Article
Exploring Alsace: France’s Fairytale Wine Region
Published on August 2, 2025
Following a fun day and a quick night of rest in Paris, I took an early morning train booked through RailEurope to meet family in Colmar. This picturesque town is situated in the Alsace region of France on the German border, and not far from Switzerland either.
Throughout our days exploring, I couldn’t get enough of Alsace’s colorful half-timbered houses, historic villages, and storybook feel. I instantly noticed that storks and heart motifs were everywhere (fun fact: the hearts carved into shutters once signalled that a single woman lived there, and represented her openness to finding love). To add to the region’s unique decor, their shops were bursting with Christmas ornaments and decorations! It’s clear that the Christmas spirit in Alsace is alive year-round, and easy to imagine how magical it must be when their famous Christmas markets are open. Visiting Alsace truly feels like stepping straight into a fairy tale!
Day 1
Our first plan of action was to get to know Colmar’s “Petite Venise” district. As our legs began to tire from walking, we stopped at the Marché Couvert for lunch, a covered market with a terrace on the canal. There, we tried our first flammekueche (also called “tarte flambée”), which is a thin flatbread traditionally topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons.
After lunch, we decided to get a different view of the city by taking a 30-minute boat ride on a flat-bottomed boat on the Lauch river, which runs through Colmar. You can reserve your spot here. I definitely recommend this activity if you’re interested in resting your legs or simply discovering Colmar from another perspective.
After spending the rest of the afternoon strolling around Colmar and admiring its beauty, we chose Caveau St-Jean for dinner. This restaurant is an absolute must if you’re in the area. We appreciated its ambiance, selection of classic Alsatian dishes, and excellent service. We already knew we’d be back at least once more before the end of our trip!
Day 2
We kicked off our second day with a coffee and bite to eat at Au Croissant Doré before catching the train to Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region. The train ride took just over 30 minutes, making for an effortless day trip between the two cities.
In Strasbourg, we headed straight to the see the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. The view walking up the road to the cathedral was one of the most dramatic I’ve ever experienced, and one I will never forget. It was truly breathtaking. Wandering around Strasbourg felt like stepping into a larger version of Colmar. It has the same Alsatian charm, just on a grander scale. We stopped for lunch at La Corde à Linge, where I tried a dish called Spätzle, a traditional Alsatian pasta. The restaurant has a terrace along the River Ill, and is situated at the foot of Grande Île, in Strasbourg’s “Petite France” neighborhood. After lunch, we enjoyed meandering through this historic and incredibly picturesque district.
Once back in Colmar, we settled in for dinner at Brasserie des Tanneurs, another restaurant with a whimsical vibe and outdoor terrace.
Day 3
After exploring Colmar and Strasbourg, we spent our third day visiting smaller villages along the Alsace Wine Route on this full-day guided tour. We made our way to Eguisheim, Kayserberg, Ribeauvillé, and Riquewihr, and sampled Alsace wines including Crémant, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling. Although they’re similar, each village offers its own unique charm. Along the way, our guide shared fascinating information about the region, including that the region of Alsace (specifically the towns of Riquewihr and Eguishiem) helped inspire the setting for the film Beauty and the Beast!
Later that night, we kept the wine theme going with a stop at Le Major’L, a cozy wine bar in Colmar. Enjoying charcuterie and sampling a few more regional wines (while equipped with our newfound knowledge!) was the perfect way to wind down.
Day 4
On our last day in Alsace, we spent more time wandering through Colmar’s quiet streets and soaking in its colors and storybook charm one last time, enjoying the slower pace. For our final meal, we went back to our favorite spot: Caveau St Jean. After dinner, we packed up and got ready for the next leg of the trip: Switzerland was awaiting!
Powered by GetYourGuide
Start planning your adventure now!
Browse curated tours, activities, and experiences — book directly and skip the queues.
Some links on Planned With Care are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Follow in my footsteps...
Lugano: The Best of Italy…in Switzerland
Located in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, and just a stone’s throw from the Italian border, the Italian influence in Lugano is strong! From the language spoken to the more laid-back rhythm of daily life, and some of the best Italian food I’ve had to date, Lugano is worth a visit!
