Colmar and the wine villages of Alsace: an unforgettable van road trip
Discover Colmar, the Alsatian Venice, and its wine villages, ranked among France’s most beautiful. With half-timbered houses, vineyards and medieval castles, Alsace delights at every turn of the road.
Alsace is a region to explore like an open book: every village, every street, every vineyard tells a story. In your van or motorhome, set off to meet Colmar, a colourful gem, and the wine jewels of Eguisheim, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg. Here, the landscapes shift with the seasons, yet the charm remains timeless, summer or winter. Prepare for gourmet stops, walks through the vines and architectural discoveries that will take your breath away.
Colmar Old Town
© Wikimedia CommonsStroll through the Petite Venise district, where half-timbered houses are mirrored in the canals. Don’t miss the Maison Pfister, a Renaissance masterpiece, and Saint-Martin’s Collegiate Church.
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Eguisheim
© Wikimedia CommonsListed among France’s most beautiful villages, Eguisheim charms with its circular lanes and the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle as a backdrop. Sample local wines in one of the village’s wine cellars.
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Riquewihr
© Wikimedia CommonsThis medieval village, encircled by ramparts, is a treasure trove of 16th-century colourful houses. Its vaulted cellars hold Alsace’s finest wines, ready to taste on the spot.
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Kaysersberg
© Photo : Jean-Paul Wettstein / PexelsOverlooked by its ruined castle, Kaysersberg blends history and nature with its river flowing through the village. Albert Schweitzer’s birthplace is now a museum here.
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Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
© Wikimedia CommonsPerched at 757 metres, this restored medieval castle offers breathtaking views over the Alsace plain. Its architecture and collections of weapons and armour immerse you in the Middle Ages.
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Grand Ballon
© Wikimedia CommonsThe highest point in the Vosges at 1,272 metres, Grand Ballon is perfect for a hike or a picnic with 360-degree views. On clear days, you can even see the Alps.