If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping right into your childhood fairly tale book like Beauty and the beast or a Disney Movie set then you must book a trip to Alsace without further delay.
A place where storybook villages meet vineyard-lined hillsides, where French charm intertwines with German precision, and where every cobblestone street feels like it belongs in a painting. Alsace a region, tucked along the border between France and Germany, blends the best of both worlds. You’ll find half-timbered houses draped in flowers, church spires rising over rolling vineyards, and locals who take pride in their food, wine, and heritage.
From Colmar’s canal-side charm to the storybook streets of Riquewihr and Eguisheim, Alsace is made for the kind where you wander without hurry, linger at every café and store facade, where scale tiled (tuiles écaille alsaciennes) roofs have storks nesting on them, where the scent of warm Kugelhopf and sweet Macarons drifts through cobbled lanes like a gentle invitation and the rhythm of small town life pulls you right in. Whether you’re here for the wine, the architecture, or its world famous Christmas markets , Alsace is indeed like stepping into a fairytale and has a way of making you want to stay just a little longer.
We spent four days exploring Alsace with Colmar as our base, and it turned out to be the perfect balance of scenic drives, quaint villages, and leisurely evenings. Here’s our day-by-day itinerary full of practical details, personal notes, and plenty of inspiration if you’re planning your own Alsace getaway on public transport without a car and being on a budget.
For begin this was our second time in France , we did a 2 week road trip through southern France , Annecy and Paris in the Spring of 2023 and without a doubt France is one of my favourite countries in Europe to visit that I keep coming back for more. You can read about our first trip here – Our one week itinerary for south of France
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Colmar
For the larger part of this trip I was based in Germany staying with my childhood bestie at her apartment in Mainz. But Alsace is well connected from Paris , Frankfurt , Munich and major cities of Switzerland via train in case you are arriving from any of these cities.
Our three hour journey from Mainz to Colmar was nothing short of scenic winding through stretches of vineyards and rolling countryside in Germany before crossing the border into France and passing through Strasbourg. Many travellers choose Strasbourg as their base since it’s well-connected by train and has its own airport too. But after a bit of research, I realized that the fairytale villages we wanted to explore were much closer to Colmar. And if you’re anything like me and prefer charming small towns over bustling cities, Colmar is definitely the better choice. Of course, you could always split your stay between the two for the best of both worlds.
We arrived in Colmar by late afternoon, and I had booked a cozy attic apartment right in the heart of the historic town for our four-day stay. The moment I stepped in, it felt like walking straight into a painting.
Often referred to as the “Little Venice of France,” Colmar lives up to its name with pastel-hued houses, flower-lined canals, and quaint wooden bridges that make it impossibly photogenic.
What to do on your first evening in Colmar
- Stroll through The Old Town: Wander the cobblestone streets, take in the half-timbered architecture, and let your camera go wild. Every turn feels like a postcard that will make you squeak in excitement.
- Visit La Petite Venise: Undoubtedly the most popular spot , this area is straight out of a fairytale -colourful facades reflected in calm waters, wooden shutters, and overflowing flower boxes. Take a scenic sunset ride here to soak in to the atmosphere.
- Evening Mood : As night falls, the reflections in the canals, softly lit buildings and the relatively calm pace give Colmar a romantic charm. The day trippers and tourist groups have left by now and Colmar was truly magical during this time of the day (Highly recommend). Every Tuesday from Spring to Summer the tourist office puts up a traditional dance adorning traditional Alsace costumes. Don’t miss this if you happen to be in Colmar on a Tuesday night.
- Dinner tip: Grab a table at a traditional winstub (local tavern) and try Alsatian classics like flammekueche (a thin flatbread with cream, onions, and bacon/vegetarian options available) or choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages and pork). Pair it with a local Riesling or Gewürztraminer, both the white wines Alsace is famous for.
The best part about Colmar is its relaxed rhythm. Take your time to explore it on foot, stop for gelato and coffee, and simply let the evening light work its magic.
Day 2 – Explore Neighbouring Village’s
The first thing we do on all our trips is walk into the tourist office to get a good idea on things to do , grab a physical copy of a map and get some handy tips from the locals themselves. Tourist offices in Europe are actually good and come with great recommendations.
