Alsace and Lorraine

Set amidst the charming landscapes of northeastern France, the regions of Alsace and Lorraine invite travelers to explore their rich cultural heritage, gastronomic delights, and artistic marvels. Like two harmonious melodies, Alsace and Lorraine complement each other perfectly, embracing life's simple joys with a warm and welcoming spirit. From the historic charm of Strasbourg's streets to the picturesque villages of the Alsace Wine Route, and from the architectural grandeur of Nancy to the vibrant contemporary art scene in Metz, these regions...

What to do in Alsace and Lorraine

What are the must-see sights, activities, and flavors to experience in Alsace? From the charming Petite France district in Strasbourg to the scenic canals of "Little Venice" in Colmar, and the vineyards and cozy wine bars, this list offers a great starting point for your journey.

Unmissable sights in Alsace:

Notre Dame Cathedral & Petite France in Strasbourg:

A Gothic masterpiece of pink sandstone, the cathedral towers over the city's rooftops, while the cobbled streets and picturesque canals of Petite France invite you to take a leisurely stroll.

Eguisheim on the Alsace Wine Route:

A charming stop in this typical town, where you can wander through a maze of alleys lined with half-timbered houses within the town’s medieval ramparts.

Kaysersberg:

Voted France’s favorite village in 2017, its medieval streets and fortified bridge, leading to a castle, make it easy to see why.

The Railway Museum & Cité de l’Automobile in Mulhouse:

Explore the evolution of trains and iconic car brands like Bugatti, Mercedes, and Rolls-Royce in these two unique museums.

Colmar, Little Venice:

The capital of Alsace wines also boasts charming canals, perfect for a Venetian-style boat ride past timbered houses.

Lalique Museum in Wingen-sur-Moder:

Discover the exquisite glass creations of René Lalique, from chandeliers to vases and perfume bottles.

Molsheim:

This old university town, nestled at the foot of the vineyards, is known for its Renaissance butcher’s shop, Jesuit church, and Carthusian monastery.

Unmissable sights in Lorraine:

Pompidou-Metz Center in Metz:

This modern architectural marvel showcases cutting-edge contemporary art from the Pompidou collection in Paris.

Citadel of Belfort:

An imposing fortress designed in part by Vauban, overlooking the city of Belfort, built between the 17th and 19th centuries.

Place Stanislas in Nancy:

Named after the King of Poland, this stunning 18th-century square connects the old and medieval quarters, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, representing the pinnacle of French classicism.

Essential activities in Lorraine

Bison Safari in Petit Réderching:

Track wild bison roaming freely across 103 hectares of pastureland at a ranch in the Bitche region.

Spa Towns of Vittel & Contrexéville:

Recharge your body and mind at the wellness centers in these famous spa towns, known for their health-giving waters.

Lake Gérardmer:

In summer, enjoy rowing, sailing, or swimming, while in winter, explore the 100 km of Nordic ski trails connected to La Bresse.

Relive the Battle of Verdun:

A poignant visit to Verdun includes its memorial, ossuary, underground citadel, and the World Center of Peace, where the legacy of WWI is remembered.

Essential activities in Alsace:

Great War Historical Sites:

Visit the 14-18 War Memorial and hike the Hartmannswillerkopf massif, also known as the “Mountain of Death,” to learn about WWI.

Strasbourg Christmas Market:

Since 1570, this historic market has enchanted visitors with 300 stalls offering gingerbread, crafts, toys, and festive décor.

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle:

Immerse yourself in medieval history at this 12th-century castle, perched 800 meters above the Alsace plain.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in the Ried:

Explore the rich wetlands and forests of this 2,000-hectare nature reserve, guided by draft horses.

Michelin-Starred Dining:

Alsace boasts over 30 Michelin-starred restaurants, including L'Auberge de l'Ill in Illhaeusern and Le Kasbür in Saverne.

Dinner in the Vineyards at Philippe Sohler Estate:

Enjoy an unforgettable outdoor dinner in the vineyards, paired with local wines.

Dog-Sledding in the Munster Valley:

Cross the snow-covered forests of the Vosges with a team of sled dogs at the Ballon d’Alsace.