Alsace - Wine Route

Road trip along the Alsace Wine Route: culture, charming wine villages and pitch experiences

Alsace, a picturesque region in eastern France on the German border, is known for its charming villages, half-timbered houses, and impressive wine landscapes. The Alsace Wine Route, stretching over 170 kilometers from Marlenheim to Thann, invites wine lovers to stroll through idyllic vineyards and taste the region's famous wines such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Blanc. Along the route, numerous winemakers, wine villages, and historical sights await discovery, making Alsace a popular destination for connoisseurs and nature lovers alike.

🗺️ Itinerary & Stops at a glance

Kehl, a small town on the Rhine directly opposite Strasbourg, offers a tranquil atmosphere with charming cafes and pleasant riverside walks. We stayed at the Apart Hotel, which impressed us with its comfortable rooms and friendly atmosphere. From here, we could easily reach Strasbourg by tram – the stop is right in front of the hotel. The journey to the city center takes about 20 minutes and costs only €1.80 per person one way. There is a connection every 30 minutes, making a trip to Strasbourg flexible at any time.

Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region in northeastern France and also the official seat of the European Parliament. The city is located on the border with Germany and combines German and French influences in its culture and architecture. Daily demonstrations of the astronomical clock take place at the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Climbing the cathedral's 142-meter high tower offers extensive views over the Rhine.

We wanted to climb the tower, but after seeing the long queue, we decided against it.

For lunch, of course, we ate the local specialty "Tartines flambées".

After strolling through the "Petite France" quarter, we headed towards Square Louise-Weiss Park so that Buddy could do his business and Louis could let off steam on the playground.
The obligatory carousel ride was also a must.

The Petite France quarter is known for its cobblestone streets, canals, and well-preserved half-timbered houses, including the Maison des Tanneurs (Tanners' House) from 1572. On the Barrage Vauban (a covered bridge with a dam) built in the 17th century, there is a panoramic terrace. The area is also characterized by restaurants serving Alsatian cuisine. Along Grand'Rue and its side streets, there are fashion boutiques and souvenir shops selling crockery, wine, and tea specialties.

Furthermore, we were able to observe the boats ascending the canal lock, and the swing bridge was also impressive. Not just for Louis.

Louis mastered the whole day with flying colors. He participated very well.

Due to the Easter weekend, the city has many visitors.

Molsheim is located approx. 30 - 50 minutes from Strasbourg, where the Bugatti brand was born, and invites a stopover to explore its rich urban heritage. On the outskirts of the old town, the beautiful Jesuit Park is framed by the residence of Marshal Kellermann, built in the 17th century, and the Jesuit Church, dating from the same period. This is one of the largest churches in Alsace, after Strasbourg Cathedral, bearing witness to the city's significant religious past.

The Town Hall Square, surrounded by beautiful half-timbered houses, lies in the shadow of the Maison des Bouchers (Metzig House), a former butcher's shop whose enchanting Renaissance building from the 16th century is now a historical monument. In the middle of the square, the elegant Lion Fountain, made of sandstone from the Vosges, has proudly stood since 1609.

The Carthusian monastery of Molsheim, a former Carthusian order monastery built around 1700 and listed as a historical monument in 1998, now houses the Museum of Archaeology, Art, and History, which traces the history of the city and the Bruche Valley. The Bugatti Foundation is also located here, featuring an exhibition of vehicles and original objects.
Molsheim is home to the Bugatti family, the birthplace of the brand, and the company's current headquarters.
Among the many architectural treasures is also the Forgerons Gate, adorned with a clock and a Madonna with Child, which leads to the historic town center.

Molsheim is also a city characterized by viticulture and famous for its Grand Cru Bruderthal. Furthermore, it is an ideal starting point for exploring the region, especially the nearby Bruche Valley.

After the city tour, we went to the large playground so that Louis could also enjoy himself.

The search for the Easter Bunny in Obernai.

