Exploring Alsace over a long weekend

Your weekend begins in Strasbourg, with a visit of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. This masterpiece of Gothic-style art was built using pink sandstone from the Vosges mountains, and construction took almost three centuries to complete. Don’t miss the astronomical clock, with clockwork dating from 1842. At 12:30pm the clock springs to life, and the animated figures will fascinate your inner child! If you’re feeling energetic, you can climb the 330 steps to the viewing platform 66 metres up above. The view is breathtaking! 

Continue your exploration to the Grande Île, a stunning urban island that is linked to the rest of Strasbourg by 21 bridges and walkways. You’ll enjoy wandering around the Petite France district, which is the oldest part of the city. The 16th- and 17th-century half-timbered houses will whisk you back into the past. Then, enjoy a leisurely walk along the docks before going on a sightseeing boat trip to admire the city from the peaceful waters.

Treat yourselves to a fine-dining experience at the restaurant Funambules. Organic, seasonal, local products are used to make modern dishes with a touch of Asian inspiration. The cherry on the cake is that the prices at this Michelin-starred restaurant are among the lowest in France for an establishment of this quality. 

Where to stay? Le Grand Hôtel, a three-star establishment where sustainability is a top priority. The central location is an added bonus.

On your second day, you’ll be visiting vineyards and charming villages. The first is Obernai, an ancient walled town. As you explore the town, you’ll come across the six bucket well, the Hotel de Ville (town hall) and Sainte-Odile fountain. Not-to-mention the 60-metre-high Belfry. This is a one-of-a-kind sight in Alsace, and the pride of the locals of Obernai. We recommend wine enthusiasts visit the small local wine cellars. Finally, admire the view across the whole town and the Mont Sainte-Odile from the viewpoint at the ‘National Monument of the Incorporated by Force’. 

Then, make your way to the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, a must-see when you’re in Alsace for the weekend. Drawbridge, collection of weapons from the Middle Ages, furniture, keep, inn, forge, mill, etc. These historic baths will come to life as you explore this exceptional place. When you get to the Grand Bastion, an exceptional panoramic view awaits you across the Alsace plain, the Vosges, the Forêt-Noire and even the snow-capped peaks of the Alps depending on the weather conditions. Incredible! 

Bring yourself back down to earth and head to the medieval town of Riquewihr. The half-timbered houses (13th to 18th centuries) are the next step of your enchanting tour of Alsace. Don’t miss the Tour du Dolder, the village portal dating from the 13th century. This tower has been transformed into a museum and is open to the public at certain times of year. You can climb to the top of the 25-metre-high tower and admire the view. 

For dinner, stay on the same theme as the rest of the day and head to the Cercle des Arômes in Colmar. Your hosts will whisk you away on a journey filled with grape varieties, colours and aromas. The perfect regional specialities and local products will be paired with the wines, for an all-round epicurean experience! 

Where to stay? The Paul & Pia hotel in the town centre where sustainability is key, even down to the choice of furniture, made by local carpenters and upholsterers of Alsace.

In the centre of Colmar, begin by exploring ‘the little Venice’, named as such due to the peaceful Lauch canals there. This picturesque district is a beautiful place with the canals lined with flowers, cobbled streets and houses painted in soft pastel shades. Don’t miss the opportunity to go for a relaxing boat trip on a flat-bottomed boat, and really embrace the beauty of this area. 

The Collegiate Church of St. Martin is an architectural masterpiece and is definitely worth a visit. As is the Koïfhus (former custom house), the oldest public building in the town, or the Unterlinden Art Museum, home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece.

 Finally, come and admire the amusing Maison des Têtes, built in 1609 during the German Renaissance. On the façade, there are 106 heads and grotesque masks, which is where the building got its name from (house of the heads).

Further reading :

Découvrir l’Alsace