So, like us if you haven’t rented a car and are relying on budget-friendly public transport to explore the region or if you’re short on time but still want to experience the true heart of Alsace covering maximum distance, the Kutzig hop-on hop-off bus tour is an absolute must. It’s a fun, flexible, and completely stress-free way to visit six of the most beautiful villages in Alsace all in a single day for just 29 euros per person.
Here’s how it works:
- Departure: The first bus leaves from the Colmar Tourist Center at 8:30 AM and then one every hour or so.
- Stops every 1.5 hours: You can hop on and off as you please at the villages you want to see or skip some villages if you want to cover just a few, it also drives through many beautiful towns and stunning vineyards.
- Price: €29 per adult per day as of Sep’25 (children under 12 for €19, and free for kids under 3 if seated on a parent’s lap).
- Last pick-up: Around 7:00 PM from Eguisheim just in time to be back in Colmar for dinner.
Villages Covered
- Ribeauvillé – My favourite from the lot, a medieval gem surrounded by vineyards and castle ruins perched on nearby hills. The cobbled streets, colourful storefronts, and traditional bakeries make it a wonderful first stop.
- Hunawihr – One of the smallest villages on the route, but incredibly picturesque , authentic and less commercial. The fortified church here, set against a backdrop of endless vineyards, is pure serenity.
- Riquewihr – Another favourite, and possibly the most famous of the six, Riquewihr looks like a fairytale come to life, you’ll pinch yourself so hard to believe this could be real. With its flower-decked windows, wine cellars, and artisan boutiques, it’s hard to leave. I could settle here trust me.
- Kaysersberg-Vignoble – A blend of medieval charm and vineyard beauty, often crowned one of France’s most beautiful villages. Don’t miss walking across its stone bridge for postcard-perfect views. I also really loved the souvenir shops here the most. they were unique with a lot of individual artists and we found the prettiest egg tray as a cherished Souvenir to bring back.
- Turckheim – Another lesser known but equally charming for its pastel houses and the Night Watchman’s Tour (if you happen to stay late), this village has a lovely, lived-in authenticity.
- Eguisheim – Saving one of the best for last, Eguisheim is circular in layout and another favourite of mine (I know I have been saying this for every town now ), with concentric streets wrapping around a historic core. It’s compact, charming, and brimming with grapevines and overflowing flowers boxes – an absolute must-visit.
The Kutzig bus is perfect if you’re traveling without a car or just want to sit back and soak up the countryside views. We loved how flexible it was that saved us parking hassles had we chose to drive and a bang for our buck at 29 euros, one can linger in the villages you love most without worrying about missing connections, skip a few if you find six is too hectic in a day, totally upto you.
From Hunawihr, where we’d seen everything in about 30 minutes, we decided to hike through the vineyard trail towards Riquewihr and it turned out to be the best impromtu decision ever. The gentle 60 minute path winds past vineyards and apple orchards, with the scent of ripe fruit in the air and rolling hills stretching into the distance. If you enjoy walking or cycling, this is one of the most beautiful ways to experience the beauty of the rolling hills in Alsace or better yet, stay at a vineyard and wake up to these views every morning.
Day 3 – A Day Trip to Strasbourg
No trip to Alsace is complete without a visit to Strasbourg, the regional capital also known as the Christmas Capital of the world. Just a one hour train ride away from Colmar, Strasbourg beautifully combines historic grandeur with modern energy. It surely is one of the most charming cities in France I have visited.
Strasbourg is the beating heart of Alsace where medieval charm meets cosmopolitan energy. As you wander through its UNESCO-listed old town, La Petite France, you’ll find half-timbered houses reflected in quiet canals, cobbled lanes lined with cafés, and the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral towering above it all.
The city beautifully blends French elegance with German precision you’ll taste it in the food, see it in the architecture, and feel it in the rhythm of daily life. Whether you’re cruising along the Ill River, browsing the bustling markets, or simply sipping a glass of Riesling at a riverside bistro, Strasbourg feels both grand and intimate the perfect balance of history, culture, and romance.
Neustadt the german imperial quarters in Strasbourg that tourists often miss is unique for its impressive squares and wide, spacious avenues lined with trees, as well as a perfect combination of monumental proportions and a keen sense of landscape. This remarkable post-Haussmann district features a certain amount of architectural extravagance, gleefully mixing Italian Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. After the destructive aftermath of the Second World War, the district stands as one of the last examples of late 19th-century German architecture.
Top things to do in Strasbourg:
- Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral: An awe-inspiring Gothic masterpiece , the cathedral dominates the skyline with its intricate spire and pink sandstone façade. Don’t miss the astronomical clock inside thats one of the most fascinating in Europe. If you’re up for a bit of exercise, climb the viewing platform for sweeping views across the rooftops and toward the Black Forest.
- Wander La Petite France: This is Strasbourg at its most picturesque a maze of canals, cobbled streets, and half-timbered houses, its quay, and historic bridges that look like they’ve stepped out of a storybook. This UNESCO-listed quarter is filled with canals, half-timbered houses, old tanneries and quaint bridges. Tip : It’s especially lovely for a late evening sunset stroll when the lights danced on the canals and the town felt like it was quietly exhaling.
- Take a Petit Train tour of the Neustadt German Imperial quarters : A relaxing and immersive way to see and learn the history of Strasbourg city on a hot afternoon, you can buy the tickets right in front of the Strasbourg Cathedral for 9 euros per adult, the tour lasts about 45 minutes with a audio guide and a visit to Strasbourg would be incomplete without seeing this side of the city.
- Take a boat tour on River Ill : Another relaxing way to see the city from a different angle, gliding past old quarters and government buildings. The route takes you past the half-timbered houses of La Petite France, under charming stone bridges, and toward the modern European Parliament buildings a journey that captures Strasbourg’s blend of history and progress.
- Indulge in the City’s Famous Tea Rooms: Strasbourg’s tea rooms are a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. Step into Au Fond du Jardin or Salon de thé Grand’ Rue or Patisserie Naegel and you’ll find glass cases filled with delicate pastries, tarts, and the region’s beloved Kugelhopf. Order a pot of tea, sit by the window, and watch the world go by it’s a quintessential Strasbourg experience. Recommend a reservation in advance as these are popular and can be sold months in advance.
Day 4 – Slow Travel in Colmar or Freiburg/ Switzerland
It was raining the whole day on our last day and we wanted to take it easy as we had a long journey ahead the next day. So we chose to explore Colmar at length by indulging in a self guided tour that I highly recommend, for 7 euros its a bang for buck and you can buy it here Colmar Self Guided Tour on Viator , just tune in with your ear phones plugged to your mobile phone that guides you through Colmar’s nooks and crannies , history and legends behind its important sights that I don’t think we could otherwise discover.
We discovered fun Chocolate & Christmas museums, historic buildings, eighteenth century barns , old market hall ending the tour near Little Venice really falling in love with Colmar. After a few busy days, it’s worth spending your final day just being.
Visit the Unterlinden Museum if you love Art, or stop by Musée Hansi my personal favourite housed inside an erstwhile bakery depicting a typical Alsatian Village dedicated to the artist illustrator Hansi, whose real name is Jean-Jacques Waltz , meander the cobblestone lanes to stumble upon beautiful Antique and Christmas stores, or simply sip wine at a café in the Old Town. Colmar rewards those who linger.
But here are some alternative options for you to choose depending upon your interests if you prefer otherwise
- Take a guided Alsace wine tour or Cycle through the Wine route
- Visit a nearby Castle or a French Chateau – Hohlandsbourg Castle, Haut-Barr Castle , Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg
- Visit Freiburg, Germany (Black Forest region)
- Day trip to Basel/Lucern, Switzerland
- Discover more Villages like Obernai in the north – Alsace’s ceramic town
Why Alsace Steals Every Traveler’s Heart
What makes Alsace so unforgettable and one of the most popular places in France, isn’t just its postcard perfect villages but it’s the way it feels which in my opinion best can be described as bringing your Inner child alive. The region has this rare, gentle rhythm , a mix of French joie de vivre and German gemütlichkeit (coziness). The best of both worlds.
From the vineyard-covered hills to the pastel-painted towns, half timbered homes reflecting through the clear canal waters , every corner of Alsace feels like a step back in time. It’s a place where time seems to stop just enough for you to truly savour the moment. Alsace truly has a way of wrapping you in its charm.
If you’re planning a trip through Europe and want something deeply atmospheric, add Alsace to your list. With four days, you can see the highlights and get a feel of Colmar’s canals, the neighbouring storybook villages, Strasbourg’s Architecture , and even a peek across the border into Germany or Switzerland.
It’s the kind of region that leaves you wanting to come back for more maybe for its world famous Christmas markets where millions visit from across the world, maybe for the longer summer days, but definitely for that special Alsatian warmth that lingers long after you’ve left.
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