Alsace is a region of villages. No sprawling cities, no endless suburbs - just dozens of towns and hamlets that seem lifted straight from a medieval fairy tale, with their flower-adorned half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes, centuries-old fountains and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Three Alsatian villages have been voted "Favourite Village of the French" on Stéphane Bern's television programme - a national record. Here is our selection of the most beautiful, from north to south.
Hunspach - the white village of the north (Favourite Village of the French 2020)
Far from the crowds of Haut-Rhin, some fifty kilometres north of Strasbourg, Hunspach is a revelation. This village of the Outre-Forêt, voted Favourite Village of the French in 2020, surprises with its unique architecture : immaculately white half-timbered houses, roofs with a characteristic "broken nose" kink - a technique developed in the 18th and 19th centuries - and curved glass panes that allowed residents to see out without being seen. No artificial tourist folklore here : Hunspach has preserved an authentic rural life and an atmosphere of absolute serenity.
Obernai - the jewel of Bas-Rhin
The second most visited destination in Bas-Rhin after Strasbourg, Obernai is often the first image visitors take away from Alsace. Its exceptional Market Square - with the Kappelturm, the Renaissance Town Hall, the Saint Odile Fountain and the Six-Bucket Well - is one of the finest in Alsace. The lanes of the historic centre, lined with 15th and 17th-century half-timbered houses, invite endless exploration. Obernai also sits at the heart of the Bas-Rhin vineyard, with marked wine trails and tasting cellars. And 8 kilometres away, Mont Sainte-Odile watches over the town from its 763 metres.
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Ribeauvillé - the city of minstrels
Dominated by three ruined castles perched on the Vosges heights - Saint-Ulrich, Girsberg and Haut-Ribeaupierre - Ribeauvillé is a picture-postcard village-town. Its medieval lanes, richly decorated half-timbered houses and renowned wine cellars make it one of the unmissable stops on the Wine Route. Every first Sunday of September, the Pfifferdaj - the minstrels' festival - is one of Alsace's oldest folk celebrations.
Riquewihr - the pearl of Alsace
Often called the "pearl of Alsace", Riquewihr is one of France's most visited villages. Its medieval centre, miraculously spared by the destruction of the Second World War, is entirely preserved with 15th and 16th-century half-timbered houses, fortified gateways and flower-filled courtyards. Riquewihr is also a wine capital - its vineyards produce some of Alsace's finest Rieslings and Gewurztraminers, including the Grand Cru Schoenenbourg. The Hansi Museum, dedicated to Alsace's most iconic illustrator, is well worth a visit.
Hunawihr - the fortified church in the vines
Between Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr, Hunawihr is one of the Wine Route's best-kept secrets. Its 13th-century fortified church, surrounded by vineyards and a circular cemetery, is one of Alsace's most photographed sights. The village also houses Natur'OParc, the stork and otter reintroduction centre founded in 1975 - an unmissable stop for families.
Kaysersberg - between vineyard and mountain (Favourite Village of the French 2017)
Voted Favourite Village of the French in 2017, Kaysersberg captivates with its authenticity and heritage. The river Weiss flows beneath a unique medieval fortified bridge. The Romanesque church, the imperial castle overlooking the Grand Cru Schlossberg vines, the oriel-windowed houses and the flower-filled lanes make for a remarkable setting. Kaysersberg is also the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1952.
Eguisheim - the concentric village (Favourite Village of the French 2013)
The first Alsatian village voted Favourite Village of the French in 2013, Eguisheim is a marvel of medieval urban planning. The village unfolds in concentric circles around its octagonal castle. Its circular lanes are lined with half-timbered houses of extraordinary beauty, ablaze with geraniums in season. Eguisheim is also the birthplace of Pope Leo IX, who canonised Saint Odile in 1049. Its vineyards produce exceptional wines, including Grand Cru Eichberg.
Bergheim - the discreet gem (Favourite Village of the French 2022)
Often overshadowed by neighbouring Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé, Bergheim was voted Favourite Village of the French in 2022. This medieval town has preserved its imposing fortifications with numerous wall towers. At its heart : a centuries-old linden tree, a wash house, the famous "witches' house" and geraniums at every window. A secret known only to connoisseurs.
Mittelbergheim - the discreet wine village
Listed among France's Most Beautiful Villages, Mittelbergheim is the quintessential off-the-beaten-track find. This small wine-growing village of Bas-Rhin has preserved a 17th-century communal wine press, and its vineyards produce Zotzenberg, Alsace's only Sylvaner Grand Cru. A stop for those who seek authentic discoveries away from the crowds.
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