The fascinating region of Alsace in France is a unique travel destination in Europe. With its impressive fusion of French and Germanic cultures, Alsace is known for its wine, architecture, and interesting history.
Alsace is a region in the north-east of France that is on the west bank of the River Rhine. Bordered with Germany, Alsace is unique for its combination of both French and German cultures. Alsace is also known for its excellent white wines with unique characteristics, fascinating history and delicious gastronomy, of which sauerkraut and Flammekueche are firm favourites. Of course, there’s also its world-famous Christmas markets, which attract millions of visitors every year.
Are you considering a trip to the Alsace region? This article has you covered with everything you need to know about Alsace.
10 Best Things to do in Alsace
1. Alsace Wine Route (Route des Vins d’Alsace)
The Alsace Wine Route, known also as La Route des Vins d’Alsace, is the oldest wine route in France. The route runs north to south through the region, stopping at towns and villages like Obernai, Colmar and Guebwiller.
The wine region of Alsace is unique in France because of the combination of grapes grown there. Specialising in German grape varieties like Gewurztraminer and Riesling, the Alsace wine region produces largely white wines such as Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc.
2. Lalique Museum in Wingen-sur-Moder
Situated in the picturesque village of Wingen-sur-Moder, Lalique Museum celebrates the work of the jewellery designer and glassmaker, René Lalique. Lalique founded his workshop in Wingen-sur-Moder in 1921 and his early experience working for premium French jewellery brands like Cartier and Boucheron meant that his own business enjoyed great success.
Visitors to Lalique Museum can revel in some of Lalique’s most stunning creations, which incorporate enamel, precious stones, and glass.
3. Visit the Alsace Christmas Markets
A tour of the Alsace region wouldn’t be complete without visiting the magical Christmas markets. The fusion of French and German cultures at the border makes Christmas in Alsace a particularly special experience. During the festive season, Alsace transforms into a winter wonderland with locals and tourists alike enjoying the festivities and traditions in style.
4. Strasbourg Cathedral
Strasbourg Cathedral towers above the Alsace region like a medieval giant. Dating from 1015, the Cathedral was upgraded by Erwin von Steinbach in the 1260s in Gothic style. Finally finished in 1439, the cathedral features a 142-metre-tall bell tower, making it the tallest medieval building in all of Europe.
Visitors shouldn’t miss an opportunity to climb the 332 steps to the top of the bell tower, where they can enjoy views of the city of Strasbourg and the surrounding area.
5. Château du Haut-Barr
Climb the heights of the Saverne hills and experience the fascinating ruin of Château du Haut-Barr with its spectacular views and historic architectural features. Perched 470 metres above the valley below, the impressive Château du Haut-Barr dominates its position overlooking the Zorn Valley and the Alsace Plain. This magnificent castle boasts a portcullis, well tower, chapel, artillery tower and lord’s apartments. Lucky visitors can see as far as Strasbourg Cathedral on a clear day!
6. La Petite France, Strasbourg
Nestled in Strasbourg in the Alsace region is the exquisite commune of Petite France. Situated at the meeting of five arms of the river Ill, this area of Strasbourg is a water-based haven with quaint quays and irresistible charm. With medieval buildings and a history in tanning, fishing and milling, La Petite France is a throwback to simpler times in France.
7. Colmar
From its vantage point on the Lauch River, Colmar observes the comings and goings of the Alsace Wine Route. Widely known as the capital of Alsatian wine, Colmar features pretty, medieval, half-timbered buildings and picturesque canals. Colmar even has its own ‘Little Venice’, so called after its beautiful blue waters and attractive buildings.
Visitors to Colmar should take a stroll around the Old Town part of the city, where they will be able to do some sightseeing of the pastel-coloured buildings and impressive landmarks.
8. The Unique Arzviller Boat elevator
Stretching over 44.5 metres uphill, the Arzviller boat elevator was installed in 1969 to replace four kilometres of locks. The Arzviller boat elevator works with a counterweight to lift or lower barges safely up and down the hill. It’s certainly worth a visit just for the unusual experience of being on what feels like a flying boat!
Visitors to Colmar should take a stroll around the Old Town part of the city, where they will be able to do some sightseeing of the pastel-coloured buildings and impressive landmarks.
