France usually pulls tourists because of the Eiffel Tower, but there’s plenty to do in the country that’s not focused on Paris. Instead of heading to touristy destinations this year, why not visit Alsace? A stunning region lying on the upper Rhine right by Germany and Switzerland, Alsace is one of the most stunning and exciting destinations in France. Despite its unique location, Alsace is never crowded, so it’s the perfect destination for anyone who’s looking to avoid tourist footfall. And if you’re truly going to make this trip your most memorable, you must visit these most beautiful villages in Alsace, France:
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1. Eguisheim
If you’re flying into Basel, Eguisheim is the perfect place to start exploring the most beautiful villages in Alsace. This stunning gem is a medieval commune lined with charming houses with pointed roofs and vibrant timber frontages. The architecture itself makes Eguisheim a stunning delight, but that’s not the only charm; this village is renowned for its circular streets, where a simple walk becomes a charming step into a French wonderland. Grab a cup of joe (or freshly made wine if you must), stop at Kas’Fratz for lunch, and hit up the hidden boutiques to seal your experience. Or you could sit at a bench and enjoy watching the locals walk around, like you’re truly watching a movie.
2. Kaysersberg
From the outside, Kayserberg doesn’t look like much. But that’s just its cunning way to throw off the tourist footfall. Once you step inside this village, you’ll forget all about the touristy destinations in France. Kaysersberg is one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace because of its reserved personality and stunning landscapes. While most villages offer bustling markets and colorful houses, Kaysersberg takes it up a notch with a tall, fortified bridge that spans the Weiss River. That’s not all; this beautiful village in Alsace hosts some of the best Christmas markets in France, so you know you’re getting your money’s worth if you visit in the season.
3. Riquewihr
What could be better than the picturesque destination imagined in Beauty and the Beast? The village that inspired it, of course. Riquewihr’s cobbled streets, colorful buildings, historic architecture, and flower-laden windowsills make it one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace, and it might even compete with the world. While strolling Riquewihr’s streets is enough to sweep you off your feet, we recommend renting a bike and cycling through each and every crevice so you genuinely know what inspired Disney. It’s also lined with wineries that offer wine-making tours and come with a fresh glass of homegrown wine, so you know it’s worth it.
4. Ribeauville
If you’re visiting Riquewihr, it’s impossible not to visit Ribeauville. This gorgeous destination is just a 24-minute bike ride from Riauqewirh, so grab your companions and make the short trip. Once there, you’ll realize why Ribeauville is one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace; the commune features romantic streets, an impressive history, and a culture that’ll really make you swoon. Of course, that’s not where it shines; Ribeauville lies tucked between sprawling vineyards and towering mountains, so you’re getting some of the most beautiful views in France. The medieval fortifications, Renaissance art, and mouth-watering wine make Ribeauville worth the visit. However, you must stop at its cafes and take a bite of its homemade desserts, leaving your taste buds quivering with delight.
5. Saint-Hippolyte
Saint-Hippolyte is small and humble, so it usually escapes most tourist itineraries. But if you’re brave enough to make the trip, you’ll realize it’s not only one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace but also home to some of the loveliest people you’ll ever meet. The villages of Saint-Hippolyte are warm and welcoming (unlike Parisians), so you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a dreamy wonderland. The dream doesn’t end here, though; Saint-Hippolyte’s streets aren’t just Instagram-worthy but also home to some of France’s most magnificent and charming historical buildings. If you’re up for a short detour, take a 10-minute ride to the nearby Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle, a medieval destination that offers a bird’s eye view of the Swiss Alps and the Black Forest on a clear day. With a destination like Saint-Hippolyte, you’ll want to extend your tour by decades.
6. Obernai
Obernai is much larger than the other villages in Alsace, so you might not find it as secluded. But Obernai’s popularity with tourism is what makes part of its charm; you’ll stroll its street and won’t complain about the footfall for a second because it’s just that beautiful. Obernai lies in the Bas-Rhin region, near the Vosges Mountains’ foothills, so it offers more than just sprawling views of medieval buildings. Obernai’s proximity to the Vosges Mountains makes it a delight for nature lovers, who can hike through the foothills and stop for romantic picnics in the sunlight. The village also borders a very lively city, so you won’t be too far from fun destinations and might be able to cram a few French bar crawls if you want. And, of course, the charming city hall, clanging bell towers, and lively Christmas markets make Obernai one of the best and most beautiful villages in Alsace.
7. Mittelbergheim
Lastly, we’ve got Mittelbergheim, a romantic commune that’ll make you feel like every day is Valentine’s. Before we boast about its amorous charm, let’s talk about why Mittelbergheim is not only one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace but also a destination that you can’t miss. This commune lies in the Bas-Rhin region, perched on a hillside with sprawling vineyards all around it. If the promise of fresh grapes, rustic landscapes, and mouth-watering wine isn’t enough, wait till you stroll Mittelbergheim’s streets. With arched bridges and narrow cobblestone streets, Mittelbergheim becomes an unusual and unexpected spark that ignites romance, especially when you’re walking with your loved one under the moonlight. Couple that with pink Renaissance houses that pick an odd tinge at night; you’ll find yourself amazed at all that Mittelbergheim has to offer.
Video Guide: 7 Most Beautiful Villages in Alsace, France (Coming Soon)
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Travel Resources for Planning a Trip to Alsace, France
To make planning your trip to the best places in Alsace, France easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do at each destination during your trip.
Flights:
Agoda: Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.
CheapOAir: You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!
Kiwi.com: What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “Nomad” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.
JetRadar: You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.
Hotels:
Agoda: Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.
Hotellook: They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.
Transportations:
Airport Transfers: KiwiTaxi, Viator
Train: EuroRail, Trainline or RailEurope
Bus: Flixbus: Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.
Car Rentals: AutoEurope, EconomyBookings, or GetTransfer (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)
Bike Rental: BikesBooking (Bikes & scooter rentals)
Transportation Comparison: Omio (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)
Tours & Activities:
TakeWalks (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.
Tiqets: Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.
Musement: They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.
GetYourGuide: A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities
Viator: The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportation and transfer options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.
Need help planning a trip to Alsace, France?
Planning and looking for the best places to visit in Alsace, France? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!
At MultiCityTrips, multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a special trip to the best places in Alsace, France are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize your multi-city vacations at the best price.
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