How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Alsace
Updated: Aug 4, 2023
Alsace is a picturesque region in northeastern France, known for its charming villages, vineyards, and a unique blend of French and German cultures that you can breathe in the air. Spending a weekend in Alsace offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in its rich culture, history, and gastronomy.
What are the best things to do in Alsace? What you should see?
How can you make the most of your time in Alsace, if you are staying only for 2 days here?
First of all, book your hotel in Strasbourg - the capital of the region. Secondly, enjoy the below itinerary.
Day 1:
Day 2:
Great Coffee & Historical Center
Start your day in Strasbourg with a freshly brewed coffee (and a breakfast) in L'Escabeau by Omnino, Coffee Stub or Café Bretelles - hope it will give you the energy to explore the city further.
Continue your day with a visit to the famous Cathedral - one of the most stunning and historically significant cathedrals in Europe and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988.
Do not miss the Place Kleber - a beautiful square located in the heart of Strasbourg, just 5 minutes by foot from the Cathedral.
The square is named after General Jean-Baptiste Kléber, a French military officer during the French Revolutionary Wars - you can observe his statue on the pedestal in the middle of the square.
If you are lucky to see Strasbourg during the Christmas season (probably, the best season to come to Alsace), you will find one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets there, at Place Kleber. But make sure you book your stay in advance!
La Petite France (Small France) & Traditional Cuisine
Once you are in the city centre - just follow the crowd, and at some point, you will reach La Petite France, a charming and picturesque neighbourhood located in the heart of Strasbourg.
It is one of the most popular areas in the city, famous for its romantic ambience, half-timbered houses, which show traditional Alsatian architecture, canals, bridges and cobblestone streets.
After exploring the historical centre of the city, it's time to have a lunch break at one of the traditional Alsatian restaurants to try local specialities like tarte flambée, for example, this one, with local cheese Munster, for example, La Fignette and Chez l'Oncle Freddy (this one is quite popular, so better to book in advance).
Do not forget to order a glass of local wines - famous Alsatian Riesling, for example, that will match perfectly with your flambée.
European Quartier & Getting Lost in the Historical Centre
If you have some spare time in the afternoon, I highly recommend walking from the city centre to the European Quartier, to enjoy your 30-minute promenade and to see the home of important European institutions, such as the European Parliament, Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights.
When you get tired of observing modern architecture, come back to the centre, to jump back into the timeless Alsatian fairytale - the centre of Strasburg is perfect under the moonlight, do not miss these marvellous moments.
The Most Beautiful Villages of France
In the morning, continue your fairytale journey to see the gems of Alsace - its picturesque villages with their unique charm and common Alsatian architecture. It's better to take a car, but you can also come by public transport - check out what Google Maps offer you.
I highly recommend seeing at least two of the beautiful villages of Alsace - they are worth visiting!
Riquewihr is a fairy-tale village, that is pleasantly surprised by its beauty even if you spent the day before in La Petite France, the village, where you can spend at least a couple of hours diving into this medieval atmosphere and enjoying every square meter of this place.
Bright traditional houses, narrow streets, where the risk of getting lost is becoming a desire, not a fear, magnificent vineyards around the village and well-preserved medieval fortifications. What else do you need to imagine yourself in another century?
Ribeauvillé - is another beautiful village that is worth a visit. Beautiful medieval architecture, and historic landmarks such as the Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) and the Thieves' Tower (Tour des Voleurs), date back to the 13th century.
Each of these villages in Alsace has its unique charm and allure, making them all worth a visit to experience the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the region. Whether you're interested in history, wine, or simply enjoying the idyllic ambience, these villages offer a truly unforgettable experience.
Enjoy Colmar & La Petite Venise
Once you finished exploring the amazing villages of Alsace, it's time to come back to the town atmosphere. Go to Colmar, to enjoy its traditional picturesque architecture and amazing canals - once you see them, you will realize why its central part is called La Petite Venice (Little Venice).
But first, explore the city centre: wander through the cobblestone streets, fall in love (if you didn't already, after what you have just seen in Strasbourg and the villages) with bright traditional houses, and visit some nice museums that are worth your attention:
- Unterlinden Museum, where you can see the famous Isenheim Altarpiece and enjoy a good collection of art and historical objects.
- Bartholdi Museum, if you want to learn more about the life and work of the famous French sculptor Bartholdi, the one, who designed the Statue of Liberty.
- Museum of Chocolate, to learn more about the chocolate-making process, and to have a cup of nice hot chocolate at the exit.
Ready for your small trip to Venice? Do not worry, it will not take more than 10 minutes by foot from any location in the centre of Colmar to reach La Petite Venise quartier. It's not possible to miss this point - you will find indicators of directions everywhere, and also you can follow other tourists.
It's one of the most charming places ever: beautiful canals - part of the river Lauch, amazing colourful houses - this part of the city reminds me of Italian Venice. Take your time while strolling along the Quai de la Poissonnerie, enjoy fully these romantic and fairytale vibes and plan your next visit to this wonderful region.
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