9. Cordeliers Chapel and the Chagall Stained-Glass Window, Sarrebourg
As you pass through the Alsace region into Lorraine, you’ll come across Sarrebourg. This ancient city is home to one of the most magnificent stained-glass windows you’ll ever see. Standing at 12-meters-high and about nine-metres-wide, it dominates the thirteenth-century Cordeliers Chapel.
When you visit the Chagall stained-glass window, enjoy wandering around the tranquil garden attached to the chapel, where you can learn more about Marc Chagall and his life. Don’t miss this opportunity to take some time out in solitude to learn about the history and art of the Alsace region.
10. Musée du Château des Rohan
Historically the seat of the Archbishops of Strasbourg, Château des Rohan overlooks the Marne-Rhine Canal. Inside the castle, visitors can learn about the history of Saverne in the museum, which was founded in 1858. Exhibiting a collection of artworks from the churches and castle of Saverne, archaeological finds from the excavation of the Marne-Rhine Canal, and a twentieth century ethnographic collection that belonged to politician, Louise Weiss, there’s plenty to learn about at Château des Rohan in the Alsace region.
The Wines of Alsace
One of the most enjoyable experiences you’ll be offered on a hotel barge cruise in Alsace will be the opportunity to enjoy private wine tastings as we pass through the Route des Grand Vins.
Officially established in 1953, the Route des Grands Vins winds through the valleys in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains for some 170 kilometres. Stretching from Marlenheim in the north to Thann in the south, a journey along the Route takes in over 1,000 wine producers.
Many vineyards and wineries along the Route des Grands Vins welcome visitors for tasting sessions. If you’re travelling through Alsace with us, you’ll have the chance to attend wine tastings during the onshore day trips.
The Canals of Alsace
The Colmar Canal
To explore Alsace by canal, you’ll find yourself on the pretty Colmar Canal, completed in the 1860s. This route will take you through gently undulating countryside and vineyards. The ancient town of Colmar itself is charming and well worth a visit – most notably the picturesque areas known as “Little Venice”.
The Sarre Canal
Built to carry coal from Lorraine into the industries of Mulhouse, this canal travels for just over 70 kilometres through a lovely rural backdrop. You can also take a connecting boat trip to visit beautiful and symbolic Strasbourg.
The Rhine-Marne Canal
Today this great link passes by some fantastic castles and historic towns plus locations like Hochfelden, famous for its brewing! Pretty Saverne is also very attractive and famous for an incident in 1913 where the local population demonstrated against the German military’s extra-legal policies in-and-around the town.
The Rhone-Rhine Canal
The credit for the original idea here goes back to the Romans, though it was never built in antiquity. Built in the 19th century to connect Alsace to Burgundy, it’s a masterpiece of engineering. When you explore Alsace by canal, you’ll be treated to Black Forest backdrops and historic centres such as Belfort.
Christmas Markets Cruises in Alsace
The Christmas markets of Alsace are a must visit for anyone who loves the magic of the festive season. With the warming glow of Christmas lights, the sparkling glimmer of an ice rink and the elevating scent of gingerbread, the Alsace Christmas markets have a way of uplifting you into the Christmas spirit.
Strasbourg will entertain you with one of its six Christmas markets, featuring an ice rink, carousel, and enormous Christmas tree. Colmar comes alive with its stunning half-timbered buildings decorated with chocolate box façade ribbons, tinsel, and baubles.
Cruise the Rivers of Alsace Aboard Panache
Whether you’re interested in city centres, Christmas markets, cuisine or wine tours, Alsace has something for everyone. There is so much to see and do in Alsace aboard Panache.
Panache is a hotel barge that has been fitted out in traditional yacht style with brass and mahogany fittings in the spacious public areas and very comfortable cabin accommodation. In the saloon, the picture windows let in plenty of natural light, and the tempting cocktail bar and comfortable leather sofas are enhanced by polished hardwood flooring. The separate roomy dining area provides a congenial setting for up to 12 guests to enjoy the gourmet meals and fine wines served on board.
Panache’s voyage through Alsace & Lorraine will give you the opportunity to appreciate the very best of the region, passing storybook villages along the way, visiting places such as Strasbourg, renowned for its Baroque and Romanesque architecture and uniquely, experiencing Europe’s most famous boat elevator!
Join us on our classic cruise and experience it for yourself – European Waterways style. To find out more about our 6-night all-inclusive luxury barge cruises in Alsace and Lorraine, please click here.
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