If you visit Alsace, these are the three villages you shouldn’t miss.
Alsace is a region of France located near the German border. Its main city, which you may know of, is Strasbourg, famous for its stunning cathedral and Christmas markets. However today we won’t be talking about the cities in Alsace, but the villages. You see, there are many, many beautiful villages in Alsace which will remind you fairytale stories and Beauty & the Beast. In this post, I share with you the three villages that you absolutely shouldn’t miss on a trip to the Alsace region!
Eguisheim: the most beautiful village in France
If you want to recreate the opening scene of Beauty and the Beast, this is the place you need to visit. Eguisheim is a small village situated 15 minutes away by car from Colmar, the other bigger city in Alsace. The old town centre of Eguisheim forms a circle, and you can walk around the small streets full of old, colourful medieval houses. There is a map of the city available at the tourist office, that walks you through the main sights in the village. My favourite thing to do in Eguisheim was to walk around the small streets, looking at the facades of the houses. Did you know that medieval houses in Alsace all have different wooden patterns and signs depending on the job of the person who lived there? It is awesome looking around and finding houses of the blacksmiths, merchants, etc.
Things you shouldn’t miss in Eguishem: Saint Léon Fountain and Square, the Saint Léon IX Chapel and castle of the Counts of Eguisheim, the Freudenreich Joseph et Fils wine shop.
Kayserberg: for picturesque castle ruins
We visited Kayserberg on a whim, without planning, and it turned out to be a great surprise! Kayserberg has been elected most beautiful village in France in 2017. It is a great place to visit all year around if you travel to Alsace. I loved walking through the main street and along the river. What I loved most though in Kayserberg was to go up the stairs to the castle. You can climb up the tower for free, and the view of the whole valley and the vineyards from there is incredible!
Things you shouldn’t miss in Kayserberg: the fortified bridge, Sainte-Croix Church and rue Charles de Gaulle (the main street of the village), the city museum, the castle of Kayserberg.
Riquewhir: featuring the best Christmas shop I’ve ever seen
Riquewhir is located not too far from Eguisheim, and is yet another fairytale dream. You could see both villages in a day for a true Alsacian village adventure! In Riquewhir we had some traditional food at La Grenouille, alovely restaurant which serves delicious tarte flambée (flamenkueche) and roasted veggies. Highly recommend them for flamenkueche, though reviews state that their choucroute (typical cabbage dish) isn’t good. Stick to the flamenkueche and you’ll have a great time! In Riquewhir there is also the most beautiful Christmas shop I’ve ever been to: Féérie de Noël. It’s two floors of Christmas goodness, with stunning (though expensive) Christmas decorations. You are not allowed to take photos inside and the staff was a little bossy, however it’s such a beautiful and unique shop that it’s worth visiting.
Things you shoudln’t miss in Riquewhir: Féérie de Noël christmas shop, rue du Général de Gaulle (street where you will find stunning medieval houses), the Dolder Tower (old belfroy tower, which now houses the city museum), the Hansi Museum (dedicated to traditional Alsacian imagery and illustration), the castle of Wurtemberg.
Which village would you want to see the most? Have you ever heard about the Alsace region?
