?

Our Visit Alsace in 3 days itinerary brings together the must-sees of Alsace with Colmar (voted 3rd best European destination in 2018), Strasbourg, the Wine Route and the most beautiful villages of Alsace.

What are the most beautiful villages to visit in Alsace?

Find all the most beautiful villages in our article, such as Eguisheim, Turckheim, Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg, Obernai and many more.

What is the best time to visit Alsace?

Every season is good for visiting this splendid region in eastern France. Winter offers the most magical atmosphere, while in autumn the vines change colour. Spring and summer offer longer days for sightseeing.

What is the prettiest town between Colmar and Strasbourg?

If you can only visit one, we would probably recommend Kaysersberg or Eguisheim.

Where to go for a walk in Alsace?

For hikers, Alsace offers many walks such as the Three Lakes walk or around the Markstein. Set off from the Col du Wettstein to the Lac des Truites. Here is a website that brings together all the best walks to do in the region.

That's it, our article “Visit Alsace in 3 days” ends here. We hope all these activities help you plan your stay in the Grand Est. All that's left is to wish you a great trip and plenty of good vibes 😎