En franchissant les portes de Riquewihr en Alsace, vous tombez sous le charme ! Celui des couleurs : murs couleur ocre, rose, rouge ou bleu parfaitement assortis aux fleurs qui jonchent les balcons. Séduisante aussi l’architecture de l’habitat alsacien parfaitement conservée.
Once you step into Riquewihr in Alsace, you’ll fall in love with its irresistible charm! Take in the alluring ambiance of typically colourful Alsatian architecture and balconies lined with a wonderful assortment of flowers.
Coming to Riquewihr is just like taking a step into the past. Situated just 10 kilometres from Colmar, travel back to the 16th Century when this town was born and started to build its reputation and prosperity from its farming and wine trade.
It’s almost as if time itself has slowed in this town. Impeccably kept, Riquewihr is more or less the same way it was in the 16th Century, and has remarkable architectural heritage.
The double wall standing tall around its perimeter is proof of how this village of just 1200 inhabitants has been immaculately preserved over the years. Visit and admire the 3 defence towers of the village, some of the oldest fortifications here, dating back to 1291:
- The Anabaptists Tower
- The Heller Tower
- The Thieves' Tower (former prison of Riquewihr)
In addition, visit the Dolder Tower, the defensive gateway from the 13th Century towering over the village.
Stroll along the paved roads and embrace a past world which continues to thrive in the village today. Half-timbered houses with sandstone and distinctive wooden beams used to give extra support.
Out-of-sight, you’ll find small courtyards nestled along the streets featuring quaint balconies and windows, with their abundance of flowers, overlooking old-style wells and fountains.
A place of exceptional wine
Beyond the limits of Riquewihr lies a stunning horizon filled with vineyards growing between some hills. Aligned, elegant and lush... The nature in this region is clearly mirrored in the wine produced from it.
What first comes to mind is the famous Riesling, one of the 7 grape varieties that the Alsace wines are directly named after: produce that gives pride to Pays de Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr.
One of the most beautiful villages in France
For centuries, this beautiful village has succeeded in combining architectural quality with globally-recognised wine excellence. Known as the “gem of Alsace vineyards”, it’s no wonder that Riquewihr is listed among the 156 Most Beautiful Villages of France (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France).
Museums to Visit
- Maison Hansi, dedicated to the famous Alsatian illustrator
- Maison du Vigneron (Winemaker’s House), from the 16th Century
- Alsace’s Museum of Communication, retracting the history of the postal service and telecommunications of the region.
Address
Office de tourisme du Pays de Ribeauvillé et Riquewihr 2, rue de la Première Armée 68340 Riquewihr Tél. : + 33 (0)3 89 73 23 23
Inaugurated in 2013 to celebrate 60 years of the famous Alsace Wine Trail, the long-distance cycling route of the Alsace vineyards guides you along a bucolic itinerary toward the charming villages and their vinicultural nuggets.
Parmi les plus beaux villages de France
Pendant des siècles, cette splendide cité a donc réussi à conjuguer la qualité architecturale à l’excellence de vins mondialement connus. La « Perle du vignoble alsacien », comme on l’appelle, mérite bien de figurer parmi les 156 Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Musées à visiter
- Maison Hansi, dédiée au célèbre illustrateur alsacien.
- Maison du Vigneron, datant du XVIᵉ siècle.
- Musée de la communication, retraçant l'histoire du service postal et des télécommunications, particulièrement en Alsace.
By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.
