A week in Alsace

Culture and architectural treasures

For your first morning in Alsace, take it easy with a leisurely stroll through Grande Île, at the heart of Strasbourg. Admire its architectural treasures, for which it features on the UNESCO World Heritage List. First, head over to Place du Château Square to admire the royal Palais Rohan, home to three museums, where you can make a stop if you’re a fan of decorative art or history. Right next door, the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral awaits you. After your visit, climb the 332 steps to its platform, to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.

Romance in the Petite France quarter

After sharing tartes flambées at the Binchstub, a typical restaurant on Place Broglie Square, set off to discover the Petite France quarter. This picturesque quarter will enchant you instantly with its little cobblestone streets, flower-laden bridges and romantic atmosphere. After crossing the Pont du Faisan Bridge, head for the Covered Bridges and take a stroll along the waterside, where you’ll discover the most photographed spot in the city: the House of the Covered Bridges. End your day on a relaxing note: go for a walk along the river, or take a cruise on a tour boat, to give your feet a well-deserved rest.

Travel through time in Obernai

A few kilometres from Strasbourg, set off to discover Obernai, a charming wine-producing town. First, you’ll be impressed by its bell tower and ramparts, which protect the city centre, where the medieval architecture will take you back in time. Make a stop at Place du Marché Square, have a seat on the terrace of one of its restaurants and enjoy looking at the medieval architecture of the city hall and the watchtower.

Pilgrimage to Mont Sainte-Odile

Set off to discover an exceptional area of the Vosges Mountains, in Mont Sainte-Odile. Once you get to the summit, go into the convent that overlooks the Plain of Alsace, founded by Saint Odile, the patron saint of Alsace. Stroll around, explore and admire the beauty all around you. During your outing, you’ll discover the Pagan Wall, a historical and scientific enigma surrounding the mountain with its 300,000 stone blocks.

An architectural marvel

Take the road to Sélestat. Stroll through its city centre and admire its half-timbered houses. During your excursion, don’t miss the Humanist Library, a treasure of the Renaissance. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of its architecture. You’ll discover a stunning, bright setting that houses an incredible collection of medieval manuscripts, part of which features in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.

Legendary fortress

A remarkably restored fortified castle, the Castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg offers a glimpse into what mountain fortresses were like in the Middle Ages. From the top of its keep, you’ll enjoy an exceptional view of the entire Plain of Alsace. Set off to discover all of the secrets kept by the castle, thanks to the many workshops, guided tours and events organised year-round.

Take the legendary Alsace Wine Route and discover an enchanting tour of vineyards, picturesque villages and distinctive half-timbered houses. You’ll see the 7 Alsatian grape varieties while you’re on this route; a great way to encounter winegrowers who’ll share their love of the vineyards and the land with you. Start your excursion by taking the trail that spans the Alsace wine country and links Ribeauvillé to Hunawihr. Next, head for Riquewihr, where you’ll admire the beauty of this winemaking village; end your day in Kaysersberg, a charming village where you’ll be able to relax and watch the sunset.

Discovering Colmar’s heritage

In Colmar, stroll around and soak in the charm of this city that epitomizes all that is wonderful about life in Alsace. Start your visit in Little Venice: a charming labyrinth of canals that you can explore in a flat-bottomed boat. Next, admire the old town’s Gothic and Renaissance jewels, such as Saint Martin's Collegiate Church, which is surrounded by some nice terraces.

An afternoon for culture

Visit Unterlinden Museum, which is home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece! You can reach the other side of the museum through an underground tunnel, and go into the former Municipal Baths, which now house the museum’s contemporary wing with works by major artists such as Monet, Picasso and Dubuffet.  The highlight? The Guernica tapestry by René and Jacqueline Dürrbach, a perfect replica of Picasso's painting. There are only three in the world, in New York, Japan and Colmar!

Not far from Colmar, set off to discover the Vosges Mountains, on the road to Munster Valley. A true paradise for hikers and gourmets, boasting remarkable wildlife and plants and extraordinary highland landscapes. If you want a thrilling adventure, head for Kaysersberg Valley, where lots of activities are available: walks around Lac Blanc Lake, a treetop adventure park and a bike park await the most adventurous visitors.

Museums for every taste

For this last leg of the journey, go to Mulhouse, a City of Art and History with a prestigious industrial past. Are you a car lover? Go to the Cité de l’Automobile (Motor Museum) with its collection of over 400 vehicles, including Bugattis, Ferraris and Rolls Royces. More of a fashionista? So head for the Museum of Printed Textiles, to discover this technique that still inspires the greatest designers today.

Street art at the heart of the city

Learn all about the city’s creative side. Art is woven into the very fabric of Mulhouse, with its murals, contemporary installations and monumental frescoes: stroll through a real open-air urban art gallery and be amazed by an array of colours.