Top 10 of the most beautiful villages (and towns) in Alsace
On the Franco-German border , Alsace offers a wide range of tourist activities. Its villages and towns are recognized for their originality and beauty in all four corners of the globe: half-timbered houses with a medieval look, wells and flowered window sills, ancient legends and a warm atmosphere. In this article, we will take you to discover the ten most beautiful villages and townswhich dot this enchanted region. Lost in the grand cru vineyards, they offer unique landscapes and heritage, which will have no difficulty in seducing you, whether in the Haut-Rhin or the Bas-Rhin. From Strasbourg the capital to Hunawhir via Thann, Alsace offers you its most beautiful villages and majestic towns. Prepare to be amazed by the richness of this heritage and to immerse yourself in landscapes that seem straight out of a fairy tale. So, make yourself comfortable and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the ten most beautiful villages (and towns) in Alsace.
To learn more about Alsace, we recommend our dedicated article ( heritage, gastronomy and wine tourism)!
1. Eguisheim
Eguisheim is one of those postcard villages , Alsatian through and through: it has the full range of half-timbered houses, medieval fortifications, fountains and flower-filled balconies as soon as the sun comes out. . And that's not all, Eguisheim is also one of the jewels of Alsace's wine culture: there are several great wines, known and recognized worldwide. You can leisurely visit the place on board a little white train where you will be given historical information about the city. These elements make Eguisheim one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace . Discover Alsace (villages of Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr) in thisvisit the 4 wonders of Alsace!
2. Riquewihr
Riquewihr is part of the ranking of the most beautiful villages in France , and it is not for nothing. The village has had a history rich in twists and turns: first a fortified city in the Middle Ages, then prospering thanks to the cultivation of grapes and tourism, it has nearly 5 museums for 1,200 inhabitants! It also only became French in 1796. Riquewihr is all the more charming as it is located in the heart of the Alsace wine route . A visit to the town is also a good opportunity to take the route to the surrounding vineyards and hillsides, and to stop at an estate for a tasting. If you don't want to miss anything of Riquewihr, opt for a private guided tour of the village!
3. Hunawihr
Located in the Haut-Rhin on the wine route between Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé, all the charm of Hunawihr takes place in its magnificent landscapes made up of vines as far as the eye can see. Its church, classified as a historic monument, welcomes both Catholic and Protestant audiences, no distinction in faith in Hunawihr! With the cemetery, it is a very good example of a fortified church and the village never having had ramparts, it served as a refuge for the population in case of danger. As you stroll through the streets, you should also take the time to contemplate the very beautiful Alsatian residences. For children, the town has a stork and otter reintroduction center! Visit several villages including Hunawihr during thisday trip to medieval villages with wine tasting!
4. Mittelbergheim
On the wine route, in the Barr region, is another of the most beautiful villages in Alsace and France: Mittelbergheim. The history of Mittelbergheim is marked by wine production , it also has a remarkable vintage: the grand cru Zotzenberg . The unity of style of the houses and monuments is remarkable. In this superb wine-growing village from the 17th and 18thcenturies, each house and each stone tell a long story. Many walks on the side of Mont Saint-Odile are possible starting from Mittelbergheim. And for those who have come for the quality of the wine, it is also possible to visit the village estates, some of which even have guest rooms. Live the 100% Mittelbergheim experience by opting for a day of wine tasting and visits to 3 wine estates from Strasbourg!
5. Hunspach
Hunspach is located in Bas-Rhin in the country of Wissembourg. One of the characteristics of this sumptuous village is its white half-timbered houses on either side of the central street. There are also very beautiful examples of Napoleonic benches that women used to rest with their baskets on their way home from the market. For history buffs, head towards Fort Schoenenbourg , located on the Maginot Line, which had the largest artillery in Alsace . He is buried at a depth of no less than 22 meters! Hunspach therefore has all the arguments to be part of our ranking of the most beautiful villages and towns in Alsace.
6. Colmar
Talking about the beauty and authenticity of Alsace without mentioning Colmar would be a serious oversight. This thriving and serene city has varied and exciting architectural and cultural assets. Not to be missed is the Little Venice district and its quintessential Alsatian atmosphere as well as the Maison des Têtes built for the merchant Anton Burger in a German Renaissance style. What follows is a peaceful stroll through the half-timbered streets where you should not forget to sit at a restaurant table to taste the local gastronomy. To discover the city in an original way, you can rent flat-bottomed boats on the Lauch, the local river. Take advantage of your stay in Colmar to spendhalf a day on the Alsace wine route !
7. Thann
Thann is THE city for lovers of tales and medieval history , thanks to its architecture, its history and especially its legends. It is surrounded by vineyards, and there are, as Alsace obliges, many half-timbered houses which give Thann this very special atmosphere. And on the other side of the bank of the Thur, the local river, the ruins of a castle which strangely resemble the eye of a witch which seems to watch over the town in the distance. The landscapes surrounding Thann inevitably invite you to stroll and stroll, and if you are lucky, you may even come across wine growers roped up during one of your strolls due to the very steep slope of the hills surrounding the town. .
8. Obernai
Birthplace of Saint Odile, patroness of Alsace, Obernai is a typically Alsatian town. In terms of its architecture, it resembles many of its sisters, except for its magnificent ramparts. The latter date from the 19th century and defended the city by forming a double enclosure at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile . Some towers which punctuated the ramparts are still standing, and sometimes even integrated into residential buildings. The Obernai Market Square is also worth a detour, it includes the town hall which dates from 1370, a belfry made up of the remains of a church destroyed in 1873 and a square tower remodeled during the Renaissance. Don't miss anything about Obernai with thisguided walking tour with wine tasting !
9. Wissembourg
Wissembourg has managed to preserve its Romanesque atmosphere and medieval charm , to the point that it has been awarded the label “100 most beautiful detours in France”. The Saints-Pierre-et-Paul abbey church is representative of the city's history: it contains the oldest stained glass window in Alsace . Built in 1074, most of what remains today dates from the 13th century . And to add even more attractions to this city, there is a legend well known to little Alsatians: that of Hans Trapp or Father Fouettard, who is said to have been in Wissemberg on Christmas night.
10. Strasbourg
It is impossible not to mention Strasbourg if we broach the subject of the most beautiful cities in Alsace. A medieval city, it bears the traces of the passage of history. At first a simple military camp called Argentorum, wiped off the map by the Huns, sometimes German then French, it has managed to establish itself to the point of becoming a true cultural center. Today the capital of Europe, a status it shares with Brussels, it has many points of interest: its cathedral and its Christmas market of course, but also the Petite France and Krutenau districts., or the Place de la République. And to see the splendors of the city from above, it is recommended to climb the steps which lead to the platform of the tower of the splendid Strasbourg Cathedral . Opt for an original approach with this private and guided tour of Strasbourg by boat!
?What is the most beautiful city in Alsace
After winning the title of "favorite village of the French" in 2022 in the France 3 show, the village of Bergheim is now labeled "most beautiful village in France".
?What is the best season to go to Alsace
The best seasons to go to Alsace are spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October). These periods will give you a favorable climate to enjoy the region while limiting the number of tourists.
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