Experiencing the Picturesque Alsace Region in France
The Alsace Region of France is like entering a fairytale. With half- timbered houses, cobblestone streets, hanging flowers, and town square water fountains it’s no wonder Disney took its inspiration for the animated film, Beauty and the Beast, from here.
Alsace Region, France (Summer 2016)
Highlighting some of France’s picture-perfect villages.
Riquewihr
We flew into the Zurich, Switzerland Airport, rented a car, and drove for two hours to Riquewihr, France.
Known as one of France’s prettiest villages, Riquewihr sits at the foot of the Vosges Mountains nestled in the vineyards of the Alsace Region of France. As we neared the town, purple and pink flowers lined the street. Behind its city walls and gates were charming cobblestone streets and fountains. It was truly a gem!
Our family, of two adults and two young children, rented a charming apartment located in a 16th century Alsatian house, for five nights. The apartment sat above a hat shop in a yellow timber frame house in the heart of medieval Riquewihr. It overlooked the Rue de General de Gaulle, a famous street lined with cafes, shops, and flowers hanging from nearly every window. The apartment was conveniently located near a small grocery store and bakery. It was also about a five minute walk from a playground located just outside the city gate.
During the day the narrow cobblestone streets of Riquewihr are crowded with day visitors. Morning and late afternoon, once the crowds have departed, they’re a photographer’s delight.
Riquewihr is a nice village to stay in. From here day trips to other Alsace villages can easily be visited. Some by foot and others by car. While staying in Riquewihr we visited Hunawihr, Ribeauville, Colmar, and Kintzheim.
For more information about Riquewihr visit:
Villages of Interest
Hunawihr
On the list of most beautiful villages in France, this small village was founded in the 7th century. Our family passed through the ramparts (defensive wall) of Riquewihr and walked on a footpath uphill through the forest. At the top of the hill, the forest cleared and we saw vineyards cascading down the valley into the picturesque town of Hunawihr. Rising out of the vineyards was the spire of the 15th/16th century Church of Saint Jacques-le-Majeur. It felt like we were in a storybook as we strolled through the quiet, narrow cobblestone lanes past colorful, flowery, half-timbered houses. Leaving the sleepy village we walked through stunning green vineyards blanketing the hillside. A passing shower filled the air with the smell of fresh grapes.
Ribeauville
A picturesque village located on the popular wine route, Ribeauville is a pleasant walk or bike ride from Hunawihr. Located just off the road is a gazebo between Hunawihr and Ribeauville that is a nice stop for a picnic. We entered the main plaza overlooked by half-timbered houses and walked beneath a clock tower from the 16th century. The cobblestone street wound past ice cream stands, cafes, and Renaissance fountains while leading us to a small canal with hanging flower baskets. On rooftops sat storks. On the hillside above the town wall sits three castles: Saint Ulrich, Girsberg, and Haut-Ribeaupierre.
Outing to the castles – Saint Ulrich, Girsberg, and Haut-Ribeaupierre.
The trail climbed steeply out of Ribeauville past the town wall up the hillside through pine trees toward the first castle, Saint Ulrich. Built into the cliff side perched high on the mountainside, the earliest remains of this castle date back to the 12th century. With two young children it took us about 45 minutes to arrive here, where we stopped for a picnic lunch. We were able to explore areas of the castle and had a superb view of villages in the valley below.
Leaving Saint Ulrich, we walked for 10 minutes to Gisberg. This castle is the least preserved of the three castles, but the view was nice from here. Climbing up the steep hillside, we hiked for another 25 minutes before arriving at the final castle, Haut-Ribeaupierre, the highest of the three castles. This one had an interesting observation tower which was used to watch for enemies during the 16th century. It is prohibited to enter the castle – although we saw other hikers entering – due to the stairs that are in danger of collapse. Hiking to these castles made for a nice outing with children.
Colmar
This popular tourist stop is located about 30 minutes from Riquewihr by car. I nicknamed it Flowerville for its plentiful flowers. This charming town has flowers cascading over canals and hanging from window shutters. Brightly painted half-timbered houses with open window shutters and decorative signs were located along the canals. Rowboats with tourists ducking their heads while passing under low arched bridges went by. Delicious ham and cheese sandwiches as well as fresh fruits and vegetables were available at a market. We ate our lunch on a street bench while listening to a street musician playing his accordion. Our children danced to the music; entertaining passersby. Ice cream shops are plentiful. Near to the Old Town of Colmar was a playground which our children enjoyed. We parked our rental car in a free parking lot near to the Old Town. Leaving Colmar we drove through the hills toward Riquewihr passing through small villages, castles, and vineyards.
Kintzheim
In this village – about 30 minutes from Riquewihr by car – is the Kintzheim Castle. In the ruins of this castle, dating from the 12th century, live birds of prey. We enjoyed watching the Volerie des Aigles show, where large birds of prey flew over the audience. The children squealed as the birds swooped down flying within just inches of us. We saw birds such as hawks, eagles, and owls. If staying in the area with children, I would highly recommend this experience.
For more information about sites in this region visit:
http://www.tourisme-alsace.com
Haute Savoie Region
Tallories and Lake Annecy
Following our stay in Riquewihr, we drove to Annecy. Along the way we enjoyed a picnic on the shore of Lake Geneva. A visit to Castle Chillon is also nice if time allows.
Although we stayed in Annecy, we preferred the picturesque village of Tallories, located 45 minutes from Annecy on Lake Annecy. This lake is the cleanest in all of Europe and with water temperature in the 70’s it’s ideal for swimming. Once we found parking in Tallories, we paid a small entrance fee and had access to a children’s pool, as well as a slide into the lake. There was a decent lawn with shade and a gorgeous view of the Alps. There was also a small café with drinks, sandwiches, and ice cream for sale, as well as toilet facilities. This was a nice spot for families and I’m glad we spent the day here instead of the main beach in Annecy. Rather than returning directly to Annecy, we drove around the lakeshore. The drive was scenic with chalets lining the steep, green hillside and sailboats gliding over the blue water. There are several beaches around the lakeshore with scenic playgrounds. Lake Annecy is a nice destination for families with plenty of activities to keep children happy.
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