20 Most Beautiful Villages In Alsace, France You HAVE TO Visit!

Are you looking for the most beautiful villages in Alsace? For fairytale vibes to France and visit the region’s most beautiful villages; they’re gonna tick all the boxes, trust me!

When we visited, we didn’t plan until the last minute, not having heard of the region before our trip to Strasbourg. We hadn’t even planned to visit this part of France…

Nevertheless, we ended up spending two whole weeks on a road trip along the famous (not that we knew it at the time) Route des Vins, bouncing from one fairytale village to the next to find Alsace’s most beautiful villages and try their delicious white wines; of course.

In this post, I’m covering the 20 most beautiful villages to visit in Alsace so you know exactly where to go. I’m also including topics to help you plan an epic trip, such as the top attractions, the best time to visit, and how to get around. 

This post contains affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.

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Alsace’s Most Beautiful Villages

We had an incredible adventure, which we enjoyed to the fullest. Stopping in picturesque villages, we tried local wines at quaint degustations, ate, laughed, and enjoyed the scenery, which is stunning!

It’s safe to say that these villages are straight out of the Beauty and the Beast film; Alsace has to be where they got their inspiration from.

We had our favourites, that’s to say, those villages which stuck with us the most, although they all had their own charm and character. But by the end, do I dare say we were fairy-tailed out? 

I certainly think that two weeks in Alsace is enough to explore all the charming villages and try lots of wine; the two best things. There are, after all, only so many Disney-like villages to visit before it becomes repetitive… so we were ready to move on after our two weeks: to Italy. 

However, before we did, we passed through many villages and even went off-piste to visit a famous cheese museum (which was closed) and to swim in a huge lake (which we didn’t). Nevertheless, I’m here to share all our favourite Alsace villages with you.

Top 5 Best Villages In Alsace

The highlights of our trip included these top 5 beautiful villages in Alsace. I’d say they’re the ones not to be missed, although they are all lovely, including Strasbourg (but since it’s not a village, it’s in the next list below)

⭐ Pro tip >> Many shops and wineries, especially in the smaller villages, close during midday for a siesta. Between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm, rest up before an evening of tastings! On Sundays and Mondays, we also noticed a lot being closed.

1. Hunawihr

The number one village to visit in Alsace is Hunawihr. It was our favourite of them all. For some reason, it doesn’t flag up on many of the top 10 beautiful villages to visit in Alsace (which is great for you and me as it has fewer crowds), but it means it gets missed, so make sure you don’t miss it. 

⭐ Pro tip >> Enjoy the wines of the region with a friendly wine-tasting experience held by Hunawihr’s Schwach Vineyard by joining this private wine-tasting tour.

It’s a hidden gem and home to several historical sites, including the Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur church, which dates back to the 15th century. The church is situated on a hill overlooking the village and offers spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards.

There are plenty of wineries, as the village is known for its wine-making and some really authentic degustations where you can sample local wines. 

🌟 Why did we love this place so much? We felt it had a cosy atmosphere, was easy to walk around, and had plenty of parking.

2. Mittelbergheim

Coming in a close second is the charming village of Mittelbergheim. We also found a good parking spot close to the vineyards, wineries and shops. We even got given a complimentary bottle of wine from Alfred Wantz Domaine. 

FYI: Their wine is great, and you should visit their wine shop for a local Pinot Gris. (P.S. Domaine means vineyard, something we learned too late to stop our confusion).

The village is also a member of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (“The Most Beautiful Villages of France”) association.

As for the village, which is larger than Hunawhir, although still small enough to easily wander around, it has a rich history founded by the Franks in the 6th century. In the Middle Ages, it was a prosperous town that played an important role in the region’s wine trade. 

It’s known for its half-timbered houses and narrow streets that give it a unique character. It’s not so much a hidden gem these days, but luckily, it’s not frequented by day trippers, so you can enjoy its rich history and culture while sipping on world-class wines!

There was even a burger van on a Monday when everything else was closed! I know, I know, France, burgers? It’s criminal, but sometimes you just have to!

⭐ Pro tip >> A few of our favourite wineries are located in Mittelbergheim: Alfred Wantz Field, Domaine Haegi, and Domaine Armand Gilg. The latter did a splendid Gewürztraminer, not to be missed!  

3. Andlau

Andlau is a lovely little village with a quaint and cosy vibe, picturesque streets, colourful half-timbered houses, and beautiful scenery. Our main reason for stopping by was to pick up some freshly baked baguettes, but what we enjoyed the most was the forest hike that we went on nearby. 

