From charming half-timbered houses, to amusements and castles atop hills, the Alsace region in France is a treasure trove of enchanting sights and experiences. Here’s a fantastic Alsace Itinerary to explore this fairy-tale land, especially if visiting with children.
I’ll also compare our top two recommendations of where to stay as your home base during your holiday in France’s most beautiful region.
Alsace Itinerary – An Introduction to the Region
The Alsace region of France is renowned for several unique aspects that make it a standout in the country. Here are some of the most famous highlights:
- Wine: Alsace is globally recognized for its exquisite wine, particularly its white varieties like Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris. The Alsace Wine Route, which stretches over 170 km from north to south of the region, is a popular attraction for wine enthusiasts. You’ll be right in the heart of it visiting the towns mentioned in this Alsace Itinerary.
- Architecture: The region is known for its colorful half-timbered houses, adding a fairytale-like charm to its towns. Strasbourg’s Petite France district and the village of Riquewihr are perfect examples of this distinctive architecture.
- Cuisine: Alsace is also famous for its unique cuisine, which blends French and German culinary traditions to make their own uniquely flavored specialties. A tip: Never mention to a server that the food tastes like French food, German food, or both. They’ll quickly defend it as tasting “Alsatian.”
I read this caution before our travels and failed to inform my husband. So he put his foot in his mouth comparing their food to their neighbors. - Charming Christmas Markets: Lights, bobbles, and pine dress up the Alsace Region for the holidays. Don’t miss the shopping in Strasbourg on your Alsace itinerary, nicknamed the “Capital of Christmas.”
- Natural Beauty: Alsace is one of the more fertile regions in central Europe, richly wooded and the nearby mountains (Mont Sainte-Odile and the Vosges) offer stunning landscapes.
- History: Alsace has a compelling history, having switched hands between France and Germany multiple times. This has resulted in a unique blend of French and German cultures, evident in the region’s language, food, architecture, and traditions.
Day 1: Strasbourg
Strasbourg – Regional Capital
Depending on where you’re traveling from, Strasbourg makes a great gateway into the region. We recommend spending a day here before continuing on to get settled in your more centrally located Alsace accommodations. This is exactly what we did on our drive from Luxembourg City.
An unexpected surprise and the most serene part of our day was our visit to St. Paul’s Church of Strasbourg. It is rare to find historic churches like this that are so welcoming to families in a way that invites you to simply be there, whether you’re worshiping or not. There’s a cafe serving light snacks and lemonade, a coloring table, and a children’s play area. We found so much peace sitting and each drawing one of the stained glass windows of the gothic revival church.
Next, walk along the riverfront en route to the Strasbourg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Make sure to turn around for a gorgeous view of St. Paul’s.
If you wish to go inside Strasbourg Cathedral, make sure your shoulders, knees, toes (no sandals) and neckline are appropriately covered. Climb up the tower with your little ones to enjoy panoramic views of the city. It has one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe. Lastly, don’t forget to witness the fascinating Astronomical Clock and watch its mechanical figures come to life, located on the side of the church facing the river.
Get the photo in the charming streets of La Petite France. This historic neighborhood is famous for its picturesque half-timbered houses, cobblestone lanes, and canals. My boy’s favorite part of this area was watching a bridge that didn’t open or life, but instead it pivoted sideways to let the canal tour boat through.
Nestled in La Petite France is Playground Square des Moulins. This was a great spot to take a break, eat ice cream, and drink coffee while the kids played.
Hop aboard a boat and embark on a scenic cruise along the Ill River. Batorama offers family-friendly tours that provide a unique perspective of Strasbourg’s landmarks and architecture. Learn about the city’s history through informative audio commentary while enjoying a leisurely 1 hour 10 minute ride.
Take a break from the historic center’s hustle and bustle and enjoy a peaceful day at Parc de l’Orangerie. With its sprawling lawns, scenic lake, and playgrounds, this park offers ample space for kids to roam and play. Rent a paddleboat and explore the lake or visit the mini-zoo to see some adorable animals.
Day 2: Riquewihr and Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle
Riquewihr: A Step Back in Time
Next, head to Riquewihr, a medieval town that seems straight out of a storybook. Its vibrant, narrow streets are perfect for family strolls. (But not great with an umbrella stroller.) We recommend coming in through the famous gate tower for an incredible first impression.
