An ideal weekend within the Alsace, France: wineries, biking & cute villages
The Alsace is a area in France that had been on my checklist for some time. Dwelling within the Netherlands, touring to the Alsace solely takes about 5 hours, nevertheless it nonetheless took me some years to finally journey right here. The Alsace is a area in France that has a German really feel with vibrant half-timbered streets and Flammkuchen all over the place. Moreover, a weekend within the Alsace gives loads of alternatives to explored the vineyards and luxuriate in a glass of Riesling or glowing Crémant.
We spent an extended weekend within the Alsace and primarily based ourselves in Colmar, from the place we explored the best villages in the Alsace by bike. With 2 nights within the Alsace, we had been capable of mix every thing we love: lively days, strolling round cute villages and having fun with meals and wine.
On this journey information, I’ll share methods to profit from a weekend within the Alsace together with our favorite bars, eating places, must-visit wineries and different insider suggestions.
Are you a fan of the Alsace? Additionally take a look at my weekend within the Mosel information (coming quickly)
The place to remain in Colmar
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Sensible data on the Alsace, France
Greatest time to go to the alsace
As in lots of European cities, spring, summer season and early autumn is the perfect time to go to the Alsace. In spring you’ll be able to count on recent inexperienced vineyards, in summer season the climate is usually heat and therewith excellent to discover the cities and do some terrace hopping. In autumn, leaves flip orange and wine is harvested.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to go to in December, when Christmas markets pop up.
Tips on how to get to the Alsace
As you’ll be able to journey across the Alsace by e-bike, a automobile isn’t vital on your go to. You possibly can attain Colmar by practice, which is a few 2.5 practice journey from Paris. In case you are flying into France, the closest airport is Basel or Strassbourg. In case you are planning to discover extra of France, such because the Champagne area or the Provence, you’ll be able to greatest rent a car.
What number of days within the Alsace
For my part, a weekend within the Alsace provides you sufficient time to discover the highlights. In the event you mix it with the Vosges, you would possibly wish to take slightly longer to discover the area. Regardless that some would possibly recommendation in any other case, I like to recommend 2 to three nights.
The place to remain within the Alsace
When exploring the Alsace, Colmar is the right base. It has a central location on the wine route, has loads of eating places and bars and is a captivating city in itself. Alternatively, you’ll be able to base your self in one of many smaller villages corresponding to Riquewihr or Equisheim.
In Colmar, you’ll be able to for instance keep at La Provence à Colmar, a stunning studio within the coronary heart of Colmar for €100 an evening. Alternatively, keep at Colmar Hotel, a sensible and comfy selection close to the practice station (€110). In the event you search for a sublime inside on a central location, Hotel Maison Turenne is your best option for you (€90).
In the event you relatively keep in one of many smaller villages, Hotel à l’Oriel in Riquewihr (€110) or L’Hostellerie du Château in Equisheim (€90) are nice choices.
Day 1: Arrival and the primary Alsace village
We began our journey with a cease at Domaine Bollenberg, a vineyard within the hills south of Colmar. You are able to do a small wine tasting on the property the place you’ll be able to strive their most well-known wines. It’s not essentially the most well-known identify, nevertheless it was a enjoyable solution to begin making an attempt Alsace wines and stretch our legs.
From right here, drive to Eguisheim, which is one in all France’s “Most Stunning Villages”, which is an precise award. What makes Eguisheim particular is that the village is all circled round the principle sq.. This implies you’ll be able to get pleasure from strolling a few loops the place you stroll via stunning streets. Eguisheim additionally isn’t brief on wineries, so be certain that to go to some.
Fast piece of advise, lunch is especially served between 12:00 and 14:00. Afterwards, kitchens shut and no meals is obtainable. So don’t be like us and get right here early sufficient. In Eguisheim, we discovered a really small brewery referred to as Brasserie RS, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a chilly beer.
With a go to to Eguisheim and Domaine Bollenberg, two highlights South of Colmar have been explored, which leaves room to go to all villages north of Colmar the following day.
After visiting Eguisheim, it’s time to head to Colmar and examine right into a resort. Begin exploring Colmar by first visiting essentially the most well-known nook referred to as La Petite Venise. For dinner, head to La Stub for a number of the greatest flammkuchen on the town. Afterwards, get pleasure from a craft beer on the neighbours: The three Monkeys. In the event you really feel prefer it, finish the night at Chez Moi, a bar in Colmar we cherished!
Additionally check-out my quick guide to Colmar
Day 2: Cycling the Alsace Wine Route
The second day of your weekend in the Alsace can be spend on cycling the Alsace Wine Route (Route des Vins d’Alsace) is a route of 170 km, passing over 70 wine villages. We tackled just a small portion of the wine route, but the one that highlights some of the most beautiful villages in the Alsace.
We rented our e-bikes from Velodocteurs, right next to the main station in Colmar. Definitely don’t opt for a normal bike if you want to explore multiple villages, because even with electric assistance you need to be prepared for some climbs.
Colmar → Ingersheim → Ribeauvillé
We first decided to bike all the way to Ribeauvillé, the most northern village of the popular villages in the Alsace. We left early in the morning (between 9 and 10 am) and wanted to start with the longest stretch, also because we had some wine tasting to do!