The short hike took us to Chateau de Spesbourg, and as I stood atop the castle hill, it was possible to see Andlau nestled in the valley below, surrounded by a dense forest. The picturesque view was incredible and well worth it.

⭐ Pro tip >> Chateau de Haut-Andlau is another popular castle nearby. It’s possible to walk between the two from Andlau, although I hurt my ankle, so we couldn’t go further. For a shorter hike, there is the Parking du Hungerplatz, which has signposted trails.

4. Riquewihr

Riquewihr is a hugely popular medieval village in Alsace on everyone’s radar. It sees the tourist crowds, so it’s best to visit in the morning, but it is gorgeous. It has the typical fairytale vibes you expect from the region, with half-timbered houses painted in colourful hues. 

It’s quite quirky, too. Surrounded by the old stone fortifications, the old walls encompass the village, which is buzzing with activity. There are only a few ways in, notably through the north and south gates (although there are a handful of side entrances – arches within the walls).

This is one of the best villages in Alsace to grab Instagram-worthy shots, souvenirs, and gifts. It is also famous for its wines, particularly the Riesling and Gewürztraminer varieties. 

5. Eguisheim

Another famous historic village is Eguisheim. It also sees a lot of day trippers, although its unique design is reason enough to visit. Built within a circle, the medieval walls encircle the village, while the houses are built in rings which connect to the central plaza.

We walked around this village in what felt like a straight line, only to return at the start at exactly where we had begun, ancient illusions at their best! 

The village is pretty, to say the least. As you would expect, it’s home to colourful buildings filled with hanging plants on their window sills along narrow cobblestone streets leading you around small shops and cafes.

In fact, Jack and I got totally caught out buying some local cheese from a delicatessen in Eguisheim! It was a delicious lavender-infused cheese, but once we had entered and tried and agreed to purchase, we only then looked at the price tag of €65 per kilo. And, well, it was too late to retreat; you know how it goes. 

Don’t buy the cheese, but definitely visit this cute Alsace village!

+15 Alsace Most Beautiful Villages, Towns & Cities

Other than our top 5 favourites, we visited a load more fairytale villages in Alsace. It was hard trying to decide the top ones since we enjoyed them all, so I don’t think these ones are any less worthwhile. As I said, they all have their own charm!

6. Strasbourg

Firstly, I wanna talk about Strasbourg, and how much we love this city! It’s not on the list above because it’s not a village, but maybe I should have added it anyway since Strasbourg was amazing. 

It was the first place we visited in Alsace, and we were lucky enough to stay with a friend who showed us all around the city; he even took us on a bike tour.

As the capital of the Alsace region, it has a rich and complex history due to its location at the crossroads of different cultures, languages, and political influences. 

It’s a gorgeous city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site that features a stunning Gothic cathedral and picturesque canals. Clean, green and mostly pedestrianised, you’ll find charming old buildings, unique architecture and impressive areas, such as Le Petite France, to have a romantic stroll.

⭐ Pro tip >> The city is also famous for its Christmas markets, which are super popular, attracting visitors from all over the world. It’s a must-visit and a great base in Alsace.

7. Ribeauville

Ribeauville is another popular site for day trippers. It’s a beautiful village dating back to the 8th century and features an extremely long high street. Over the centuries, Ribeauvillé has been influenced by various cultures and civilisations, including the Celts, Romans, and Germans. 

We spent a morning exploring its historic architecture, charming streets, and beautiful natural surroundings by wandering along the main street, side streets, wineries and delis. There is a gingerbread nougat shop here, which is divine! 

While we were in town, we stayed longer to hike to the three castles of Ribeauville, which took us a whole day. It was a fantastic hike, one I highly recommend if you’re into hiking, valley views and ruined castles, including the 11th-century Château de Saint-Ulrich and the 13th-century Château du Girsberg.

8. Kaysersberg

A quick visit to Kaysersberg had us missing the Chateau de Kaysersberg, but we had seen many castles by this point, so it was okay. It’s a picturesque village dating back to the 13th century, which was once a major centre for wine production in the area.

With this in mind, our intentions were to visit a handful of wineries and purchase a few bottles. It’s so interesting to be able to taste the difference in the wine from only a few towns away, and wines from Kaysersberg are delicious.

Did you know Alsace has 13 different soil varieties? It’s what makes the wines taste different from one area to the next and gives Alsace its unique wine heritage.

Kaysersberg was lovely, even though we didn’t stay too long; it’s somewhere I suggest adding to your itinerary.

