Alsace is one of the most beautiful regions of France. Located in the Grand Est area, it’s a land rich in culture and history. The region’s six main cities — Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Belfort, Colmar, Haguenau, and Saint-Louis — play a major role in its cultural and economic identity.
Visitors to Alsace are drawn to its famous Christmas and Easter markets, as well as the discovery of its prestigious wines and vineyards. During your stay in Alsace, explore these unmissable destinations and create unforgettable memories — whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or as a couple. If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting region, here’s our Top 10 must-see places in Alsace.
Summary:
1- The main attractions in Strasbourg
2- The city of Colmar
3- The Alsace Wine Route
4- The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
5- Mont Sainte-Odile
6- The Alsace Écomusée (Open-Air Museum)
7- Naturoparc (Stork and Otter Park)
8- The village of Kaysersberg
9- The Old Town of Riquewihr
10- The Eagle Park (La Volerie des Aigles)
1- The main attractions in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is the capital and largest city of Alsace. Its historic city centre, located on the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its cobbled streets to discover the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the lively districts nearby. In the picturesque Petite France quarter, stroll among the colorful half-timbered houses, including the famous “Maison des Tanneurs.” For a different perspective, take a boat cruise on the River Ill to admire Strasbourg from the water.
2- Colmar, the capital of Alsace wines
Nestled at the foot of the Vosges Mountains and surrounded by vineyards, Colmar is known as the capital of Alsace wines. Its sunny, dry climate is ideal for grape growing. Travel along the Alsace Wine Route and stop in Colmar to sample the region’s finest vintages while admiring the stunning vineyard landscapes. Don’t miss the city’s charming “Little Venice” district and the covered market, both highlights of Colmar’s rich architectural heritage.
3- The Alsace Wine Route
No trip to Alsace would be complete without exploring the famous Alsace Wine Route. Stretching over 170 kilometres from Marlenheim in the north to Thann in the south, it passes through more than 300 wine-producing villages. As France’s oldest wine route, it is renowned for its diversity of grape varieties — Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Sylvaner, Muscat, and Klevener. Along the way, you’ll meet passionate winemakers eager to welcome you into their cellars for tastings and vineyard tours.
4- Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Perched 757 metres above sea level in the village of Orschwiller, the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle offers breathtaking views of the Alsace plain. It is the region’s most famous and most visited monument. Destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War in 1633 and abandoned for centuries, the castle was completely restored in the early 1900s under Emperor Wilhelm II. Today, more than half a million visitors each year step back into the world of medieval knights and discover the fascinating history of this majestic fortress.
5- Mont Sainte-Odile
Located near the village of Ottrott, Mont Sainte-Odile rises to 764 metres and offers panoramic views over the Alsace plain. This major spiritual site has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Explore its network of walking trails, the ancient Pagan Wall, the Hohenbourg Abbey, and the Basilica of Mont Sainte-Odile. A scenic 11-kilometre hike circles the mountain, combining nature and history.
6- The Alsace Écomusée
Located in Ungersheim, the Écomusée d’Alsace is a vast open-air museum recreating a traditional Alsatian village. It features authentic half-timbered houses, craftsmen’s workshops, and even fortified towers, all brought to life by artisans, guides, and volunteers. Step back into the 19th and early 20th centuries to experience traditional village life, and take part in family activities such as cooking workshops, storytelling sessions, and demonstrations of old customs.
7- NaturOparC
Founded in 1976 as the centre for stork and otter reintroduction near Hunawihr, this wildlife park was renamed NaturOparC for its 40th anniversary in 2016. Home to around 150 free-flying storks, it also features an underwater viewing tunnel where you can watch otters swimming and playing. Don’t miss the “fishing animals” show, unique in Europe, showcasing the natural hunting behaviours of otters, sea lions, and penguins. The park also includes an aquarium gallery with more than 20 species of fish native to Alsace.
8- The Village of Kaysersberg
Just 12 kilometres from Colmar, the charming village of Kaysersberg has about 2,800 inhabitants and is famed for its half-timbered houses, medieval castle, and cobbled main street — Rue du Général de Gaulle. It’s one of the highlights of the Alsace Wine Route, surrounded by vineyards. Stop by local wine estates for a tasting of their best vintages and enjoy the warm hospitality of Alsace’s winemakers.
9- The Old Town of Riquewihr
Set in the heart of the Alsace vineyards, Riquewihr is a beautifully preserved medieval town surrounded by ancient fortifications. Its narrow cobbled streets, colourful timbered houses, and dozens of listed historical monuments make it one of the most picturesque villages in France.
Strolling through Riquewihr feels like stepping back in time.
10- The Eagle Park (“La Volerie des Aigles”)
Located within the ruins of the “Château de Kintzheim”, the Eagle Park is home to majestic birds of prey such as eagles, falcons, and vultures — many of them endangered species. The park also boasts over 120 remarkable trees and offers an impressive open-air show where you can watch these birds soar overhead. The visit lasts about 1.5 hours, with the show itself lasting around 40 minutes — a unique experience for families and nature lovers alike.
