Article written by Elisa
This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.
All about Alsace travel: how to get to Alsace, where to stay, what to eat, and the best things to do in this wonderful region.
Where is Alsace? What is Alsace famous for?
Alsace is a historical and cultural region in Eastern France. It was one of France’s regions until 2015, but now it is part of the Grand Est region, together with Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine’s historical regions.
The Alsace region borders Germany and Switzerland, so it is very easy to visit Alsace on a weekend getaway or a longer trip from these two countries.
The capital of the Alsace region is Strasbourg, which is also the capital of the Grand Est region. Other important cities in Alsace are Colmar, Mulhouse, and Sélestat.
The history of Alsace is complex. Located at the border with Germany, the Alsace changed hands from Germany to France and vice-versa several times during the last centuries. After Germany annexed it during WWI, it returned to France in 1945. That’s why visitors will find many German influences in Alsace, especially in architecture and gastronomy.
Alsace is well-known for its wines, picturesque villages, and Christmas markets, but of course, there’s much more!
Are you planning your Alsace trip last minute?
Below are some of the best Alsace tours, hotels, and more!
- Book your train tickets to Comar
- Book your train tickets to Strasbourg.
Looking to travel around Alsace independently? Click here for the best rental car rates in Alsace.
Top Experiences and Tours in Alsace:
- The 4 Wonders of Alsace Full-day Tour from Colmar
- Half-day Wine Tour from Strasbourg
- From Colmar: 3 Villages in France, Germany, and Switzerland!
- Best of Alsace Day Trip from Strasbourg
Top Places to Stay in Alsace:
- Hotel Le Colombier (stay in a traditional Alsace building in the Little Venice neighborhood)
- Hotel Restaurant Le Maréchal (the cutest place to stay during the Christmas time!)
- Hotel Cathédrale (with amazing views over the Cathedral)
- Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg (in a lovely traditional building)
Don’t leave for Alasce without travel insurance!
SafetyWing Essential plan works well for long and short trips (from 5 days up). Can also cover electronics theft through their add-on.
The Alsace Region in a Nutshell
Population: 1,884,150 inhabitants
Region: Grand Est, in Eastern France
Average temperatures (max /min): January – 6C /-1C; April – 16C / 5C; July – 26C / 16C; October – 16C / 7C.
Main attractions in Alsace: Strasbourg, Colmar, the Alsace Wine Route, the Alsace Villages, the Alsace Christmas Markets, and the Vosges.
Alsace regional food: baeckeoffe, tarte flambée, cordon bleu, Vol-au-vent, spaetzle, fleischnacka, and bretzel.
What to Do in Alsace Region
Filled with picturesque, candy-colored towns that look like they could come straight out of a fairytale, there are many beautiful things to see in Alsace that make this area the perfect destination for a weekend getaway from Paris or a more extended trip.
Don’t miss Strasbourg, the capital, and Colmar, two lovely cities filled with history and excellent basecamps for exploring the Alsace region. Here are my suggestions on where to stay in Strasbourg and where to stay in Colmar for a successful trip.
Set in some of the region’s most picturesque cities, towns, and villages, visiting the Christmas Markets in Alsace is both a shopping experience and a destination discovery. Twinkling lights, mulled wine, wooden chalets, and a festive atmosphere – the Alsace Christmas Markets are definitely one of the top things to do in France! Amongst all the markets, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is the most famous, while the Colmar Christmas Market is smaller and easier to explore.
More Alsace Things to Do
Things to Do in Riquewihr France
4 Wonders of Alsace Day Tour from Colmar
2 Days in Strasbourg Itinerary + Map
Best Day Trips from Strasbourg
Best of Alsace Day Trip from Strasbourg
Alsace – A Paradise for Food and Wine Lovers
Alsace has a very particular cuisine, a blend of German and French culinary traditions. If you are planning a trip to the Alsace region, check out what to eat in Alsace – famous Alsace dishes, appetizers, cheeses, and desserts.
This Strasbourg traditional food walking tour with a local guide is a great culinary introduction to the city and an excellent way to learn about the local specialties (and taste them!).
You will certainly know that Alsace produces excellent white wines, mainly from Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, Muscat, and Pinot Gris grape varieties and also good red wines from Pinot Noir. And unless you have absolutely zero interest in wine, then one of these Alsace wine tours with tastings is a must.
With more time, take this road trip along the Wine Route of Alsace and visit some of the best wine cellars in the region. If you don’t have a car in France, click here for the best car rentals in Alsace and check out my best tips for renting a car in France.