Alsace combines German heritage with the French passion for food, wine and culture. Sightsee in the captivating capital of Strasbourg and visit storybook towns and villages in the countryside. The scenery is beautiful and ranges from vineyard-covered hills to sun-dappled oak, beech and fir forests.
Things to do in Alsace
Strasbourg is the Alsace capital and a great base to explore the region. Get lost in the postcard-perfect Petite France quarter and café-hop on Grande Île. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a maze of narrow lanes lined with gingerbread-style townhouses.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg towers over the city and is flanked by flying buttresses. Stone gargoyles decorate the dramatic Gothic façade. Visit at 12.30pm to see the enchanting astronomical clock in action. Climb the spiral staircase up the tower for sweeping views over Strasbourg and the surrounding countryside.
The half-timbered town of Colmar is a gateway to the Alsace wine region. Cobbled lanes wind through the Old Town and captivate visitors. Picturesque canals framed by colourful timber-frame houses lace the Petite Venise quarter. Colourful geraniums spill from the window boxes and add to the storybook charm. Explore the quarter on foot or rent a rowboat and enjoy a leisurely cruise along the canals.
Alsace produces some of the best wines in France. The region is famous for a quartet of Noble grapes – Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Riesling. You’ll also see specialty wines like Crémant d'Alsace sparkling on menus. Join a wine tour to visit boutique vineyards and learn more about the unique terroir of the Alsace region.
Alsace shares a border with both Germany and Switzerland, which influences the region’s cuisine. Try unique dishes like “tarte flambee” Alsatian-style pizza topped with crème fraiche, onions and bacon, “choucroute garnie” sausages served with sauerkraut and “baeckeoffe” potato casserole. Salt-encrusted pretzels sold at bakeries and street stands make excellent snacks.
Getting around Alsace
Alsace is easy to get around by car, train or bus. You’ll find train stations in major cities and towns, including Strasbourg and Strasbourg. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Alsace at your own pace. Bikes can be a scenic and eco-friendly way to explore the Alsace countryside. Alsace is serviced by two international airports - Strasbourg Airport and Basel-Mulhouse EuroAirport.