Wine valleys, colorful towns and castles: experience it all from your holiday home in Alsace

Lush hills and river valleys with vineyards create the typical landscape of Alsace, where picturesque villages are never far away. Proud castles such as Haut-Koenigsbourg treat you to sweeping views over the Vosges mountains and, on clear days, even the Alps in the distance. Let your holiday in Alsace also revolve around fine wine and taste it together with the region’s famous Munster cheese. Do you want to enjoy a feast for the eyes and the senses? Rent a holiday home in Alsace and embark on a memorable boat tour through romantic cities such as Strasbourg and Colmar.

Enjoy cheese and wine in the Vallée de Munster from your holiday home in Alsace

The stork is the symbol of Alsace, which is clearly visible in the Vallée de Munster and the town that gave the valley its name. Stork nests can be seen on rooftops and high buildings everywhere. These birds have made the valley their home since the early Middle Ages and have become a familiar emblem of the region. Culinary lovers will also be delighted here, as this is where Munster cheese is produced—a specialty closely linked to Alsace and traditionally enjoyed with the white Gewürztraminer wine.

Explore the Alsace wine route and its beautiful scenery

Following a wine route is a must during your holiday, as Alsace is one of the best wine regions in France. The Route des Vins d’Alsace between Strasbourg and Mulhouse is a renowned route for drivers and cyclists alike. Along the way you can enjoy rolling vineyards that stretch to the base of the green hills. Charming villages invite you to stop for a gastronomic treat. Riquewihr, for example, is a jewel of a village right in the heart of the vineyards. Stroll through its colorful streets and consider a hike through the hilly vineyards for even more scenic views.

Visit the panoramic castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg

This hilltop fortress in Alsace is a must-see when you set out from your holiday home to explore beautiful castles. The reddish-brown castle complex, perched high on a hill, is one of the region’s highlights and offers breathtaking views over the endless green hills and valleys. Inside, the rooms decorated with frescoes are equally fascinating. Haut-Koenigsbourg is one of the largest and most beautiful castles in France. Discover its history further with an audio tour and detailed information panels filled with interesting facts.

Practical tip: arrive early to secure parking close to the entrance. Otherwise you may need to park farther away and walk uphill. Strollers can be left in a designated area if needed.

Take a scenic boat tour in Strasbourg from your holiday home in Alsace

Good news for city trip lovers: the regional capital Strasbourg is a true highlight and loved by visitors of all ages. The many half-timbered houses reveal the city’s historical ties to the German Empire. Strasbourg has a rich and sometimes turbulent past, which you can quickly discover in museums such as the Musée Historique. For a first introduction, a boat trip is one of the most popular activities—and for good reason. Glide under charming bridges and admire the towers of mighty cathedrals from unique angles. The river Ill, which flows around the old town, shows the city’s historical treasures in a stunning way. Particularly photogenic are the square towers where the river branches off. Another highlight is the Saint Paul cathedral, with its two slender towers and rose-windowed façade beautifully set by the water.

Want to understand the history behind the sights? During the boat tour you can listen to an audio guide, also available in a playful version for children.

Discover the romantic canals and wine bars of Colmar

Travelers seeking similar charm on a smaller scale should visit Colmar. Colorful half-timbered houses line the canals and flower-decked bridges. On sunny days it is a delight to enjoy a boat ride, while in the old district—nicknamed Little Venice—you can taste regional wines and the German-style flammkuchen, a thin pizza-like dish with cream topping. Art and romance lovers should not miss the Musée d'Unterlinden, where masterpieces by renowned painters such as Picasso and Claude Monet are on display.

Admire the perfect scenery in the village of Kaysersberg

Just as picturesque as its famous neighbors is the village of Kaysersberg. This gem lies among forested hills and vineyards, making it perfect for a city stroll combined with a nature walk. A real eye-catcher is the castle ruin with a single preserved tower, offering sweeping views of the village and the surrounding countryside. Keen-eyed walkers will also enjoy the gentle waterfall in the river that flows through the town. The houses line the water closely and look wonderfully photogenic with their bay-window balconies.

Rent a holiday home in Alsace and enjoy a colorful getaway

Alsace is both green and colorful. With hills covered in forests and dotted with picturesque towns and villages, this summary is no exaggeration. A holiday here also means a gastronomic experience, whether you visit the Vallée de Munster for its famous cheese or follow the Alsace wine route. The region’s successful winemaking is thanks to the Vosges mountains, which capture much of the rainfall and create a relatively dry climate where vineyards thrive. Do you want to enjoy a lush and sunny region? Experience the perfect mix of hills and valleys from your holiday home in Alsace.