Alsace Wine Route

Route des Vin d’Alsace, France

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of France on this exceptional scenic drive from Marlenheim in the North to Thann at the southern end of one of the most famous wine-growing region of France, the Alsace.  This Alsace Wine Route is the ultimate destination for wine lovers, but even if you do not drink wine you can enjoy exploring medieval chateaux, over 100 ridiculously perfect little villages, more than a 100 castles and other historic towns all along the route.  Those who do partake of the fruit of the vine will have the opportunity to explore the very essence of French wine making, enjoy tastings and tours in dozens of wineries, and gourmands will be delighted to hear that the Alsace has the greatest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants outside of Paris!  It is a great scenic route to visit in a Motor home, with literally dozens of good campsites for overnight stops wherever you find yourself at the end of the day.  It is not a long journey – just 170kms – but there is so much to see and do along the route that you do need some time to get the best out of your tour.

Start in the North at the lovely town of Strasbourg, which deserves to be explored for at least one day before you set out along the wine route.  From Strasbourg set out towards Marlenheim, the official start of the Alsace wine route.  In no time at all you will be in the heart of the vineyards as you drive just 25kms to charming Obernai, your first stop and a good introduction to the other lovely towns you will come across on this route.  In Obernai you can walk the ramparts of the city for some wonderful views and lose yourself in the winding little streets.  From Obernai, make your way to Kintzheim and follow the signs to the Haut-Koeningsbourg castle, one of the best-preserved castles on your route. 

All along your route you can stop and walk along the vineyard paths and admire the wonderful views that surround you at every corner.  Continue on to Ribeauville, one of the quaintest of the towns along the route, and home to three of the most prestigious vineyards you may like to visit for a tasting – Geisberg, Kirchberg and Osterberg.  If you choose to stay overnight, the Pierre de Coubertin campsite (4-star) gets good reviews.

Next stop – Colmar – one of the must-see towns on this route and an excellent place to spend a day wandering the Petite Venice area which is packed with restaurants and bars with lively nightlife.  From Colmar make your way to Riquewihr where you can take a vineyard walk along a guided trail which explains the wine-making process from grape to bottle.  This little town also has an excellent 2 Michelin star restaurant, La Table Du Gourmet where you can spoil yourself with a memorable meal.

Depending on how much time you have at your disposal try to visit Barr, the wine capital of the region and Mittelbergheim a gastronomic little town known as one of the most beautiful villages in France.  Bon Appetit!