From Colmar, it is quite a challenge to find your way to the Alsace Wine Route. Once you are on the route, you can follow the grape signs. From Colmar, first cycle towards Turckheim and once you can, start following the route to Ingersheim. As soon as you see the signs, start following them. The bike rental place has a map and I advise to consult them on the best route to Turckheim / Ribeauvillé.
When you arrive in Ribeauvillé, after about 1,5 hours of cycling, stroll through the main street and stop for a coffee. And well, you are cycling the wine route, so why not order a glass of wine next to your coffee. If you want to head to a wine house in the region, Bott Freres and Henry Fuchs & Fils are good wineries in the region.
Ribeauvillé → Riquewihr
From Ribeauvillé, it is a beautiful ride to Riquewihr, one of the most beautiful villages of the Alsace. The village offers a lot of color and is generally more flooded with tourists. Riquewihr is also the perfect place to enjoy some lunch. We sat down in the small courtyard of Maison Zimmer and enjoyed another flammkuchen. Also don’t miss out on a visit and tasting at Dopff au Moulin, where they offer some lovely sparkling Crémant d’Alsace.
Riquewihr → Kaysersberg → Colmar
A day on the bike flies by when you sit down in every village, do some wine tasting and enjoy the scenery. After Riquewihr, we continued to Kaysersberg. The town is pretty, but smaller and quieter than Riquewihr. What sets Kaysersberg apart from the other villages is the castle with panoramic views over the valley (although we decided not to go there). We ended the day with a drink at Kaysers Bier Taverne before heading back to Colmar for our final dinner.
If you can, make a reservation at L’Un des Sens, a very cute wine bar where they offer some bites. Alternatively, have dinner at La Soï.
Where to eat and drink in the Alsace
A visit to the Alsace equals Flammkuchen! Next to flammkuchen, you should definitely try the munster cheese, the specialty cheese of the region. Or combine both worlds and opt for the munster cheese flammkuchen.
In this guide on a weekend in the Alsace, France, I’ve already. mentioned some of the places we’ve visited during our time. In summary, this is an overview of some of the best restaurants in the Alsace as well as the best bars.
In Colmar:
La Stub for traditional flammkuchen
La Soï for affordable local dishes
L’ Un des Sens as an intimate wine bar with a lovely terrace
Le Cercle des Aromes for natural wines and good advise
3 Monkeys (Les 3 Singes) for craft beers
Chez Moi for after dinner drinks
We also visited Les Incorruptibles and even though the terrace was full with many locals (which is why we thought this would be a must visit), we really didn’t like the place.
Along the wine route and in other Alsace villages:
Winstub La Flammerie in Ribeauville because you should definitely visit a traditional winstub
Maison Zimmer in Riquewihr for a great vibe, good wines and great food
Brasserie du Rempart Sud in Eguisheim for very locally brewed craft beers
Final thoughts on a weekend in the Alsace
Our weekend in the Alsace was perfect to explore the highlights of this region in France. In hindsight, I was happy we planned 2 nights only as the villages are beautiful, but start to look a like. Cycling between the vineyards was a great experience and the best way to explore the Alsace. So, if you have a weekend to spare, book your stay in Colmar, rent an e-bike and start exploring!
The best hotels in the Alsace
When visiting the Alsace in France, I would advise to spend the night in Colmar, as there are more bars and restaurants available. Alternatively, you can stay for example in one of the smaller villages, such as Riquewihr or Equisheim.
Where to stay in Colmar:
La Provence à Colmar: We stayed on this beautiful studio within the coronary heart of Colmar. The proper place if you wish to be inside strolling distance of Petite Venise and the principle squares with good worth for cash and simple check-in. You possibly can keep right here for round €100 an evening. Presently, you’ll be able to solely e book a 3 evening keep (or longer).
Colmar Hotel: Only a brief stroll from the practice station, Colmar Resort is a sensible and comfy selection for exploring the Alsace. The rooms are spacious, the employees is pleasant and a terrific breakfast makes it glorious worth for cash. You possibly can e book a room beginning €110 an evening. Rooms would possibly e book out early.
Hotel Maison Turenne: Positioned close to Petite Venise, this resort combines a sublime inside with a central location. It’s the right choice for {couples} or pals. There’s a bar within the resort and personal parking is obtainable on request. You possibly can e book a room beginning €90 an evening.
Different villages:
Hotel à l’Oriel (Riquewihr): Positioned in a wonderful 18th-century constructing, Resort à l’Oriel bases you within the coronary heart of Riquewihr’s fairly avenue. The resort has a conventional decor and comfy courtyard to get pleasure from a drink or breakfast. E book your room beginning at €110.
L’Hostellerie du Château (Eguisheim): Within the coronary heart of town, this resort is the right base to start out exploring the flower-filled streets. The resort gives rustic allure and is ideal if you wish to get up proper in the course of some of the stunning villages within the Alsace.
Often requested questions in regards to the Alsace
Do you want a automobile to discover the Alsace?
No! In the event you base your self in Colmar and lease an e-bike, you’ll be able to discover many of the stunning villages within the Alsace.
What wines is the Alsace identified for?
The Alsace is thought for Riesling, Pinot Gris and Cremant d’ Alsace (glowing wine). The wines are served within the conventional Alsace glasses.
What number of days do you want for the Alsace?
A weekend within the Alsace is adequate I discovered personally. If you’d like, you’ll be able to mix it with a go to to the Vosges or discover extra small wineries on the way in which.
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