Our kids enjoyed leading us through the winding streets and scouting what was coming up around the next corner. A visit to Riquewihr is like stepping into a storybook, making it a true fairy-tale village.
Choose one of the wineries to do a tasting, requesting grape juice for the littles. Many close by 6pm.
One of the most popular tales associated with Riquewihr is that of Belle from “Beauty and the Beast”. It is rumored that the animators from Disney were so taken by the village’s medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant half-timbered houses that they modeled Belle’s hometown after Riquewihr. While Disney has never revealed WHICH French town influenced Belle’s hometown, many super fans conclude that it must have been a location near the French/German border due to the German influences and a clue on a wine bottle’s label nods at Alsatian Wine.
Strolling through the village, it’s not hard to imagine Belle breaking into song, the villagers going about their day, and the Beast lurking in a castle nearby.
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
A fairy tale visit to Alsace is incomplete without exploring Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg. This hilltop castle provides a captivating peek into the Middle Ages and offers stunning views of the Vosges Mountains.
Day 3: Colmar
Colmar
Colmar is best known for its well-preserved old town and canals. Kickstart your day with a Miniature Train Tour to get a lay of the land. This 35-minute guided tour takes you through the old town and covers major attractions. It’s a fun and effortless way for your family to get an overview of the town while saving your little ones’ legs! There is a white train and a green train. While tour quality and pricing are similar, the ages of your kids will impact which one of more affordable.
Next, head to the Parc du Champ de Mars. This expansive park, located near the city center, offers plenty of space for kids to run around and play. There’s a playground, splash pad, and a carousel to keep them entertained. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the park’s beautiful surroundings.
After some outdoor fun, take a walk to the nearby L’Enfariné Marché Couvert. This indoor market is a foodie’s paradise, offering a variety of fresh local produce, cheeses, meats, and baked goods. Let your kids pick out a treat or two – they’ll love the array of colorful fruits and pastries!
Once you’ve refueled, it’s time to explore Colmar’s architectural gems. A must-visit is the Maison Pfister. You likely passed it on your train tour, but it is worth a closer look. This iconic 16th-century house, with its ornate facade and wooden galleries, looks like something straight out of a storybook.
For lunch, make your way to the Brasserie des Tanneurs. This family-friendly restaurant serves traditional Alsatian fare in a cozy setting. The kids’ menu is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
In the afternoon, wander down to La Petite Venise, or “Little Venice.” This charming district, with its canals and brightly colored houses, is arguably Colmar’s most picturesque area. Consider taking a boat ride along the canal – it’s a relaxing and unique way to see the town.
Cigoland Amusement Park
For a day of fun and frolic, head to Cigoland, an amusement park with rides and animal exhibits suitable for younger children. My kids sure appreciated having pieces of our Alsace Itinerary purely intended for their enjoyment. If you have older kids, consider venturing over to the theme parks in Rust, Germany (see below).
There were plenty of rides that my 37″ three year old could ride and even more for my 5 year old, even a thrilling rollercoaster. Since it wasn’t busy, the operator sent us out on 3 rides before we had to exit and get back in line. The longest line we waited in was the Monorail, but had we waited until the afternoon, there would’ve been no line at all.
Bring swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen as their water park and newly opened water slides are a big hit on a hot summer day.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot a stork soaring above or moseying about the picnic area.
Sélestat
If you find yourself with just 4 hours to spare in Sélestat, there are plenty of exciting things to do and see. Here’s a brief summary of the top activities that you and your family can enjoy:
Discover the fascinating world of bread at Maison du Pain. This interactive museum allows visitors to learn about the history of breadmaking and even try their hand at baking traditional French loaves. Even if you don’t tour the museum, it is worth a stop at its bakery!
Step into the beautiful churches, St. George’s church and St. Faith’s Church are two architectural masterpieces. Take a moment to appreciate the ornate details and the peaceful ambiance within.
Delve into the world of literature and knowledge at the Humanist Library. This historic library houses a vast collection of ancient books, manuscripts, and documents, making it a haven for book lovers.
Find the Witch’s Tower: Build originally in the 13th century, it was used in the 17th century as a prison for women accused of witchcraft.
Twenty minutes outside of Sélestat, you may be surprised that you can get up close with 200 monkeys in a natural forest habitat at La Montagne des Singes. You could alternatively combine this visit with your time at the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg.
Day 5: Eguisheim
Eguisheim: A Circular Wonder
Round off your Alsace Itinerary in Eguisheim, a circular village known for its concentric streets, flowers, and colorful houses. In my opinion, this was the simplest city to explore, which is why I saved it for last – take it easy on your tired feet.
Eguisheim’s history dates back to 720 AD when Eberhard, a descendant of the Dukes of Alsace, built the castle of Eguisheim. Since then, the village has grown around this castle, its winding streets and colorful houses forming a circular pattern that is characteristic of Eguisheim.
One fascinating piece of Eguisheim folklore revolves around the stork. This majestic bird is considered the symbol of Alsace, and Eguisheim is no exception. As you stroll through the village, you’ll likely spot several stork nests perched on rooftops, which the kids will enjoy finding. Find up what’s up with all the storks in the Alsace Itinerary FAQ below.
More Options to Customize your Alsace Itinerary
Perhaps one of these day trips or attractions is more up your alley. Consider adding on or swapping out one of the days above to customize your Alsace Itinerary.
A Day Trip to Basel
From Colmar, consider a day trip to Basel in Switzerland. It’s just a 50 minute drive and is a joy to explore. You can expect to pay about $25 to park in a garage to explore the city.
Begin your day near the Rathaus (City Hall). It is architecturally one of the most interesting buildings in the city and also a perfect bathroom stop before you start exploring.
Next, pick one of the many museums (unless you’re visiting on a Monday when most are closed). We learned that Basel was a City of Museums. For its size, it boasts more museums than any other city in Europe. We opted to check out the popular Toy Worlds Museum. I was skeptical at first, wondering, “Why would my kids want to stare at toys they can’t play with?” But, while the toys were behind class, the museum was quite interactive. Kids were given an iPad with VR animations that brought some of the toys to life! Additionally, there was a ball track on one of the floors so my boys had fun dropping a ball and chasing it along its path. A highlight was definitely the mechanical amusement park models. Kids can press a button and bring the entire exhibit to a flashing, zipping, and spinning carnival.
One quintessential experience to partake in, if you’re visiting in the summer, is to swim (or rather, float) down the Rhine River. Thousands of locals and tourists alike can be spotted floating or swimming down the helpful current of the chilly Rhine River. You’ll see swimmers carrying “fish bags” which serve as both dry bags for their clothes and also a floatie.
Splashes and Thrills in Rust, Germany
Two massive theme parks call Rust home. Europa Park is an amusement park similar to Six Flags in the US and Rulantica is their waterpark.
If you’re visiting in the summer and have older kids that are antsy for some adrenaline pumping fun, check out these Rust attractions.
Kaysersberg-Vignoble: A Blend of Nature and History
Kaysersberg, with its castle ruins and scenic vineyards, offers a perfect mix of nature and history. The kids will love exploring the castle and walking along the river.
Base Nautique Colmar Houssen: Water Fun
Cool off at Base Nautique Colmar Houssen, where you’ll find a clean lake and kids will love the soft sandy beach. It’s a great spot for family picnics.
Alsace Itinerary FAQ
What is the best town to stay in as a home base in Alsace?
Of the 5 enchanting Alsatian villages I mentioned above, I’d choose between Riquewehr and Colmar to serve as a hopping off point on this Alsace Itinerary.
With kids, we felt Colmar was perfect! Being one of the larger cities of the region, it was sprinkled with parks and playgrounds for the kids to run free.
If it had been just my husband and I, I would have picked Riquewihr for its quiet, romantic streets to spend the evenings after days out exploring.
What are the top foods to try in Alsace?
Alsace is renowned for its culinary scene. Children will love trying the Tarte flambée, a thin pizza-like dish topped with cream, onions, and bacon. The traditional sauerkraut and choucroute garnie (a stew of pork, sausages, and potatoes) are also local favorites.
For dessert, opt for Kugelhopf, a delicious bundt cake. Adults can savor the region’s acclaimed wines, particularly Riesling and Gewurztraminer.
Why are there storks everywhere in Alsace?
Storks are a symbol of Alsace and spotting these majestic birds in their natural habitat, particularly in towns like Eguisheim, can be a fun activity for kids on your Alsace Itinerary.
A story often told is that of the protective stork of Alsace. The stork is a symbol of the region and many legends surround this majestic bird. One such story tells of storks delivering prosperity and good fortune to the homes on which they choose to nest. In Riquewihr, it’s not uncommon to see storks nesting on the rooftops, adding to the fairy-tale ambiance of the village.