3-day weekend on the Alsace Wine Route
Considered to be the oldest wine route in France, the Alsace Wine Route passes through 120 towns and villages that still give pride of place to their terroir, thanks to the passion of the winegrowers who live there. A must for wine lovers... but not only!
DAY 1
Alsace Verte, gateway to the Wine Route
We begin our journey in the north of Alsace, known as Alsace Verte and the land of Wissembourg and Cleebourg, an ideal starting point! We pass through villages with half-timbered houses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, where folklore is deeply rooted and dialects are still spoken. Also worth a visit? The unspoilt vineyards in the foothills of the Vosges!
10h00
Cleebourg
We begin our oenological epic with the most northerly vineyard in Alsace, the Cleebourg vineyard. The monks planted the first vines here in the 8th century. Today, the skills passed down have made this vineyard an exceptional terroir, thanks to its perfect location, favourable climate and soils perfectly suited to growing vines. The Cleebourg vineyard produces seven typically Alsatian grape varieties: sylvaner, pinot blanc, muscat, riesling, pinot gris, gewurztraminer and pinot gris. Some of these wines are of outstanding quality and have won awards or been awarded the "cuvée de prestige" label.
At the heart of this vineyard is the Cave Viticole de Cleebourg, a cooperative of passionate winegrowers ready to help us discover the secrets of these exceptional wines. What makes them special? Hand-picking! We're committed to preserving our vineyards and respecting the land, and our work is delicate and carefully considered. Visits, tastings and direct sales at the winery are all on offer.
13h00
A stop in Hunspach, France's most beautiful village
On our tour, it' s impossible to miss Hunspach, an Alsatian village par excellence and one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. You'll immediately fall under the spell of the half-timbered houses: with their white facades and timber-framed walls, they represent the typical architecture of northern Alsace. At the foot of the bell tower, with their "broken nose" roofs, they offer a beautiful harmony. In fine weather, the village is decked out in beautiful colours thanks to the geraniums on many of its balconies and flowerbeds. You can't get much more local here! Take advantage of the opportunity to savour a delicious Alsatian dish in one of the restaurants offering a local menu: pretzels, sauerkraut, tarts flambées or kougelhopf, Alsace has conquered our hearts, our eyes and our taste buds!
15h00
Heading for the Couronne d'Or
The Couronne d'Or stretches from Marlenheim to Molsheim. Criss-crossing the communes, you'll discover vast expanses of vineyards dotted with medieval heritage features. Take the Marlenheim wine trail, a walk lasting around 1 hour 15 minutes, where you can discover the hard work of the winegrowers while having Strasbourg cathedral and the plains of Alsace in your sights: top!
18h00
First night in Marlenheim
To round off our first day on the Alsace Wine Route, we set off for Marlenheim. There's nothing like a cosy gîte to rest your legs and clear your head! We're settling into a typical Alsatian house, where hospitality and the art of good living are cultivated. After a refreshing night's sleep, breakfast is served on the terrace with the lush green vines as a backdrop. No matter how you look at them, they're as beautiful as ever!
DAY 2 - 10h00
Off to Obernai!
For this second day on the Alsace Wine Route, we're heading for Obernai, a veritable condensation of Alsace! Anecdotally, it is said that in the Middle Ages, its wine was so highly prized that it was served at the tables of imperial courts and in many monasteries. Stop off for a bite to eat in a small Alsatian restaurant before taking the Schenkenberg wine trail, where you can learn all about the work involved, from pruning the vines to harvesting the grapes. You can learn more about the grape varieties and the development of the wine, finishing with a guided tasting session. The path then leads us to the belvedere, which offers a breathtaking view of the town of Obernai. Looking out over the horizon, you can see all the splendour of the Alsace plains: the hills beneath the Vosges, the Black Forest, and in the distance... the silhouette of Strasbourg Cathedral, like a star to be reckoned with!
13h00
A break in Kintzheim
We continue our journey with a stopover in Kintzheim: while the village is renowned for its winegrowing environment and typical Alsatian houses, a visit to its castle is well worth the diversions! Although only vestiges remain, it's no less impressive! High up at an altitude of 260 metres and listed as a historic monument, Kintzheim castle is home to some surprising residents... It is in these remains that the animal park La Volerie des Aigles has been set up, a centre for the protection of birds of prey: the dexterity of the eagles, the acrobatics of the black kites, the dizzying speed of the falcon, the silent flight of the owls... the birds are a sight to behold!
16h00
Bike tour in Rorschwihr!
The Alsace Wine Route is also an opportunity to try out some unusual experiences! In Rorschwihr, you'll meet a merry band of moped enthusiasts, ready to help you explore the region's picturesque villages and vineyards. Aboard a vintage moped from the 50s, we venture out for a 2-hour ride guided by a team of local experts, to discover the hidden treasures of Alsace! It's an unforgettable, immersive experience where you get your fix of fun, with your hair blowing in the wind... Will you dare to wear vintage eph's feet?
19h00
Second evening in Ribeauvillé
A medieval village surrounded by the ruins of its three castles, Ribeauvillé is a charming town with typical facades and furnished balconies. Nestling between vineyards and mountains, Ribeauvillé was the seat of the Ribeaupierre family in the Middle Ages, when the three castles that make it so famous today were built! In the evening, relax in a Winstub for a typical dinner, accompanied by a delicious Alsatian Pinot Noir! When it comes to hotels, you're spoilt for choice: from a characterful half-timbered hotel for a cosy night out to a spa hotel for a prestigious evening, Ribeauvillé offers the luxury of choice.
DAY 3 - 10h00
Next stop, Kaysersberg!
We're continuing our cultural journey with a stopover in "France's favourite village", but also one of the most visited places in the region: Kaysersberg! Nestling in a green setting of natural beauty, with its cobbled streets and facades, a trip to this village is tinged with romance! You'll be immersed in Alsatian culture as you discover its winegrowing heritage: a tasting session at a winegrower's combining history, culture and terroir, where you'll discover a variety of grape varieties such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat. Take advantage of the idyllic setting to find a restaurant that will delight you with its traditional, comforting dishes, overlooking the triumphant castle on the hill. And why not try your second sauerkraut?
13h00
Last stop, Colmar!
This wine and culture escapade comes to an end in Colmar, the capital of Alsace wines. Colmar is one of Alsace's leading wine-producing towns, thanks to its many prestigious estates and 400 hectares of vineyards to the north-east of the town. During our visit, we learnt that wine is part of Colmar's identity. Between vineyards and forest, the vine has left its mark on activities, lifestyle and architecture. The famous Maison des Têtes features a statue of the Alsatian cooper, while the sculpted façade of the Maison aux Raisins depicts the vine and the grape - more than just an activity, it's a way of life! With its waterways and picturesque lanes, Colmar is a picture-postcard setting that's instantly appealing. With its many wine cellars and estates nearby, Colmar invites us one last time to discover Alsace's heritage through its beverages.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, so drink in moderation.