At the heart of exceptional vineyards, a unique trail awaits you.
The Alsace Wine Route provides an opportunity to meet the wine-growers along an endless path of wonders.
Take Riquewihr: (a 5 Km walk from Ribeauvillé) it is a medieval town, a fortified village, right in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards, one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France » by many standards, starting with its visitors’! This magnificent town was one day nicknamed « The Gem of The Alsace Vineyard » . You would not miss it, would you?This open air museum has managed to preserve its authentic character behind its walls and half timbered houses dating back to the 15th/18th century, making it an exceptional architectural ensemble.
Once you’re in Riquewihr, look towards Hunawihr and it’s fortified Church, most beautiful Villages in France quality label: (a 3 Km walk from Ribeauvillé too, located on the Alsace Wine Route, right in the middle of the vineyards too, a village concealing a wealth of treasures and unusual sights : its wine-growers’ houses (16th century), its fortified church and cemetery, a stork and otter park. The landscape and architectural heritage make Hunawihr, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Aren’t they all!
For so is Bergheim (a 3 Km walk from Ribeauvillé), a charming town right in the heart vineyards (again, yes, but that’s what matters in Alsace!), one of the rare Alsace towns to have almost completely preserved its medieval town walls (built in 1311). Today the charm of this village lies in its floral decoration, its fountain, its old wash-house, its fortifications, its parish church, its winding lanes and old houses (the houses of wine growers, 6 centuries old), you name it! You can also incidentally visit the house of witches…
While you’re at it, why not Guémar (a 5 Km walk from Ribeauvillé)! The charming village is a peaceful place full of flowers where the traces of its rich past can be discovered at leisure.
Guémar is an old fishing and farming village (the moat surrounding the walls were turned into lovely paths to create a green belt around the town.)
Obernai: it’s like the charm of its historical heritage clasping you, as it were, in its arms. The small picturesque alleys of that lovely village, make you dream of the age of Renaissance which has generously given Obernai its immense wealth, town finely decorated, pretty half timbered residences… are the genuine witnesses of a rich and renowned past.
Kintzheim, Turckheim, Eguisheim and Kaysersberg voted « Most Popular French Villages » (15 mn) are other lovely medieval towns worth visiting.