Visit Alsace, Wine, history & splendid nature

The oldest wine route in France

Winding through rolling hills and vineyard-covered slopes, the Alsace region whispers tales of medieval villages, half-timbered houses, and centuries-old winemaking traditions. As you stroll through the streets, the scent of tarte flambée drifts from a cozy winstub, where locals gather to savor the rich flavors of their homeland.

Nestled along the Rhine, this land has long been a meeting point of cultures, where French and German influences intertwine in language, cuisine, and architecture. Nowhere is this fusion more striking than in Strasbourg, a city where Gothic spires rise above the river, timber-framed houses line the canals, and the European Parliament sits at the crossroads of history and modernity.

Each season paints a new masterpiece: golden vineyards in autumn, snow-dusted rooftops at Christmas, and fragrant blossoms in spring. The festive air reaches its peak in December, when charming market chalets glow under twinkling lights, offering handcrafted treasures and warm glasses of mulled wine.

Beyond its storybook landscapes, this land is a paradise for gourmets. Grand cru wines, aged Munster cheese, and the famous choucroute garnie tell of a culinary heritage that bridges cultures. The artistry extends beyond the plate—skilled craftsmen shape exquisite glassware, while historic châteaux invite privileged guests for bespoke stays.

And yet, despite its elegance and prestige, Alsace remains an intimate escape—not just for its landscapes or its gastronomy, but for the warmth of its people, whose generosity and love for their land turn every visit into a heartfelt encounter.

450 years

The oldest christmas market

Medieval fortified castles

40+

Breweries

AOC Grand Crus

Meet Alsace

Located on the border of Germany and Switzerland, Alsace brings together French culture and values with those from German-speaking countries. Yet, history here is complex. The land has changed hands multiple times, shaped by shifting borders and fierce debates over identity. Nationalism has left its mark, with generations caught between allegiances, speaking a dialect influenced by both cultures, yet holding fiercely to their own traditions.

This is one of the smallest regions of France, spanning approximately 170 km from north to south and between 30 to 50 km east to west. Located between the Rhine River and Vosges Mountains, the area nevertheless boasts diverse landscapes, from mountains and forests to vineyards, flooded fields, and the vast Rhine Valley.

Alsace’s unique blend of influences has shaped a region that is both proudly French and deeply tied to its Germanic roots. If you’re intrigued, consider visiting this remarkable region to experience its wines and discover its uniquely blended culture.

Vineyards, Terroir, and Timeless Winemaking

Alsace is a premier destination for discovering winemaking traditions and meeting local vintners. The Alsace Wine Route, stretching over 170 km between Strasbourg and Colmar, is one of France’s most renowned wine trails, passing through more than 70 wine-producing villages and numerous Grand Cru vineyards. The region’s winemaking heritage dates back to Roman times, with its terroir shaped by steep slopes, varied soil compositions, and a dry, sunny climate—ideal conditions for producing aromatic white wines.

The region is known for its seven key grape varieties, with Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Sylvaner among the most prominent. Alsatian wines are predominantly monovarietal, and the AOC system classifies them into Alsace AOC, Alsace Grand Cru AOC, and Crémant d’Alsace AOC. The long, slender bottles, legally required for Alsace wines, are a distinctive feature reflecting regional traditions. lsatian wines are predominantly monovarietal, unlike blended wines from Bordeaux or Champagne, where multiple grape varieties are often combined for complexity. Crémant d’Alsace, a sparkling wine made using the traditional method, shares similarities with Champagne, though the climate in Alsace is drier, resulting in a different expression of finesse and minerality.

Many Alsatian winemakers practice sustainable and biodynamic viticulture, focusing on slow fermentations in traditional oak foudres to enhance purity and complexity. The region is also known for late-harvest wines (Vendanges Tardives) and Selection de Grains Nobles, which offer rich, concentrated flavors under strict production rules. Along the Alsace Wine Route, private tastings provide insight into the diversity of styles, from crisp Rieslings to opulent Gewürztraminers, with both small family domaines and historic estates contributing to the region’s exceptional viticultural heritage.

Gastronomy: A Blend of Tradition and Generosity

Alsatian cuisine is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage, offering a unique mix of French refinement and German heartiness. Known for its generous portions and bold flavors, the region’s specialties highlight local ingredients, slow-cooked dishes, and a deep respect for tradition.

Choucroute garnie, a hearty dish of sauerkraut, sausages, smoked meats, and potatoes, is a staple of the region, often paired with Riesling. Baeckeoffe, a slow-cooked casserole of marinated meats and potatoes, showcases the tradition of communal cooking. Flammekueche (tarte flambée) is another classic, featuring a thin, crispy crust topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon.

The region is also famous for its baking traditions, with kougelhopf, a brioche-like cake with almonds and raisins, and bredele, spiced Christmas cookies, being local favorites. Pretzels, a popular snack, reflect the area’s German influence and are often enjoyed with Alsatian beer, as the region has one of the oldest brewing traditions in France. Large breweries like Kronenbourg and Meteor coexist with a growing number of craft brewers, producing a variety of lagers, wheat beers, and amber ales.