A Long Weekend in Cannes: Relaxing on the Riviera
A great flight deal was all it took to turn last Labour Day weekend into a spontaneous trip to Cannes. While Cannes is best known for its film festival and luxury feel, I chose this location to enjoy a few days of sandy beaches and swimming in the sea. A long weekend was just the right amount of time to soak up the sun in Cannes while leaving room for some sightseeing in and around the city!
Lucerne & Mount Pilatus: Switzerland from Sea to Sky
Lucerne was the perfect city to introduce me to Switzerland. We spent only two days there: one becoming acquainted with the city, and the next ascending to the top of Mount Pilatus. I can’t recommend this excursion enough. The experience was unforgettable, and, despite my fear of heights, I would do it again. Being surrounded by the beauty of the Swiss Alps felt like standing inside of a postcard!
One Week Wandering Madeira
The Portuguese island of Madeira is, without a doubt, the most breathtaking place I’ve experienced with my own eyes. Its incredible views are endless, and the variety of things to do is impressive for such a small island. In the span of a single day, you can find yourself hiking above the clouds, taking a cable car down a steep mountainside, and enjoying the sunset while swimming in the sea.
Exploring Alsace: France’s Fairytale Wine Region
The picturesque region of Alsace is situated in France, right on the German border and not far from Switzerland either. I couldn’t get enough of its colorful half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and storybook feel. Visiting Alsace feels like stepping straight into a fairy tale!
Highlights of the Côte d’Azur: A French Riviera Travel Guide
Following a week spent traveling through Amsterdam, Paris, and Provence, we decided to end our trip on a relaxing note in the French Riviera. The Côte d’Azur has lots to offer, including easy day trips, good food, and beautiful coastline views.
A Morning in Èze, and a Quiet Afternoon Discovering Gorbio
Walking the winding streets of Èze felt like stepping straight into a storybook. Inside this hilltop village, you’ll find countless gorgeous viewpoints and panoramic views of the sea and surrounding towns below. I highly recommend adding this stop to any French Riviera itinerary!
A Taste of Provence: Exploring Avignon and Aix-en-Provence
Growing up hearing the famous song about “le pont d’Avignon”, it felt surreal to finally visit in person! The charming city of Avignon, located in the heart of Provence, was the perfect place to stop for a couple of nights before continuing our journey to the French Riviera.
Discovering Malta: Magic in the Mediterranean
Though Malta hadn’t been on my radar for long, as soon as I started researching this beautiful country I knew I had to plan a visit ASAP. This tiny, one-of-a-kind island nation is brimming with history and never-ending ocean views (just my style)! If it weren’t so far away, I’d have gone back already. Until then, I’ll be encouraging everyone I know to experience the magic of Malta for themselves.
Intro to the Azores: One week on Saõ Miguel Island
It started over a bottle of wine and conversation that went something like: “Have you ever heard of the Azores?” “The what?” That girls’ night conversation turned out to be surprisingly productive. The trip was incredible, and Saõ Miguel Island was unlike anything we’d ever experienced. Our most repeated phrase quickly became: “The pictures just don’t do it justice”.
Dublin & Beyond: 4 Days of Irish Charm
Dublin is a laid-back city full of heart. Whether you’re wandering its cobblestone streets or exploring the coast and countryside, Dublin makes an incredible base for a few unforgettable days in Ireland.
Tried & True: Where to Eat and What To Do in Amsterdam
There’s something about Amsterdam that’s captured my heart and keeps drawing me back. Maybe it’s the gezelligheid – a Dutch word that captures a sense of warmth, coziness, and connection. This 5-day itinerary is a curated collection of recommendations highlighting the experiences I’ve loved and that make the city truly special. I hope this guide helps you craft a trip that ends on a high note – no pun intended!
5 Days in Amsterdam: Culture, Canals & Character
There’s something about Amsterdam that’s captured my heart and keeps drawing me back. Maybe it’s the gezelligheid – a Dutch word that captures a sense of warmth, coziness, and connection. This 5-day itinerary is a curated collection of recommendations highlighting the experiences I’ve loved and that make the city truly special. I hope this guide helps you craft a trip that ends on a high note – no pun intended!
Your Journey,
Planned with Care
Explore
Travel Guides
Social
Need help planning your trip?
From quick questions to custom itineraries, I’m here to help make your trip effortless and unforgettable!