Located at the foothills of the Vosges mountains, Obernai is one of the places along the Alsace Wine Route where you absolutely must stop. Obernai is the birthplace of Saint Odilia.
It is also home to the famous Kronenbourg 1664 brewery.

With its harmonious ensemble of medieval and Renaissance houses, the walled historic center offers many treasures. It's simply fun to stroll through the alleys to discover all the historical treasures.

Behind the central market square, surrounded by old buildings such as the 13th-century Belfry and the Town Hall, the tour continues with the Granary, the Renaissance Six-Bucket Fountain from 1579, and the Sainte-Odile Fountain, which pays homage to the patron saint of Alsace. Also very worth seeing are the Saints-Pierre-et-Paul Church, built in pink, grey, and yellow sandstone in neo-Gothic style, and the Synagogue, which is one of France's historical monuments.

On the heights of Obernai stands the monument commemorating the Alsatians from the canton of Obernai who were forcibly conscripted into the German Wehrmacht during World War II. From there, you also have a panoramic view of the city, the Alsatian plain, and Mont Sainte-Odile.

Every year at Christmas, the very popular Christmas market with its illuminations and decorations, and the concerts and fairy tale walks, creates a truly enchanting atmosphere in the city.

The monastery was built in the 7th century by Odilia, a daughter of the Frankish Duke Eticho, in Hohenburg, which her father had left to her for this purpose. The site was used as a women's monastery until the Middle Ages and later named after Saint Odilia, the monastery's founder and patron saint of Alsace.

Mont Sainte-Odile is today the most important pilgrimage site in Alsace. The monastery conducts ecclesiastical seminars and operates a hotel.

Below the monastery, a spring emerges from a rock grotto, whose origin is attributed to Saint Odile. According to legend, she struck the rock with her walking stick to help a leper who was resting there, exhausted. The miraculous spring is said to have gushed from the rock then. The spring, whose water is believed to cure eye diseases, bears the name of Saint Odile.

Barr is a picturesque town in Alsace, France, known for its winegrowing and historic old town.

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Vosges mountains and surrounded by vineyards, Barr offers an idyllic landscape and many opportunities for wine tasting. The town is famous for Alsatian wine, especially Riesling and Gewürztraminer, and attracts numerous visitors each year who wish to visit its wine cellars and winemakers.

In addition, the half-timbered houses and charming cobbled streets are a special highlight for anyone wishing to experience traditional Alsatian architecture.

However, all shops were closed due to the public holiday. Therefore, we only did a city tour and then moved on.

Sélestat is a central starting point for sightseeing in the region, but the main attraction of the city is the Humanist Library, one of only two in Europe. Numerous works are preserved in the granary, which has been converted into a museum, including 154 medieval manuscripts and 1611 incunabula from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Renaissance humanism was a broad educational movement that drew on ancient or supposedly ancient ideas. Renaissance humanists hoped for an optimal development of human capabilities through the combination of knowledge and virtue.

The old town of Sélestat (Schlettstadt) also features beautiful old houses, especially in Kälberstrasse, Gänsestraße, and Dorlanstraße, and along the banks of the Gerber. Kirchenstrasse is home to the former residence of Ebersmünster, where Benedictine abbots lived. The building boasts a beautiful portal and an ivy-clad spiral staircase. In the Place du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny stands the Witch's Tower, where "witches" were imprisoned before their execution, next to the Strasbourg Gate and the last gate of the former defensive wall built under Louis XIV. The new tower with its frescoes is one of the four gates of the second defensive wall, erected at the end of the 13th century.

The religious buildings are also well worth seeing. The Gothic church of Saint-Georges, whose simple nave is illuminated by beautiful windows, combines Romanesque and flamboyant Gothic styles. The 12th-century church of Saint-Foy is a beautiful Romanesque building made of pink sandstone and granite, equipped with towers and a richly decorated portal. The church of Les Récollets is the only remnant of the Franciscan monastery, which was built in the 13th century.

