On the Alsace wine route

The charm and beauty of this wine route lies in its wonderful array of colourful Alsatian villages. There are no fewer than 73 villages along the Alsace wine route, enough to delight all lovers of tradition and heritage. Some even feature on the list of France's most beautiful villages! There are so many to choose from that it's impossible to list them all here, but here are a few suggestions of the most beautiful villages along the route, close to Colmar.

Colmar

Colmar, the must-see, is of course the starting point for your exploration. Also known as the "capital of Alsace wines", Colmar is a condensed version of the best of Alsace.

Its perfectly preserved historic centre, its canals, its sublime half-timbered houses... In Colmar, everything invites you to stroll and contemplate. Whether you're a lover of gastronomy, culture, architecture or history, you're bound to find what you're looking for!

Zellenberg

Just 15 km from Colmar, Zellenberg is a small village ideal for travellers seeking peace and authenticity. Less popular with tourists, this village offers a chance to soak up the gentle Alsatian way of life. Perched on its 285-metre-high hill, Zellenberg has preserved its medieval remains and invites you to follow a historical trail that retraces its past. You can also discover the area's two Grands Crus: Froehn and Schoenenbourg, by walking along the vineyard paths.

Mittelbergheim

45 km from Colmar, at the foot of Mont Saint-Odile, the village of Mittelbergheim is home to a superb architectural heritage! During your visit, you'll leave behind the half-timbered houses to admire some superb Renaissance buildings, with large limestone facades. And, of course, take the opportunity to meet some of the local winegrowers and and taste the Zotzenberg Grand Cru.

Obernai

A few kilometres further on, you'll find the village of Obernai, known as the birthplace of Sainte-Odile, patron saint of Alsace. This magnificent medieval town is one of the most beautiful stops on the Alsace wine route. Don't miss the Renaissance town hall, the wheat market, the old municipal baths and the belfry, unique in Alsace. As for the vineyards, Obernai's date back to 778!

Alsace wines, mostly white, are world-renowned for their finesse, freshness and varied range of flavours. There are seven grape varieties in Alsace: Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir. This diversity means that Alsace wines can be paired with a wide range of dishes.

On the Alsace wine route, the most eagerly-awaited moment is of course wine tasting and meeting the winemakers. So take the time to visit one or more wineries or estates, and enjoy a fascinating oenological experience in a friendly atmosphere. The winemakers will be delighted to welcome you and pass on their passion. As well as tasting some exceptional wines, you're guaranteed to have a great time!

The Alsace wine route can be visited almost all year round (avoiding winter), depending on what you fancy. Spring is the ideal time to explore the Alsace wine route in "slow" mode. The peak wine-tourism season has not yet begun, so you can enjoy the first rays of sunshine in idyllic, peaceful surroundings!

If you want to take full advantage of the effervescence of Alsace's festivities, then we advise you to make the trip in summer. Discover the vineyard marathon in June, enjoy the processions and numerous tastings during the wine festivals throughout the summer, and many other village festivities.

Last but not least, the wine route takes on a whole new look in autumn: the vines take on fiery yellows, oranges and reds, offering travellers a sublime spectacle. Autumn is also the ideal season for tasting new wine.

The wine route is of course dotted with a host of charming accommodation: boutique hotels in towns and villages, châteaux in the vineyards, self-catering cottages... there's something to suit all tastes and budgets. Here is a small selection: