Alsace

Travel Guide
Petite France showing a city
In this area bordering two countries, the influence on culture and tradition is rich. Explore the relatively small region for its numerous attractions.

Bordering Germany and Switzerland, Alsace, in France’s Grand Est region, is a melting pot of features. In terms of food, the pizza-like Alsatian tarte flambée is symbolic of the junction of nations, with toppings of sausage, cheese and onion. The small region, encompassing a very small percentage of France’s size, has lakes and rivers with a sizable fish population. Visit southern Alsace to travel the Fried Carp Route, where the specialty takes advantage of the species’ abundance.

Pair delicious dishes with the region’s riesling and gewürztraminer wines, which are produced particularly well in the mountainous Vosges territory.

Go from village to storybook village, such as Riquewihr and Colmar. Eguisheim has three concentric circles of half-timbered houses built around a castle in a medieval-style location.

With so much natural beauty and quaintness in the area, consider renting a bicycle or electric bike and tour well-marked trails. Stay overnight at a farmhouse inn on the 48-mile (77-kilometer) Crest Road that connects Cernay with Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines.

Interspersed on the Vosges plains are lofty peaks with castles, nunneries and chapels on their pinnacles. Mont Sainte-Odile Abbey in Obernai is a mountain worth visiting, with an added attraction of the 7-mile (11-kilometer) Pagan Wall. No one is quite sure who built it. Visit the impressive 12th-century castle Château du Haut-Koenigsburg in Orschwiller with its lofty views. Inside are medieval displays and tapestries.

Glass designer René Lalique came from Alsace. He developed his glassworks in Wingen-sur-Moder, now the site of the Musée Lalique.

In Mulhouse, the Museum of Printed Textiles showcases regional and global designs through its archive of 6 million patterns.

Plan on visiting Cité du Train, one of the world’s largest locomotive museums, with dozens of exhibits of trains and paraphernalia.

In Alsace’s lively yet peaceful capital city, Strasbourg, is the massive 11th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, equipped with a detailed astronomical clock.

Travel to Alsace for a multi-faceted vacation in its countryside, towns and cities.

Where to stay in Alsace

Petite France which includes a city and a river or creek

City-Centre - Petite France

Travelers love City-Centre - Petite France for its stunning cathedral, and you can see more of Strasbourg by jumping on the metro at Langstross Grand'Rue Tram Station or Place Broglie Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Place Kléber and Kammerzell House.

City-Centre - Petite France
Colmar which includes signage

Colmar Centre Ville

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Colmar Centre Ville is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Bartholdi Museum and Collegiale St-Martin.

Colmar Centre Ville
Our Lady of Strasbourg Cathedral showing heritage architecture, night scenes and a church or cathedral

Historic Center

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Surrounded by the Ill River and Canal du Faux-Rempart, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts historic landmarks such as Strasbourg Cathedral, Petite France quarter, and Place Kléber. Explore the island's stunning churches, palaces, and charming streets.

Historic Center
Colmar which includes signage

Old Town Colmar

Unique features of Old Town Colmar include the historic sites and coffeehouses. Make a stop by Bartholdi Museum or Collegiale St-Martin while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Colmar
Covered Bridge showing a small town or village, a river or creek and a bridge

Petite-France

5/5(28 area reviews)

Discover the charm of half-timbered houses along the Ill river in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring narrow alleys and picturesque footbridges. Explore sights like Maison des Tanneurs and Barrage Vauban while enjoying a leisurely walk.

Petite-France
Train Station Square which includes a city

Quartier de la Gare

While you're in Quartier de la Gare, take in top sights like Train Station Square or Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Faubourg National Tram Station or Gare Centrale Tram Station.

Quartier de la Gare
Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel&Spa, Autograph Collection
Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel&Spa, Autograph Collection
5 out of 5
4 Rue Des Francs Bourgeois, Strasbourg
The price is CA $258 per night from Nov. 17 to Nov. 18
CA $258
CA $295 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (258 reviews)
"Advertised as air conditioning and heating (on Hotels.com, their own website, and a phone call to confirm) but turns out that the hotel disabled air conditioning and refused to allow use. Hair in shower upon check-in. Overall, beautiful room but uncomfortable due to lack of air conditioning despite ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 1, 2024

Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel&Spa, Autograph Collection
City Residence Strasbourg Centre
City Residence Strasbourg Centre
3 out of 5
1 Rue des Magasins, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
The price is CA $80 per night from Nov. 17 to Nov. 18
CA $80
CA $94 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,251 reviews)
"Close to train station, easy walking distance to main attractions, quite large, modern and clean. Strongly recommend this place."

Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2024

City Residence Strasbourg Centre
City Residence Access Strasbourg
City Residence Access Strasbourg
2 out of 5
11 rue des magasins, Strasbourg
The price is CA $68 per night from Nov. 17 to Nov. 18
CA $68
CA $79 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this aparthotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,175 reviews)
"All went well, except it was a little cold but overall good for few nights of sleep."

Reviewed on Oct. 30, 2024

City Residence Access Strasbourg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
City Residence Strasbourg Centre
City Residence Strasbourg Centre
3 out of 5
1 Rue des Magasins, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,251 reviews)
"Close to train station, easy walking distance to main attractions, quite large, modern and clean. Strongly recommend this place."

Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2024

City Residence Strasbourg Centre
City Residence Access Strasbourg
City Residence Access Strasbourg
2 out of 5
11 rue des magasins, Strasbourg
Stay at this aparthotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,175 reviews)
"All went well, except it was a little cold but overall good for few nights of sleep."

Reviewed on Oct. 30, 2024

City Residence Access Strasbourg
Odalys City Colmar La Rose d'Argent
Odalys City Colmar La Rose d'Argent
4 out of 5
15 Avenue d Alsace, Angle rue Grillenbreit, Colmar, Haut-Rhin
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Colmar. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (871 reviews)
"We chose it by location and it was a good choice"

Reviewed on Sep. 18, 2024

Odalys City Colmar La Rose d'Argent
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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