Alsace Wine Route

Experience the beauty of Alsace Wine Route, a 157 km road trip from Strasbourg to Thann in France. This trip is best experienced during the summer months when the vineyards are in full bloom. Along the way, you will get to witness the region’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and UNESCO Heritage Monuments. Start in Strasbourg and make your way to Obernai, a medieval town with a rich history and charming atmosphere. Further down the route is Riquewihr, a town famous for its colorful half-timbered houses and vineyards. Finally, end your trip in Colmar, a city with a beautiful old town and a number of interesting historical sites. The road conditions are generally good, although some parts of the route are narrow. Nevertheless, this road trip offers a unique experience that will stay with you for a long time. It can be managed on a moderate budget and is suitable for all drivers.

Strasbourg, located in the Grand Est region of France, is the perfect starting point for the “Alsace Wine Route”. This picturesque city is the perfect place to explore the natural beauty of France. With its cobblestone streets, gothic architecture, and quaint canals, Strasbourg is a must-see destination. For those travelling by air, the closest international airport is Strasbourg International Airport (SXB), offering car rentals. Once you’ve got your car, you can explore the many attractions in Strasbourg, such as the stunning Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Palace of the Rhine, and the Orangery Park. For those looking to explore the city’s history, the Strasbourg Historical Museum is a must-visit. The city is also home to a number of cultural events, including the Strasbourg Music Festival and the Strasbourg Christmas Market. No matter what you’re looking for, Strasbourg is the perfect starting point for the “Alsace Wine Route”.

Embark on a 49 km journey through the picturesque countryside of Alsace, France! Starting in Strasbourg, the first stop is Marlenheim, where travelers can explore the historical sites of the town, including the old castle ruins. Next, take a drive through Rosheim, where you can admire the beautiful architecture of the town, as well as the nearby UNESCO Heritage sites. Finally, take a leisurely drive through Obernai, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the rolling hills and vineyards. Along the way, make sure to take in the scenic roads and historical sites. This journey will take less than two hours, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road for an unforgettable road trip!

Embark on a 48 km, 2-hour drive through the beautiful French countryside starting in Obernai, France and ending in Riquewihr. Along the way, you will pass through Ribeauville, a charming village with traditional half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. On your journey, be sure to take in the stunning views of the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine Valley. As you pass through Ribeauville, take a moment to visit the ruins of the medieval castle, the Gothic church, and the beautiful town square. As you continue on your journey, you will be treated to small villages and rolling hills, with narrow sections of the road adding to the adventure. Don't forget to take in the sites of the old town of Riquewihr, with its old walls and cobbled streets. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the itinerary of this stage.

Embark on an exciting journey through the heart of Alsace, starting in the charming town of Riquewihr and ending in Colmar. This 14 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore both of these historical towns. Riquewihr is a beautiful town with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and a breathtaking view of the Vosges Mountains. It’s the perfect place to start your journey, and you’ll want to make sure to explore the old city walls and the medieval castle. As you make your way to Colmar, you’ll be driving along the picturesque Route des Vins, where you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the vineyards and rolling hills. Once you reach Colmar, you’ll be able to explore the old town, with its quaint canals, cobblestone streets, and colorful houses. Make sure to visit the Little Venice district and the Unterlinden Museum. Along the way, you’ll be able to take in the beautiful scenery and enjoy the delightful atmosphere of the Alsace region. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Start your journey today!

Start your road trip in Colmar, France, and drive through Rouffach and Guebwiller, two charming villages in Alsace. As you drive, you'll be surrounded by stunning views of vineyards and rolling hills, with plenty of opportunities to explore the local culture and history. From Colmar, it's only a 45 km drive to Rouffach, where you can visit the ruins of the old castle and the beautiful church of Saint-Léonard. From there, it's a short drive to Guebwiller, where you can take a stroll through the old town, admire the half-timbered houses, and explore the many churches and chapels. Finally, your journey ends in Thann, a city known for its stunning architecture, including the impressive St. Thiébaut Cathedral. With a total driving time of less than one hour, this is the perfect day trip for those looking to explore the beauty of Alsace. Make sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.

Thann, located in the Alsace region of France, is the perfect end point for the Alsace Wine Route. This picturesque town is a great place to take a break from the road and explore some of its highlights. Start your exploration by visiting the medieval Thann Citadel, which is surrounded by old city walls and towers. Afterward, you can walk the old streets and explore the shops and eateries that line the city's main square. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also take a hike up to the nearby Chamont mountain and take in the breathtaking views. No visit to Thann would be complete without tasting some of the local wines, which are known for their high quality. You can pick up a bottle of your favorite variety at one of the many wine cellars in the city. And if you're driving, you'll be glad to know that Thann is only a short drive away from the nearest international airport, Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport (BSL). All in all, Thann is the perfect end point for the Alsace Wine Route, offering visitors a chance to explore the town's highlights and sample some of its delicious wines.

Before you set off

The Alsace Wine Route, officially known as `La Route des Vins d'Alsace,` is a picturesque 170 km (approximately 105 miles) journey that winds through rolling hills and charming villages from Marlenheim to Thann in the northeastern region of France. This celebrated route provides an immersive experience into Alsace's unique cultural heritage, diverse terroirs, and renowned winemaking tradition that dates back to Roman times.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Strasbourg: Embark on your wine journey in the capital of Alsace, where you can marvel at the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and stroll through the cobblestone streets of La Petite France, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Obernai: This captivating medieval town offers a glimpse into Alsace's history, with its enchanting market square, the 60-meter-tall belfry of the Obernai Church, and the beautifully preserved city walls.
• Riquewihr: Recognized as one of `Les Plus Beaux Villages de France` (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), this walled town is surrounded by vineyards and is known for its Riesling wines. The Dolder Tower and the Thieves' Tower are prominent historical landmarks here.
• Colmar: Often referred to as `Little Venice` due to its network of canals, Colmar's old town is a patchwork of pastel-colored buildings, with the Pfister House and the Bartholdi Museum (dedicated to the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty) being must-see attractions.

Best Time to Go:

Late spring through early fall (May to October) is ideal for the Alsace Wine Route, with the vineyards in full bloom and numerous wine festivals taking place. The harvest season (September to October) offers a special opportunity to experience the vibrant wine-making culture firsthand.

Potential Risks:

While Road conditions are well-maintained, be mindful of occasional steep inclines and the potential for congested traffic during peak tourist seasons. Also, be aware of local driving laws, especially concerning alcohol consumption.

Fascinating Facts for Roadtrippers:

• Alsace is home to one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in France, allowing travelers to pair exquisite wines with exceptional culinary creations.
• The region produces some of the world's most aromatic white wines, such as Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris.
• Alsace's wine-growing area stretches over two departments: Bas-Rhin to the north and Haut-Rhin to the south, each with its unique soil compositions and wine profiles.
• Many towns along the route, like Strasbourg and Colmar, feature well-preserved examples of timber-framed houses, contributing to the fairy-tale ambiance of the region.

A good choice for:

The Alsace Wine Route is not just a Road Trip; it's a journey through time and taste. With its fusion of French and German influences, this region offers travelers an enchanting escape into a world where wine is as much an art form as it is a tradition, set against a backdrop of historical splendor and pastoral elegance.