The Wine Route of Alsace: A Cycling Guide

Strasbourg: The journey begins

Situated in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, Strasbourg is a city of profound historical significance. It embodies the cultural fusion of French and German influences. Its strategic location along the Rhine River has made it a crucial political and cultural center for centuries. It serves as a key point of exchange between two major European civilizations. Stroll towards La Petite France quarter. It feels like stepping into a living postcard — half-timbered houses lean charmingly against one another, their window boxes overflowing with geraniums. Swans glide along the River Ill's crystalline waters, passing under the Ponts Couverts — a remarkable feat of medieval defensive engineering.

Rosheim

Likely, the first stop from Strasboug will be this small town, more modest than its neighbors. Rosheim reveals Alsace's subtle beauty. A 12th-century church stands as the village's backbone, surrounded by rows of vines and stone houses with red tile roofs clustered together. Narrow lanes barely wide enough for a bicycle weave between buildings, occasionally opening to small squares where locals gather.

Obernai

Sixty kilometers south of Strasbourg, Obernai boasts one of the most beautiful town squares in France — a Renaissance-era fountain, surrounded by half-timbered buildings. Winding cobblestone streets reveal unexpected courtyards and hidden gardens, and the town's defensive walls are still partially intact, adding to its historical significance.

Ribeauvillé

Three medieval castles crown the surrounding mountains of Ribeauvillé. Pastel-painted houses with dark wooden frames climb steep, narrow streets that wind between stone and timber houses, and geraniums and petunias overflow from window boxes. The Vosges Mountains hover in the distance, a soft blue backdrop to this historical tableau that balances tourist appeal with authentic Alsatian character. Explore the three hilltop castle ruins or visit the traditional Alsatian textile museum. Or head to Domaine Trimbach for a wine tasting that traces nine generations or the family's viticultural legacy and winemaking expertise.

Riquewihr

Encircled by medieval walls that have protected it for centuries, Riquewihr looks precisely as it did 500 years ago. So perfectly preserved is the town that it inspired the village in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." Narrow lanes barely wide enough for a bicycle wind between buildings decorated with elaborate carved details—biblical scenes, family crests, and geometric patterns that speak of medieval craftsmanship. Visit the Thieves' Tower (Tour des Voleurs), a 13th-century prison tower with medieval torture instruments. Do a tasting at Hugel & Fils, one of Alsace's most renowned wine producers. Explore the Wine Museum (Musée du Vignoble et des Vins d'Alsace) to learn about local viticulture traditions. Sample macarons from Maison Horcher, made using a recipe dating to 1795- or all of the above!

Eguisheim

Often considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, Eguisheim is a stunning circular medieval village. It is characterized by its concentric layout, colorful half-timbered houses, elaborate flower decorations and a rich wine-making tradition. This makes it a quintessential example of Alsatian charm. It is a popular destination for tourists. Schedule your trip around the annual Wine Harvest Festivals that celebrate the region's viticultural traditions. Take an interactive winemaking workshop or an artisan chocolate and pastry making class.

Colmar: The grand finale

Canals slice through the old town, which is lined with salmon pink, butter yellow, deep terracotta houses. Little Venice, the town's most famous quarter, feels like a living postcard where boats drift beneath flower-laden balconies. The town pulses with artistic energy, is home to world-class museums and a culinary scene that rivals larger towns. Visit the Covered Market (Marché Couvert) in Colmar is a historic 1865 iron-and-glass market building located in the heart of the Alsace region of northeastern France. Stroll through the Old Town, wander the cobbled streets of Rue des Marchands and Rue des Boulangers, where medieval houses, artisan boutiques and cozy cafés transport you back in time.

Strasbourg

• Buerehiesel, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant celebrating Alsatian culinary artistry, helmed by Chef Eric Westermann. Located in Strasbourg's Parc de l'Orangerie, the restaurant is housed in a historic farmhouse.

• The Maison Kammerzell stands as a living testament to Renaissance artistry, its wooden facade intricately carved with figures that seem suspended in time. This architectural masterpiece overlooks Cathedral Square. The Restaurant Kammerzell offers diners a chance to savor traditional Alsatian cuisine. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to 1427. The restaurant’s menu celebrates local traditions such as rich choucroute royale and foie gras paired with regional wines.

Rosheim

• Au Bon Terroir epitomizes the farm-to-table concept with a daily-changing menu based on local market produce. The restaurant's intimate dining room seats only ten guests, creating an exclusive culinary experience. Monthly wine and cheese pairing events showcase the region's gastronomic diversity.

• Le Carré d'Or offers a modern interpretation of Alsatian cuisine through innovative tasting menus. The open kitchen allows guests to observe food preparation, while a skilled sommelier curates wine pairings that enhance each dish's complex flavors.

Obernai

• Le Baen offers a sophisticated dining experience in Obernai's historic center. The restaurant features seasonal tasting menus that highlight local Alsatian ingredients, with carefully crafted dishes prepared in an intimate 24-seat dining room.

• La Cloche à Fromage specializes in regional cuisine with an extraordinary cheese selection featuring over 50 artisanal varieties. The restaurant combines traditional Alsatian recipes with modern culinary techniques. This is accompanied by an extensive selection of local wines that complement each carefully prepared dish.

Ribeauvillé

• Au Cheval Blanc (Winstub) - A traditional Alsatian winstub (wine tavern) with rustic decor serving hearty regional specialties like choucroute and baeckeoffe. Their homemade foie gras is particularly notable.

• L'Authentique focuses on seasonal tasting menus that highlight wild and foraged ingredients. The restaurant provides cooking classes that allow guests to understand the depth of local culinary techniques and traditions.

Riquwihr

• La Table du Gourmet holds a Michelin star for its commitment to hyperlocal cuisine. Chefs source ingredients within a 30-kilometer radius, creating tasting menus that showcase the region's culinary terroir. The restaurant's wine cellar features rare and exceptional local vintages that complement each carefully prepared course.

• Le Sarment presents traditional Alsatian cuisine with a contemporary presentation. Located with a terrace overlooking medieval town walls, the restaurant offers a carefully curated menu of regional specialties and an extensive selection of local wines. The dining experience combines historical ambiance with modern culinary techniques.

Eguisheim

• La Fenière offers a sophisticated culinary experience that blends French and Italian cuisines in a rustic-chic setting. The restaurant is particularly renowned for its exceptional truffle pasta. This provides cyclists and travelers with a luxurious dining option that showcases regional ingredients and innovative cooking techniques.

• Le Caveau represents the quintessential Alsatian wine tavern, housed in a Renaissance-era building. The cozy interior features warm woodwork, stone elements and soft lighting. The menu showcases regional specialties crafted from fresh, quality ingredients, including dishes like Baeckeoffe and choucroute.

Colmar

• L'Atelier du Peintre (One Michelin star) is situated in a historic 15th-century building in Colmar's old town. L'Atelier du Peintre offers a chic and cozy interior with a contemporary design. This restaurant focuses on modern French cuisine with seasonal ingredients and carefully balanced flavors.

• Le Gourmet is housed in the five-star Hôtel L'Esquisse. This restaurant specializes in seasonal tasting menus featuring high-quality Alsatian ingredients. The atmosphere is elegant but not overly formal