There is a small church, which is another popular attraction: Sainte-Croix Church. This church is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows.

Other top attractions in Kaysersberg include the Old Town, which is full of charming half-timbered houses and narrow streets, and the Albert Schweitzer Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of the famous philosopher and humanitarian.

9. Colmar

Colmar is a city located in the heart of Alsace, known for its well-preserved old town with half-timbered houses, canals, and charming streets. The history of Colmar dates back to the Roman Empire, and over the centuries, the city has been influenced by both the French and Germans.

⭐ Pro tip >> Four of Alsace’s most beautiful villages are included on this small-group day trip from Colmar: Join a local guide to take you around the best sites in private transport as you go wine tasting!

As expected, it is a captivating old town with many shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Unterlinden Museum, found in a former 13th-century convent, is an interesting attraction home to an extensive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. 

There are a few other notable attractions as well, such as the Bartholdi Museum and St. Martin’s Church, a Gothic-style 13th-century church located in the old town. 

There’s also a Little Venice district that mimics that of Le Petite France in Strasbourg. Really, it’s not necessary to visit both cities as they are super similar. 

10. Obernai

When I think back to our road trip through Alsace, one of the highlights was visiting the charming village of Obernai, which is located very close to Strasbourg. This quaint town is full of history and culture.

One of the first things we noted was the old fortifications, which offer a glimpse into the village’s past. We also spent some time in the central plaza, which is a bustling hub of activity and a great spot for people-watching.

The church in Obernai is also a must-see. Its architecture is stunning, and the interior is filled with religious artwork and stained glass windows. Throughout the village, there are many other impressive buildings to admire as well.

One of my favourite parts of Obernai was a small street that was lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s the perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing and indulge in some delicious local cuisine, like the tarte flambee. 

⭐ Pro tip >> I highly recommend grabbing lunch or dinner at one of the eateries after strolling around the village and ordering the Tarte Flambee; it’s a famous local dish.

11. Selestat

Although we didn’t visit Selestat, I don’t want you guys to miss it. The town is located in the heart of Alsace and has a long and rich history.

It’s got some interesting attractions, such as the Humanist Library, which contains an impressive collection of ancient manuscripts and books. The library is considered one of the most important in Europe.

There’s also the Church of Sainte-Foy. This beautiful church was built in the 13th century and is known for its intricate Gothic architecture and stunning stained-glass windows.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re interested in art and history, be sure to visit the Museum of Alsace, which is housed in a 16th-century building. The museum features exhibits on the culture and history of the Alsace region, including traditional crafts, costumes, and artwork!

12. Kruth Lake

We read about the small village of Kruth and decided to pay it a visit. But, in all honesty, when we arrived, we weren’t impressed with the village itself. Kruth Lake, however, is a different story and was absolutely stunning.

It is quite far from the wine route and is only worth visiting if you have sufficient time. Nonetheless, the drive to Kruth was beautiful as we meandered through the Vosges mountains amidst the dense forest.

Kruth Lake is gorgeous, and we ended up staying three nights parked up along the lakeside. It is possible to swim, which is what we intended to do, but in the end, neither of us did. Instead, we walked around the lake, visited a small waterfall and enjoyed evenings full of local cheese and cured meat plates with wine. 

If you’re looking to unwind in nature and get away from the crowds for a few days, then Kruth is definitely worth a visit. Check out the ruins of Chateau de Wildenstein too.

13. Barr

Barr is another one of the beautiful villages located in the heart of the Alsace wine region, nestled between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River. It’s known for its rich history, culture, and wine-making heritage.

It’s becoming a popular place to visit, with a beautiful church as one of its oldest buildings, featuring stunning Gothic architecture and many historical artefacts.

There’s also the Folie Marco Museum, a beautiful mansion that is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture surrounded by beautiful gardens. You’ll even find the Clos Gaensbroennel Winery, which is one of the oldest in Alsace and produces some of the best wines in the region.

⭐ Pro tip >> Although we missed it, Barr holds a weekly market on Saturday mornings, which is said to be a great place to sample local produce, including cheese, wine, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

14. Munster

We headed to Munster with the intention of visiting the Munster Cheese Museum/Factory. 

It would have been great if we had done our research and visited when the tours were being held. As it was, there were no English tours on the day we visited, and the French ones were four hours later, so we decided to move on.

Despite the lack of a guided tour, I will say that it’s worth visiting if only from the little information we got, that we found to be quite interesting. We were able to walk around a small, free museum that explained the cheese-making process. However, we were disappointed that we missed the factory tour, especially as we are both cheese and wine lovers; Munster is delicious!

