Renowned for its wine, gastronomy, and picturesque medieval towns, the Alsace region in eastern France boasts the scenic 105-mile-long Alsatian Wine Route, traversing charming villages and renowned wine-producing towns from Thann to Marlenheim.
Nestled alongside the picturesque Vosges Mountains in eastern France, Alsace's dynamic heritage has been shaped by its strategic position at the crossroads of French and German civilizations and has alternated between French and German control for generations.
A fusion of French and German culture permeates every facet of Alsace, visible in its distinctive architecture, Alsatian cuisine, and linguistic influences. Travelers will immediately notice Alsace’s half-timbered houses in small villages and countless Gothic cathedrals, symbolizing the harmonious blend of two distinct cultures. The culinary landscape mirrors this fusion, offering a spectrum of Alsatian, German, and French flavors, from hearty stews to tarte flambeé, the region's version of a flatbread pizza.
Day 1: Explore Kayserberg
Morning: Arrive in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace. We took the train from Paris to Strasbourg and chose to rent a car to drive to the smaller village of Kayserberg, where our Airbnb was located.
After a short yet picturesque one-hour drive, head to Château de Kaysersberg to take in the panoramic views of the town and the surrounding vineyards. Park your car in one of the many public parking lots and stroll by foot through the charming streets of the old town, paying close attention to many of the well-preserved half-timbered houses and historic architecture. Stop by the Église Sainte-Croix, a local church known for its striking design and intricate details.
Afternoon: Indulge in a leisurely lunch at one of the local eateries, savoring Alsatian specialties like tarte flambée (Alsace’s version of a flatbread pizza — our personal favorite!), choucroute garnie, Coq au Riesling, a hearty German beer, or countless varieties of Alsatian wine available such as Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Blanc.
Most Airbnb and hotels will offer check-in around 3 or 4 PM. If you need extra time or an early check-in isn’t possible, walk off your meal along the scenic La Weiss River. Our hosts were kind enough to allow us to park our car in the garage and drop off our bags while they cleaned the house so we could use the day to explore.
Evening: Eat dinner early! Compared to Paris or other parts of Europe, many restaurants in smaller Alsatian towns close very early and require reservations, particularly during high season. On our trip, we found out the hard way. We went off walking around 8 PM to have a romantic dinner before turning in for the night, and we virtually could not find a single place in Kayserberg that was open or would seat us without a reservation. We ultimately drove 15 minutes to Colmar to one of the few places available — an excellent small wine bar with appetizers.
If you can snag a reservation beforehand, book a table at Le Chambard. For readers who are fans of the late author, chef, and food personality Anthony Bourdain, the hotel at Le Chambard was where Bourdain took his life in 2018. Affectionately known as “Tony,” this was one of the restaurants he was known to dine at in the area. The restaurant offers inventive dishes focusing on local ingredients, complemented by an extensive wine selection.
Le Chambard | 9-13 Rue du Général de Gaulle, 68240 Kaysersberg, France
Day 2: Explore Colmar
Morning: Explore the historic town of Colmar, known for its well-preserved old town and charming canals. Visit the Unterlinden Museum to view its impressive art collection, including the Isenheim Altarpiece. Walk through the iconic Little Venice district, admiring the colorful half-timbered houses reflected in the canal waters.
Afternoon: Discover the story of Alsace's winemaking heritage at the Bartholdi Museum and enjoy a wine-tasting session at a local winery. Purchase some bottles to take home and savor the flavors of Alsace long after your trip!
Evening: Conclude your weekend with a delightful dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants and lounges in Colmar. While most of Alsace tends to close early, even on the weekends, you can find restaurants, lounges, and bars open late here. Overall, the town was lovely. Walk along the streets and take in the Christmas decorations just after sunset.
Le Fer Rouge
Robust Alsace-style fare in a half-timbered, 15th-century building filled with art.
Le Fer Rouge | 52 Grand Rue, 68000 Colmar, France
L'Atelier du Peintre
Elevated, inventive French plates & wine pairings are presented in a sleek, contemporary dining space.
L'Atelier du Peintre | 1 Rue Schongauer, 68000 Colmar, France
La Fourchette des Ducs
A delightful restaurant offering a contemporary take on traditional French cuisine, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients and elegant presentations.
La Fourchette des Ducs | 9 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar, France
1741
A sophisticated restaurant combining classical French cuisine with modern techniques.
1741 | 10 Grand Rue, 68000 Colmar, France
Maximilien
A Michelin-starred restaurant offering an exquisite dining experience with a menu that combines traditional Alsatian flavors with innovative culinary techniques.
Maximilien | 6 Rue des Dentelles, 68000 Colmar, France
TRBV Intel: A critical note is to pay attention to the times parking garages are open until you plan to visit here in the evening. We came for a late dinner and drinks, and the parking garage closed on us! We spent practically two hours trying to get inside the garage until we found security patrolling the area who could help us. We did encounter some questionable groups in the adjacent park at a very late hour, so be aware. Next time, we will find street parking.
Day 3: Explore Eguisheim
Arguably one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace, Eguisheim is a 15-minute drive from Kayserberg. Begin your day at Eguisheim's central square with excellent photo opportunities of the well-preserved medieval architecture that characterizes the town.
