MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS FROM NORTH TO SOUTH

The essence of Alsace, in 4 days

Urban escapades and excursions deep into the beauty of nature are part of the plan in this 4-day tour of Alsace. So much to see and do: Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse, the ideal city break destinations, combined with outings in the wine country and Alsatian hillsides.

(18)
  • Length4 days
  • Means of transportBy car
  • Distance130 km

Day 1: Strasbourg, capital of Alsace

Strolling through Grande Île

The historic centre of town, Grande Île alone makes the trip worthwhile. You’ll fall in love with the architectural gems in this quarter, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the River Ill and through the narrow cobblestone streets of Petite France, Strasbourg’s most charming quarter. Visit Strasbourg Cathedral and climb its 332 steps to appreciate an exceptional panorama. Browse through the shops on Rue des Orfèvres. Have a drink on Rue des Tonneliers.

A cultural stop at the museum

If you’re curious by nature, Strasbourg and its museums await you! Folk art, modern and contemporary art, history and science: pick your exhibition in one of the 10 museums in the city!

Cruise on a tour boat

Last of all, before leaving Strasbourg, take a river cruise. Head for the Palais Rohan pier and take a cruise to the European Parliament district. From the waterways, the city takes on a different dimension; discover it from a new angle. You’ll admire the view while learning lots of anecdotes about the city. There’s nothing like a pleasant boat ride to add variety to the pleasure of sightseeing!

Day 2: Legendary : Alsace Wine Route and castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg

Storming the Castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg

You’ll travel through time when you make a stop at the famous Castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg. Admirably restored, this majestic stone sentinel will give you an experience of living the Château life! Drawbridges, walls, towers and keeps: everything you’d imagine about medieval architecture takes form before your eyes. Perched on a rocky outcrop, it dominates the landscape, offering you an unparalleled panoramic view. Fascinated by medieval mystery? Guided tours, workshops and other events will quench your thirst for adventure.

Château du Haut Koenigsbourg à l'automne©Tristan Vuano

Enjoy the good life on the Alsace Wine Route

Explore the legendary Alsace Wine Route! An enchanting landscape unfolds as you make your way through vineyards and picturesque villages and past distinctive half-timbered houses. A stop in Riquewihr, Kaysersberg or Eguisheim is a must, so you can admire the beauty of these wine-producing towns. For gourmets and epicureans, it's also a great way for many encounters with winegrowers, who share their love of the vineyards and land.

Vue sur le Niedermorschwihr - Route des Vins d'Alsace©Tristan Vuano

Day 3: A peaceful stroll in Colmar

A romantic boat ride on the canals

Situated right at the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, Colmar has it all. You’ll be charmed by its picturesque half-timbered houses, romantic canals, flower-laden windowsills and a labyrinth of cobblestone lanes! Fall in love with Bartholdi’s city, as you enjoy a pleasant boat ride on the Lauch River. What’s in store? A peaceful boat ride and a unique view of the half-timbered façades in the picturesque Little Venice quarter. The Dolce Vita, in Alsace!

Majestic Unterlinden Museum

In the afternoon, you’ll be astounded by the masterpieces at the Unterlinden Museum. Housed in a former convent, the museum holds amongst its collections the famous Isenheim Altarpiece, which marked the art history of the 16th century. On the other side, go into the former Municipal Baths, which now feature 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!

Musée Unterlinden©Ruedi Walti

Day 4: Tradition and creativity before the departure

An authentic and poetic adventure at the Ecomusée d'Alsace and the Little Prince Park

On the road that will take you to Mulhouse, discover the Ecomusée d'Alsace Museum, where enthusiasts bring back to life the folk traditions of an early 20th century Alsatian village. Travel through time and discover the practices and know-how of the olden days, through workshops, encounters and shows!

At the Little Prince Park, the poetic world of this legendary tale is recreated in various attractions combining thrills, discovery, poetry and sharing. Together, these two sites form the biggest open-air museum in France and the first aerial park in the world.

Écomusée d'Alsace©Florentin Havet
Parc du Petit Prince©Michel Caumes

An open-air art gallery in Mulhouse

To bring a happy ending to these four days full of discovery, go to Mulhouse, a creative hotspot and a city with a remarkable industrial heritage. You absolutely must visit one of its many technical museums! Are you a race car driver at heart? Head for the Cité de l’Automobile (Motor Museum)! You’ll be awestruck by its collection of over 400 prestigious vehicles, including Bugattis, Ferraris and Rolls Royces. If you’re an avid traveller, it’s all aboard at the Cité du Train, the largest railway museum in Europe! The powerful locomotives and legendary railway carriages will take you on a journey through the history of the railways!

Next, set off to discover the culture of street art. It’s a real open-air art gallery, with the city’s walls reflecting the creativity and imagination of the artists and the history of the city.

Boite aux lettres - C215 - Mulhouse©31 Photography
Did you like it?

Leave us a rating - your recommendation is valuable..

Thanks for voting!

(18)