In the morning we visited the weekly market, which takes place every Tuesday from 8.00 am to approx. 12.00 pm.

Around 300 Barbary macaques from all over the world live on 'Monkey Mountain'.
Some of the small, cheeky monkeys are surprisingly tame and enjoy being fed popcorn by visitors, which can be obtained at the park entrance.

The animals are kept in species-appropriate conditions on an area of 24 hectares. Visitors of all ages have access to this spacious enclosure and can observe the "free-roaming" monkeys as they eat, raise their young, and do everything else that is part of monkey life.

Along the way, you'll find interesting information boards about the animals' behavior and advice on how visitors should interact with them in the park.

We left the campsite (checked out) and, on recommendation, drove to a free parking space which is right next to a nice children's playground. This is also right at the entrance to the village, making it ideal for us.

The famous ruins in Robeauvillé, the three castles of the Lords of Ribeaupierre, majestically overlook the town and the neighboring hills. The Grand'Rue and its picturesque quarters, with buildings from the 15th to 18th centuries, are now decorated for Easter with flowers, rabbits and egg decorations; there are also many squares with Renaissance fountains.

In addition to a tour of the city with the small tourist train, free guided tours of the old town and the town hall are offered daily from May to October.
We decided against the train ride.

The vineyards, which have existed since the Middle Ages, offer numerous winegrowers and the cooperative winery the opportunity to offer tours with wine tastings. These include the three famous wines: Geisberg, Kirchberg de Ribeauvillé, and Osterberg.

The wide range of services and the variety of shops make the town a desirable attraction with cultural events and festivities throughout the year, such as: the Spring Market, the Kougelhopf Festival (early June), the Wine Fair (late July), the Village Musicians' Festival (1st Sunday in September), the Early Music Festival (October), the Medieval Christmas Market.

Due to the quality of life in its surroundings, Ribeauvillé has been awarded the titles "Holiday Resort in the Green" and "Climatic Health Resort" in France. The town benefits from excellent hotel infrastructure, a diverse range of guest rooms and holiday apartments, two campsites - one of which has received 4 stars according to new standards - numerous top-class restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, and a sports center. The construction of a thermal bath with a casino will soon complete this versatile offering.

Our plan doesn't seem to be working out. During our drive, the weather deteriorates significantly. There are strong gusts of wind and a lot of rain. The forecast also confirms this for the next day. We therefore decided to go home. Before that, we'll make a short stop in Guebwiller to stretch our legs and for dinner.

The town of Guebwiller is located on the Alsatian Wine Route at an altitude of 300 meters at the foot of the Grand Ballon, formerly known as "Ballon de Guebwiller", the highest peak in the Vosges (1424 m).

The city of Guebwiller (Gawiller in Alsatian), designated as a "Land of Art and History" and classified as a tourist commune, is driven by a dynamic of promoting architecture and heritage.

This former capital of the Murbach Abbey's possessions was founded in the heart of the Florival Valley (from the Latin Florigeravallis: literally Valley of Flowers). Nicknamed the "City of Three Churches," Guebwiller is home to monuments with diverse architectural styles: the Romanesque church of Saint Léger, the former Dominican convent (Gothic, currently a cultural meeting place). Among the personalities who marked the city's history, Théodore Deck, master of ceramic art in the 19th century, gave his name to the Museum of Art and Local History: The Théodore Deck Museum.

Dominated by a remarkable terraced vineyard, Guebwiller is the only city in Alsace to produce 4 Alsatian Grand Cru AOCs: Grand Cru Kessler, Grand Cru Kitterlé, Grand Cru Saering, Grand Cru, and Spiegel.

The city of Guebwiller is ideally located near Colmar (28 km) and Mulhouse (22 km), and the European capital Strasbourg (100 km), as well as in the cross-border Rhine area near Basel in Switzerland (54 km) and Freiburg in Germany (77 km). The ideal place to enjoy the advantages of Alsace, whether in summer or at the end of the year for the Christmas markets.

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