Overview

The Alsace region is situated in the northeast of France, in the department of Grand Est, which runs alongside the German border. Offering incredible Medieval villages that look like something out of a fairytale, combined with some of the country’s best vineyards, stunning countryside views, plus the ability to take in castles, this part of France really does have something for everyone.

Due to the geographic location of this region, influences from both Germany and France (historically the area has shifted between these two nations powers) is what makes it so unique. Noticeable in everything, from the iconic half-timbered and brightly colored buildings (which are said to have inspired Disney’s setting of Beauty and the Beast) through to the food and, of course, the wine, the Alsace really showcases how the merging of two European cultures can result in an fabulously unique area that creates its own distinct charm.

Wine Route - Getting Around

Stretching from the regional capital, Strasbourg in the north, down to the town of Mulhouse in the south, this 105-mile wine route trail is the best way to take in this iconic area, its landscape, and all the beautiful towns and villages.

The best way to travel the route is by having your own transportation, this is the most popular and the easiest way to visit Alsace. As a regional and rural area, public transport can be limited and it is a lot more difficult to fit everything in, as well as visit the vineyards, which usually lie in the outskirts of the villages, without your own car. Having a vehicle also allows you flexibility.

Another option is to travel by bike, the terrain is fairly flat and cycling is really an amazing way to experience the landscapes between villages and vineyards at a slow and leisurely pace, taking it all in as you go. Some (more advanced bikers) will cycle the entire Wine Route from Strasbourg to Mulhouse, but this is not for everyone, a day rental on a bike can still provide a wonderful experience.

There are many companies in the area you can rent bikes from - either for a day or longer. Prices start at around €20 per day and it’s best if you can find a company near where you are staying on the Wine Route, so they can drop off and pick up the bikes from your accommodation.

Not much advance planning is required here and bike hire can usually be sorted the day before they are required.

Locks and helmets are usually included, as well as a basic repair kit, but do check this at the time of booking.

Public transportation is another option, and although trains are the quickest and easiest option to get into and out of the Alsace region, they are not the best way to explore it, simply because most of the small villages do not have stations. If you do use public transport, busses are your best option.

From Strasbourg you can connect via bus or train to Colmar - the largest town in the main Wine Route area - and then, from there, you can use local buses to get to the villages. However, keep in mind that many vineyards will not be accessible by public transport.

Formal and Informal Wine Tastings

Many people schedule a formal wine tasting at one of the local producers. This wine tasting experience typically offers a tour of their wine cellar and the tasting room where you will be educated on the different types of Alsatian wine and what distinguishes wines as "grand cru" (the best). They will help you understand more about the region, the grape, and the process.

After the tour, you will be able to try different wines, including some of the grand cru wines. Alsatian wines are very smooth without the acidic aftertaste.

There are so many wine cellars that offer tastings, you can stop in anywhere. It’s customary for the French to buy a bottle or two and keep moving to other wineries and purchase another bottle down the road.

Cuisine Along the Wine Route

The region draws from a mix of cultures and is known for its fine cuisine. Alsace has more Michelin starred restaurants per capita than anywhere else in France. Tarte flambées or Flammekuche (German), a kind of Alsatian pizza with bacon and onion on the thinnest crust baked in a wood-fired oven, complements any of the wines. Other local specialties are sausage, choucroute (Sauerkraut) and trout. The region is also famous for its production of pâté and cheeses.

Fairytale Towns

Without a doubt, the best thing to do along the Alsace wine route is to visit the enchanting towns. Most likely, photos of colorful buildings with flowers spilling out of window boxes is what first attracts your attention to this region.

Most of the towns along the Alsace wine route are small. You can walk through many of them in just a few hours, or even less, as some are tiny.

Exploring the cobblestoned streets are a favorite thing to do in the towns, but you can also go shopping, do wine tastings, and of course, dine on Alsatian food.

These towns can be found along the entire 105-mile route, but the most popular and the most picturesque are located near Colmar, at the southern end. Some favorites of these towns: Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Ribeauville, and Bergheim.

When to Go

The Alsace Wine Region can be visited year-round. However, if you get your timing right, you can visit the Alsace during one of its many festive seasons.

From late March through early April, Colmar is decorated for Easter and you can go shopping at the Easter markets. In early July, classical musical artists perform at the Colmar International Festival. At the end of July into early August, Colmar hosts the Alsace Wine Fair. And finally, the streets in Colmar fill with small shops and decorations during the Christmas market season.

The busiest times to visit the Alsace are during the summer months and from late November through December, when it is the Christmas market season. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit the Alsace Wine Route in late winter and early spring, in between New Year’s and Easter.

Late spring and early fall are also nice times to visit. This is the shoulder season so crowds and hotel prices are lower.