Although we did not spend much time in the town itself, we did drive through it, and it looked quite nice. We even stopped at a bakery to grab some bretzels, which had become our standard grab-and-go meal while in France.

I’ve Read These Alsace Villages Are Also Superb

Even though we couldn’t visit them all, I wanted to make sure you guys have all the information, so I’ve included the last five most beautiful villages in Alsace for you to visit so you don’t miss a beat.

15. Dambach-la-Ville

Dambach-la-Ville is a village we missed, although I have a feeling we drove through it as it’s directly on the wine route. I’ve read it’s one of the oldest wine-growing villages in the region, making it a popular destination to visit in Alsace.

It looks like a charming village with top attractions such as the Saint Sebastian Chapel, a beautiful Gothic chapel located on a hill overlooking the village.

If you’re interested in history, the Dambach-la-Ville Museum is said to be a must-visit destination alongside the Château de Bernstein.

16. Rosheim

Rosheim is a charming village located in the heart of the Alsace wine route. It has a rich history dating back to the Roman times and played a significant role in the region’s wine trade. The village is surrounded by picturesque vineyards and forests, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.

One of the top attractions in Rosheim is the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, a stunning 12th-century church that boasts a rich history and beautiful architecture. Another must-visit attraction in Rosheim is the Maison de la Laub, a beautiful half-timbered house that dates back to the 16th century. 

⭐ Pro tip >> If you love hiking, you should definitely check out the surrounding forest, which offers several hiking trails. The Vosges mountains are home to several species of birds, making it a great place for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

17. Molshiem

Molsheim was founded by the Romans in the 1st century and has a rich history that spans over 2000 years! It’s a shame we missed it. 

One of the top attractions in Molsheim is said to be the Chartreuse Museum, which is housed in a former Carthusian monastery. The Saint-Georges Church is also said to be worth visiting.

If you’re a car enthusiast, you should definitely check out the Bugatti Museum. The museum showcases the history of the Bugatti brand and has a collection of vintage cars and other artefacts.

18. Guebwiller

Guebwiller is known for its picturesque surroundings. The town is situated at the foot of the Vosges Mountains and is surrounded by rolling hills covered in vineyards, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

One of the top attractions in Guebwiller is the Notre Dame Church, a beautiful Gothic church famous for its stained-glass windows and its impressive bell tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

For outdoor activities, visit the Grand Ballon Nature Park, which is the highest peak in the Vosges mountains.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re interested in history, you should definitely check out the Hartmannswillerkopf Memorial, which is located in the Vosges Mountains, just a short drive from Guebwiller.

19. Turckheim

Turckheim is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including its fortified walls, gates, and towers. Its history dates back to the Roman times. It played a vital role in the Alsaces’s wine trade during the Middle Ages. 

One of Turckheim’s best attractions is the Porte de France, a beautiful gate. The gate is decorated with colourful frescoes that depict scenes from the village’s history. Another must-see attraction in Turckheim is the Eglise Sainte-Anne, a beautiful church.

The village is also home to several wine festivals throughout the year, including the famous Fête des Vignerons, which takes place every year in August and celebrates the village’s wine heritage with parades, concerts, and tastings.

20. Mulhouse

Last but not least, Mulhouse is a historic city known for its rich industrial heritage, beautiful architecture, and cultural attractions. The city has a long and fascinating history and played a significant role in the region’s textile industry.

One of the top attractions in Mulhouse is the Cité de l’Automobile, a museum that showcases the history of the automobile industry. 

Another must-visit attraction in Mulhouse is the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Mulhouse, showcasing fine arts.

I hope all this information helps you plan your trip to the most beautiful villages in Alsace!

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Top Attractions In Alsace

Alsace is full of fantastic attractions, but there are a few which we enjoyed visiting the most. 

From our experience, we really enjoyed the Mont Sainte Odile, a monastery built high within the Vosges Mountains dedicated to Saint Odile and overlooking the valley below. Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle was also super interesting and well-restored, perfect if you fancy some history.

There are a bunch of castles within the Alsace region as well. We visited a few of them, but overall, our favourites were those we hiked to at Ribuaville. 

Where To Stay When Visiting Alsace

Choosing where to stay in Alsace can be tough as there are many wonderful places. Firstly, think about whether you’re planning to have a singular base where you travel to and from every day or whether you’ll be moving around and staying in different villages.

For us, it was easy as we were in our van, and BB never let us down, even on some of the steeper roads!

