Alsace: the itinerary of villages and cities that must be absolutely visited.
Alsace Region
Alsace is a cultural and historical region in eastern France, very near to Germany and Switzerland. The architecture here consists of houses constructed with walls in timber framing and cob and roofing in flat tiles. This particular construction is famous in Germany and other regions of France.
Regarding the cuisine, we can say that is marked by the use of porks in various forms. It’s also famous for the wines and the beers. Furthermore, each year it attracts many tourists for its picturesque villages, churches and castles and for the various beauties of its three main towns, in spite of severe destructions suffered throughout five centuries of wars between France and Germany.
This zone has always been disputed between these two states. It’s not surprising considering its beauty.
In fact, in the names of the cities we can find some german influence.
First of all, the towns that we suggest to visit absolutely are Strasbourg and Colmar.
Moreover, there are four other small villages that we recommend: Mulhouse, Eguisheim, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg.
Strasbourg
The capital of the Alsace region has one of Europe’s largest medieval quarters. In Grand Ile and Petite France the mix of cobbled streets and timber-framed houses is just perfect.
No surprise that Strasbourg has been the subject of a centuries-long dispute between France and Germany, that’s why it’s more exciting and beautiful.
Don’t forget that here you can find international institutions like the European Parliament.
Most of all, La Petite France is the most photogenic area in the city. The trades of fishermen and tanners has been constructed in this district of waterways, weirs and locks crowded by white and black houses. All were constructed between 1500s and 1600s. There are also lots of restaurants where you can eat traditional Alsatian dishes.
Another thing you must absolutely see is the Barrage Vauban: a fortified bridge and weir on the River Ill. The view from the roof is stunning.
Last but not least, there are so many churches and museums that can be visited during your trip to Strasbourg.
Colmar
Colmar is the city that has been left untouched for hundred of years and looks like a theme park, although the timber houses and palaces are completely real and original.
Colmar’s old town quarter is so lovely, with street after street of corralled houses and pretty palaces decorated with lots of flowers.
Mulhouse 
Mulhouse represents the perfect combination of past and presence. Renowned for its rich industrial past, it has become popular for its technical museums. I really loved to take a stroll in the old town. The atmosphere here is very cosmopolitan that someone has nicknamed her as the “Manchester of France”.
Eguisheim
Eguisheim is very near to Colmar in Alsace. Although is almost a part of Colmar now, historically it is a separate town with its own identity.
The cobbled streets are lined with traditional medieval brightly painted buildings. This thing is so common in Alsace. Thanks to its own charme, it’s not listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. There are lots of flowers, fountains and storks. Yes, storks! There are lots of nests in the medieval city center and it’s beautiful to see how the local people are trying to reintroduce them to the region.
Riquewihr
At the heart of the Alsace’s vineyards, Riquewihr represents a perfect stop on the wine route. The village with its tiny streets has been very lucky to survive war and destruction. Surrounded by ramparts, the old 16th century houses are immaculately preserved as well as the fortified walls. Also in here there are lots of flowers and decoration.
Kaysersberg
Kaysersberg is a small town between Riquewihr and Colmar. It’s considered to be one of the most impressive cities in Alsace due to its medieval center.
Nonetheless, the landscape here is very picturesque: a valley surrounded by vineyards and hills with forests.
In fact, there is a pleasant main street, lots of painted houses, historical buildings and a pretty river that crosses the city. Very lovely scenery.
That’s all, if you need any other tips or suggestions don’t hesitate to write me below. Thanks!
24 Comments
Amy @ Family Globetrotters
How absolutely! Your photos are soooo enticing:) Did you just drive from one village to another? Bet the food is also amazing! The colours are just brilliant….
dagniee
Hi Amy, yes I drove from one village to another and so on… they are not far and the highway is good.
Nicola
The architecture is beautiful. It definitely looks more German than French. The streets are so beautiful and quaint I could just spend hours meandering around them.
dagniee
Hi Nicola, I can understand the feeling 🙂
Mayuri
These pictures are gorgeous and they are giving me serious wanderlust
I have been to Germany and their country, but have never been to France. They look gorgeous, and definitely worth a visit!
On my bucket list now
dagniee
France is so large and has so much to offer 🙂
Patricia & Miguel
That region is so picturesque and full of culture! The streets seem to be full of live, colours and beautiful harmonies, we’d love to explore it and we bet they pretty amazing spots to shoot some photos 😀
Thanks for sharing,
xx
Patricia & Miguel
http://www.freeoversea.com
dagniee
Hello guys, you are right 🙂
AMBER
I loved Strasbourg when I went there on a school trip when I was 14. I really need to go back and probably visit all these villages too!
dagniee
Hi Amber, they are all near so I recommend that 🙂
LaiAriel Samangka
I would definitely love to amble around and traipse my feet on the peaceful streets in the middle of beautiful houses. I love how they maintain the beauty of the surrounding despite the crowd of houses. The town of Colmar is seemed to be really interesting, I love how the river looks clean despite the fact that there are houses nearby.
dagniee
There is a perfect symbiosis 🙂
Celia
I’m planning a trip to France and this post is exactly what I’ve been looking for! <3
Do you know if the smaller towns are quiet at night? Would it be better to stay in Strasbourg and do day trips, or is it worth it to stay overnight in Colmar or one of the other towns?
dagniee
Hi dear, happy to help you. The towns are all quiet and calm. The distance between each cities is not far but I suggest to stay in Colmar or Strasbourg because you have many services and spots. The others are very small 🙂
Verena
Lovely post! I’ve only been to Strasbourg, but I would love to visit Colmar. It has a beautiful charm and is actually not very far from where I live 🙂
dagniee
If it’s not far, what are you waiting for? Go, explore and enjoy. I know you will for sure 🙂
Katherine
I can totally picture myself sitting back in Strousbourg, enjoying a nice beer on the footpath by a canal on a sunny day. Your pictures totally remind me of some places I visited in Belgium as well 🙂
dagniee
Yes Katherine, I’m in Belgium now and it’s true 🙂
Becca Talbot
I know you’ve said that this style of house is typically found in the east of France and the borders of Germany and Switzerland, but I definitely see some resemblance to some of the houses we have over here in the UK, especially in the more rural villages x
dagniee
Yes, it’s true. I can see some resemblance too Becca 🙂
dee
Beautiful photos! I love those German-influenced houses, and this sounds like a fascinating region.
dagniee
It really is, it’s so beautiful and inspiring 🙂
Priya Florence Shah
What a charming region. I read up- a bit about it’s history after reading this post and saw that it had changed hands between France and Germany many times. The history is also quite fascinating.
dagniee
yep it’s true Priya 🙂