Morning: Wander through narrow cobblestone streets and admire the eclectic window box displays that line the streets with vibrant flowers during the warmer months and Christmas decorations as the weather cools. On your strolls, stop by the Eguisheim Castle to learn about the town's fascinating history fused with French and German culture.
Afternoon: The best lunch we found in Alsace was at a small restaurant called L’Atelier de Bèné. The tarte flambées and salade verte are musts!
L’Atelier de Bèné | 6J Rue du Rempart S, 68420 Eguisheim, France
After lunch, visit the Eguisheim Vineyards to learn about the winemaking process and sample some of the region's renowned wines, known for their distinctive flavors.
Domaine Joseph Gruss & Son | 25 Grand-Rue, 68420 Eguisheim, France
Domaine Emile Beyer - Vins d'Alsace | 7 Pl. du Château Saint-Léon, 68420 Eguisheim, France
Wines of Alsace Eguisheim House Léon Baur | 22-24 Rue du Rempart N, 68420 Eguisheim, France
Continue the Alsatian Wine Tour!
For readers who are wine lovers, consider creating your own tour along the Alsace Wine Route! Below is a list of excellent wineries and vineyards just short drives away from Kayserberg, Colmar, and Eugensheim.
Domaine Weinbach
A renowned estate producing exquisite Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines.
Domaine Weinbach | 25 Route de Colmar, 68240 Kientzheim, France
Hugel et Fils
A family-owned winery has been crafting exceptional Alsatian wines for generations. Hugel et Fils | 3 Hugel et Fils | Rue de la 1ère Armée, 68340 Riquewihr, France
Trimbach
An acclaimed vineyard is known for its classic Riesling and Gewürztraminer varieties. Trimbach | 15 Route de Bergheim, 68150 Ribeauvillé, France
Josmeyer
A biodynamic winery producing elegant and sustainable wines reflective of Alsace's terroir.
Josmeyer | 76 Rue Clémenceau, 68920 Wintzenheim, France
Zind-Humbrecht
A leading biodynamic and organic winery revered for its exceptional Grand Cru wines. Zind-Humbrecht | 2 Rue de Marechal Joffre, 68420 Turckheim, France
Domaine Ostertag
Known for its innovative and natural winemaking practices, offering a diverse range of biodynamic wines.
Domaine Ostertag | 6 Rue de l'École, 67140 Epfig, France
Domaine Marcel Deiss
A notable producer following traditional winemaking methods, specializing in complex and terroir-driven wines.
Domaine Marcel Deiss | 5 Rue du Lieutenant Louis Mourier, 67650 Bergbieten, France
Dine at Countless Michelin-Rated Restaurant Options
Alsace, France has over twenty Michelin-rated restaurants (most without the expensive price tag, too). Below is a round-up of additional recommendations should you want to make reservations in advance. Most are in Colmar and Strasbourg, should you find yourself drawn to explore those areas.
Auberge de l'Ill
A renowned restaurant known for its inventive and refined dishes, showcasing the best French cuisine in an elegant setting.
Auberge de l'Ill | 2 Rue de Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or, 68970 Illhaeusern, France
Au Crocodile
A sophisticated restaurant renowned for its modern take on French cuisine, offering a blend of traditional flavors and innovative techniques.
Au Crocodile | 10 Rue de l'Outre, 67000 Strasbourg, France
Buerehiesel
It is a refined restaurant set in a beautiful half-timbered building, known for its contemporary interpretation of classic Alsatian dishes.
Buerehiesel | 4 Parc de l'Orangerie, 67000 Strasbourg, France
La Table du Gourmet
A charming restaurant offering an intimate dining experience and a menu that highlights the finest seasonal and regional produce.
La Table du Gourmet | 30 Rue du Général de Gaulle, 68420 Riquewihr, France
L'Arnsbourg
A Michelin-starred restaurant set in a picturesque location, offering creative and flavorful dishes inspired by traditional Alsatian cuisine.
L'Arnsbourg | 1 Untermuhlthal, 57415 Hengwiller, France
Auberge St-Laurent
A charming restaurant known for its warm hospitality and exquisite dishes prepared using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Auberge St-Laurent | 17 Rue Principale, 67210 Saverne, France
Les Saisons
A Michelin-starred restaurant serving creative and beautifully presented dishes that highlight the best seasonal produce of the region.
Les Saisons | 5 Rue des Francs Bourgeois, 67000 Strasbourg, France
Le Cerf
A refined restaurant is known for its inventive and elegant menu, featuring dishes that artfully blend traditional Alsatian flavors with modern culinary techniques.
Le Cerf | 30 Grand Rue, 67140 Marlenheim, France
JY'S
A stylish and contemporary restaurant offering an exceptional culinary experience with dishes that reflect the chef's passion for local and seasonal ingredients.
JY'S | 17 Rue de la Nuée Bleue, 67000 Strasbourg, France
Le Strasbourg
A distinguished restaurant offering a delightful blend of classic and contemporary French dishes served in an elegant and welcoming setting.
Le Strasbourg | 25 Rue du Fossé des Tanneurs, 67000 Strasbourg, France
Conclusion
In sum, a long weekend in Alsace promises an unforgettable fusion of history, cuisine, and natural beauty. Whether strolling the historic streets or savoring the region's renowned wines, each moment spent in Alsace is a testament to its unique charm and cultural richness.
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