Best Things to Do in Alsace, France

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Bordering Switzerland in the south and Germany in the east, the historical and cultural region of Alsace is determinedly unique and filled with character. Alsace is part of the Grand Est French region and it has changed hands between France and Germany several times over the years. As a result, this part of France has its own identity, history, and cuisine that’s part German, part French, and all unique.

Filled with picturesque, candy-colored towns that look like they could come straight out of a fairytale, there are lots of Alsace attractions that make this area the perfect destination for a weekend getaway from Paris or a longer trip. This region is where many French go for the perfect holiday, so you know that the food, scenery, and wine must be absolutely amazing.

If you’re ready to explore this truly idiosyncratic region, then here’s a list of the best places to visit in Alsace.

Strasbourg is the best starting point of any Alsace trip and one of the best places to visit in Alsace for the sheer volume and variety of things you can do in Strasbourg.

With a gorgeous, historical Old Town area, a mix of cultures that has given rise to an intriguing food scene, and a vibrant art scene, you could easily fill a 2-day itinerary in Strasbourg. However, you can decide to stay more time and use the city to cover other places to visit in Alsace on day trips. Check out where to stay in Strasbourg (the best neighborhoods) for a weekend getaway or a longer trip.

2.Visit Fairytale Colmar

Colmar is the type of city that people dream about when they’re planning a trip to France. Not only is it one of the most beautiful cities in France, but it’s also been one of France’s cultural centers since the 13th century. You’ll see and feel this history everywhere in Colmar, in every canal, cute neighborhood, and winding street.

There aren’t a huge number of things to do in Colmar, but there are numerous stunning scenic places, especially in the historic center. It’s filled with floral displays on every corner, half-timbered houses, and historic mansions just begging to be explored. This is what makes it one of the most popular (and visited) Alsace tourist attractions. Check out where to stay in Colmar (the best neighborhoods) for a romantic weekend getaway in the heart of Alsace.

3.Explore the Most Beautiful Villages of Alsace

From north to south, Alsace is plenty of pretty small towns and villages to discover. With great scenery, picturesque alleys, lovely squares, and medieval buildings, these Alsace villages are enchanting places not to be missed!

Choosing which typical towns and villages in Alsace to visit on your holiday can be challenging; all these Alsatian villages are gorgeous! Riquewihr is our favorite but Kaysersberg, Eguisheim, and Ribeauvillé are also worth exploring.

If you only have one day to visit the Alsatian villages, taking a guided tour is a good idea. This Alsace Villages Wine Route Day Trip from Strasbourg has excellent reviews, and it explores four villages on the Alsace wine route.

4.Visit Mont Saint Odile

Mont Sainte-Odile has been watching over Alsace for centuries. Surrounded by the gorgeous, forested area of the Vosges, Mont Sainte-Odile is one of the best places to visit in Alsace.

The history of this sacred site goes back to the 7th century, though it has been rebuilt through the years. It was once dedicated to the patron saint of Alsace, Odile, and it’s still one of the most important religious sites in the area to the locals.

Climbing to the summit of Mont Sainte-Odile to take in the views (and perhaps a little prayer) is one of the best things to do in Alsace. However, make sure you also try hiking through the wooded area and check out the pagans’ wall, built in 1000 BC.

5.Take the Alsace Wine Route

You can’t travel to this area without trying out the wine route of Alsace. One of the top Alsace attractions, this wine trail between Colmar and Strasbourg invites visitors to discover beautiful landscapes and villages while tasting some of the region’s best wines.

Unfortunately, Alsace isn’t as well known for its wine as other French wine regions. This is an oversight that needs to change in the future because the area produces excellent white wines that are floral and spicy and go perfectly with the fairytale villages and stunning scenery.

6.Hiking in the Vosges

The Vosges are a series of low, rolling mountain ranges that put hiking at the top of any good list of what to do in Alsace. The slopes of the mountains aren’t too steep, and the scenery is lush and green, filled with vineyards and forests.

There are several popular hiking trails in the area (you can ask for information and maps at the local tourist offices) and you can even hire an electronic bike to go further than you could on your own two feet.

7.Taste Alsace’s Local Specialties

Alsace is also an excellent place to taste delicious regional food. The list of traditional Alsatian dishes includes baeckeoffe, tarte flambée, cordon bleu, Vol-au-vent, spaetzle, fleischnacka, and bretzel. 

The best places to taste good traditional cuisine are the winstubs. Wistubs (or Winstubs) are a type of traditional wine bar and restaurant that are specific to Alsace. In principle, they are inexpensive and rather popular, frequented by regulars. Winstubs are coquettishly rustic, with a warm atmosphere and local food.

Food tours can also be a good introduction to Alsatian cuisine and local products. If you are in Strasbourg, don’t miss this top-rated Gourmet Walking Tour which walks you around the city on market days with food and wine samples.

8.Explore the Christmas Markets of Alsace

Alsace is one of the best places to visit in France in the winter because of its Christmas markets. There’s nothing quite like shopping in a historic district with colorful, half-timbered houses and stunning Christmas decorations while snow falls softly around you, so make sure you put this on your must-do list of things to do in Alsace.

Alsace has some of the best Christmas markets in France, like Strasbourg’s Christmas market (the oldest and most famous) and Colmar’s Christmas market. If you want to experience the Christmas markets in Alsace for yourself, then book early. Travelers of all kinds flock to the markets for the unique goods and the atmosphere, so book your accommodation and transport as soon as you know your dates.

The markets usually run from mid-November to Christmas but check your chosen towns and areas for specific dates.

9.Visit the Château de Haut-Koenigsbourg

This castle is one of the most popular Alsace tourist attractions, and once you see it, you’ll understand why. It has stood looking imposingly over the plains since the 1100s but was destroyed during the Thirty Years War in the 1600s.

Restored by Kaiser Wilhelm II, this is now considered to be one of the best castles in France for its stern outward appearance and the medieval tapestries within.

10.Explore the German Fort of Mutzig

The Fort de Mutzig is one of the most recently built Alsace attractions. Located near the town of Mutzig on the summit of Breuchstals Mountain, it was commissioned by Kaiser Wilhelm II in the late 1900s. At this time in history, Alsace was under German control after the Franco-Prussian War. 

The fort was built to defend Strasbourg against high explosives, which were a recent addition to the tools of warfare. The fortifications at the fort were cutting edge for the time, and you can explore some of these new inventions, and learn about life in the fort during a guided tour.

The fort could not be used during WW2: being the Alsace back to the French side, the cannons were pointing in the wrong direction!

11.Take the Route des Crêtes

If you want to experience the beauty and natural scenery of the Vosges mountains in perfect comfort, then try driving the Route des Crêtes (Route of the Ridges in English). Known as the Peak Route, it stretches over 72 km from Cernay to Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines and features stunning landscapes and endless stretches of uninhabited, beautiful land.

In 1871, the Alsace-Moselle was ceded to Germany under the Treaty of Frankfurt, and thus the ridge formed the boundary between France and Germany. Today, visitors can still see the marks of the former Franco-German border.

On the top, the Col de la Schlucht (Schlucht Pass) owes its attractiveness to breathtaking landscapes. From 1860 the Schlucht Pass became a holiday spot prized by local notables and statesmen. After the Alsace-Moselle annexation, French people visited the pass to contemplate the lost province.

You can hike all or part of the Route des Crêtes or hire a car and explore in comfort. Just make sure that you stop off frequently along the way to explore the most beautiful spots!

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