If you’re thinking of staying in one location, the larger towns and cities will be best as you’ll be able to join day tours to visit the best villages in Alsace; Strasbourg or Colmar are good shouts.

⭐ Pro tip >> Below are some suggestions based on reviews, but keep in mind we didn’t stay in them. I just thought I’d give you some ideas.

Strasbourg

• Top-end option: – Hôtel LÉONOR – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• Mid-range option: Hôtel Tandem Boutique Hôtel – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• Budget option: Hôtel le Grillon – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.

Colmar

• Top-end option: L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa – Check and review prices on Booking
• Mid-range option: James Boutique Hôtel – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• Budget option: L’Ours de Colmar, Apartment – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.

Villages Suggestions

If you’re considering moving around, you’ll need to choose your villages carefully. In practice, plan for two or three, at most, per day. The smaller villages only need an hour or so to explore quickly, so you can visit one in the morning, another in the afternoon, and the third is where you plan dinner and your hotel.

• Mittlebergheim: La Griffe à Foin au Restaurant raisin D’or (good for couples) – Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• Hunawihr: Maison d’Hôtes Sainte Hune Chambres (good for breakfast) – Check and review prices on Booking
• Selestat: Appartement des Sorcieres (good for families) – Check and review prices on Booking

Best Way To Move Around Alsace

There are a few ways to consider depending on the style of trip you are taking. For example, you can rent a car and move around the best villages in Alsace, catch a train to the more prominent towns or join day trips.

Once you’re in the village, most people will walk around, although we saw quite a few people on bikes, too.

Rental Cars

For rental cars, we use DISCOVER CARS, with whom we have had great experiences. You can read our full review here. When looking for a hotel, make sure it has parking if you choose to rent.

Trains

Although we never caught the trains, we did notice train stations at a number of the towns and villages, and it’s a popular way to move around for locals. There are bus routes connecting the smaller villages to those with stations. 

⭐ Pro tip >> The following towns have train stations: Rosheim, Barr, Selestat, Strasbourg, Colmar, Obernai, Dambach-la-Ville, Munster (transfer trains), Turckheim (transfer trains), Kruth (transfer trains). All these stations can be pre-booked online by using Trainline.

Tours

Finally, tours are a superb option if you prefer neither of the options above. With tours, they generally leave from the larger cities like Strasbourg and Colmar and take you on a full-day adventure to the most beautiful villages in Alsace.

Villages such as Equisheim, Rhiquwir, Kayserberg and Ribeauville are usually featured on these tours. You can also choose between group or private tours and additions such as meals and wine tastings.

When Should You Visit Alsace?

I think the best time to visit Alsae is in September. This is when we visited and thought it was a fantastic time! Although there were tourists, there were no huge crowds like there would have been in summer. 

September is a shoulder month, meaning it falls at the end of the peak season. We were told that two weeks before, the villages were overrun with tourists. If you know anything about us, you’ll know we aren’t fond of crowds, so September was perfect.

The weather was great, too; we had sunshine and temperatures in the mid-20s. However, the only downside was that the harvesting had begun, so we couldn’t take vineyard tours.

For us, this wasn’t a problem; having visited plenty of vineyards in the past, we were more interested in the wine!

⭐ Pro tip >> The shoulder month before the peak season, which would be April/May, could also be a good time to visit. 

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Resources For France

Is it your first time visiting France? We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip.

• Do you love gardens, nature and green spaces? My favourite Botanical Garden in northern Italy might be somewhere worth reading about.
• Maybe you’re after a city escape? Find out if we think Florence is worth visiting here!
• Finally, hopefully, you don’t need it, but if you have any problems with your flight, you might be able to claim compensation for delayed or cancelled flights with AirHelp.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re going to be using your phone, don’t forget about overseas data roaming. You’ll get charged for using your data. Try Airalo’s eSIMs, and download a digital data pack.

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In Summary: Alsace Most Beautiful Villages

As always, I leave you with some final thoughts on Alsace’s most beautiful villages and which ones we think are must-visits. The top five are, of course, must-visits, but I would recommend visiting both Riquewihr and Equisheim in the morning, as even in September, they can get overrun with day trippers.

Hunawhir and Mittelbergheim are not to be missed. They are tiny villages, although so delightful, you might find you decide to stay longer, hopping between the wineries and enjoying a picnic.

As for the others, Strasbourg, a massive yes, Ribeaville is another early morning visit, and we quite enjoyed Obernai. If you’re up for an adventure, head over to Kruth Lake.