Riquewihr & Kaysersberg★★★
Riquewihr and Kaysersberg are the two most beautiful wine villages in Alsace — and strong contenders for the most beautiful villages in France overall. Both are members of the association "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France".
Riquewihr★★★
Riquewihr is a fully preserved wine village from the 16th century, nestled in vineyards and surrounded by a medieval city wall. The only main street — the Rue du Général de Gaulle — is so picturesque that it is said to have served as the model for the village in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast."
Half-timbered houses in all colors, wrought-iron inn signs, cobbled courtyards with vines, the Dolder (gate tower from 1291, now a museum, 4€), and everywhere the scent of fresh Kougelhopf. Riquewihr is touristy, yes — but it's simply too beautiful to miss.
Wineries in Riquewihr:
Hugel & Fils — Family-owned since 1639, one of the most renowned Alsatian wine houses. Tasting in the historic cellar (free), excellent Gewürztraminer and Riesling Grand Cru Schoenenbourg. Bottles from 12€.
Domaine Dopff "Au Moulin" — Known for Crémant d'Alsace (Alsatian sparkling wine, from 9€/bottle). Free tasting, large salesroom.
💡 Tipp
Come in the morning before 10 a.m. or in the evening after 5 p.m. — during the day, tour bus groups crowd through the narrow main alley. The vineyards directly behind the village are freely accessible: the Sentier Viticole (wine trail, 1.5 km, 45 min.) offers wonderful views over the village and the Rhine plain to the Black Forest.
Kaysersberg★★★
Kaysersberg was voted France's favorite village in 2017 (Émission "Le Village préféré des Français") — and rightly so. The town on the Weiss River has everything that makes Alsace special: a castle ruin on the hill (freely accessible, fantastic view), a fortified bridge from the 15th century, half-timbered houses with geraniums, artisanal bakeries, and excellent wineries.
Kaysersberg is also the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965), the doctor, theologian, musician, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. His birthplace at Rue du Général de Gaulle 126 is a small museum (2.50€).
The Christmas market in Kaysersberg (last weekend of November until shortly before Christmas) is considered one of the most authentic in Alsace — smaller and less commercial than Strasbourg or Colmar, with artisanal products and Vin chaud (mulled wine) from local wines.
Winery tip: Domaine Weinbach (former Capuchin monastery, Grand Cru sites Schlossberg and Furstentum) — one of the best wineries in Alsace. Tasting by appointment, 10€ for 6 wines.