Foie gras from Strasbourg, produced since the 17th century, is one of Alsace’s most prestigious delicacies, often paired with a glass of sweet Vendanges Tardives wine. The region is also home to Munster cheese, a soft, pungent variety from the Vosges, traditionally served with cumin and a dry white wine.

Dining options in Alsace range from traditional winstubs, where rustic home-style dishes are served in a cozy setting, to artisan bakeries and local markets, offering freshly baked specialties, cheeses, and charcuterie. Whether enjoying a simple tarte flambée or an elaborate choucroute, Alsace’s cuisine remains a true expression of its culture, terroir, and centuries-old traditions.

A Scenic Escape

Alsace is renowned for its gastronomy and wine, but its diverse landscapes make it just as captivating for nature lovers. The region offers a unique blend of rolling vineyards, dense forests, dramatic mountain ridges, and serene lakes, creating a picturesque setting that shifts with the seasons. Beyond its quaint medieval towns and impressive castles, Alsace’s natural beauty provides endless opportunities for exploration.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Route des Crêtes in the Vosges Mountains is one of the most scenic drives in France. This 80-km ridgeline route, originally built during World War I, winds through breathtaking landscapes, passing high-altitude pastures, glacial lakes, pine forests, and rocky cliffs. On clear days, the view stretches as far as the Swiss Alps. The route runs along the historic boundary between Alsace and Lorraine, marking the meeting point of Romance and Germanic influences.

The Munster Valley, nestled within the Vosges, is a paradise for hikers and cyclists, offering trails through alpine meadows and dense woodlands, where chamois, lynx, and black storks can occasionally be spotted. In the heart of this pristine nature, traditional fermes-auberges serve rustic mountain fare, including the region’s famous Munster cheese.

The region is also home to protected natural parks, such as the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park, covering nearly 3,000 square kilometers of forests, rivers, and pastures. This park, with its rounded summits (ballons) and unspoiled wilderness, is a haven for wildlife, including red deer, wild boars, and birds of prey.

Whether seeking adventure in the mountains or tranquility in the valleys, Alsace’s landscapes invite discovery at every turn.

Castles, Culture, and Christmas Magic

Alsace is a region rich in history, art, and architectural heritage, where centuries-old traditions remain deeply rooted.

Across the region, picturesque villages like Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Kaysersberg are lined with colorful half-timbered houses, adorned with wooden shutters and overflowing flower boxes in summer or twinkling lights in winter.

The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, standing high above the Alsatian plain, is one of France’s most striking medieval castles, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into medieval fortifications. Colmar’s Unterlinden Museum houses the famous Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of Renaissance art. In Strasbourg, the cathedral’s soaring spire and astronomical clock captivate visitors, while the Kammerzell House and the La Petite France district showcase the city’s half-timbered charm. The Abbey of Ebersmunster, a Baroque gem, adds to the region’s architectural wealth.

Alsace is also known for its vibrant traditions and welcoming people, where local dialect, folk festivals, and centuries-old craftsmanship remain part of daily life. The region truly comes alive in winter, when its Christmas markets, dating back to 1570, create a magical atmosphere. Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, one of Europe’s oldest and largest, transforms the city with twinkling lights, festive stalls, and the scent of mulled wine and spices.

From medieval castles to festive traditions, Alsace is a place where history and culture continue to thrive.

Outdoor Adventures for Every Season

Alsace’s diverse landscapes make it an ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The Vosges Mountains offer a vast network of hiking and biking trails, winding through dense forests, rolling meadows, and panoramic ridges. The Route des Crêtes is a favorite for both cyclists and hikers, offering breathtaking views stretching to the Alps on clear days.

For a more relaxed experience, the Alsace Wine Route provides gentle cycling paths through vineyards and charming villages, while the Rhine Plain offers scenic routes along canals and riverbanks. Horse-drawn carriage rides through the vineyards and countryside also offer a peaceful and authentic way to take in the region’s beauty.

The EuroVelo 5 crosses the region, connecting Strasbourg to the wine country and beyond, making it a great option for long-distance cycling. Water activities such as kayaking on the Rhine or boat cruises through Strasbourg’s historic district allow visitors to experience the region from a different perspective.

In winter, the Vosges ski resorts offer skiing, snowshoeing, and Dog sledding, with picturesque slopes perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers. Resorts like La Bresse, Le Lac Blanc, and Le Champ du Feu provide well-maintained pistes, cross-country trails, and family-friendly activities.

Whether exploring on foot, by bike, or on the snow, Alsace offers a wide range of outdoor activities to suit every season.

From vineyards and medieval castles to scenic trails and festive markets, Alsace is a region of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Let yourself be captivated by Alsace’s timeless charm—your next unforgettable journey starts here.