Our Tips for Properly Preparing Your Stay in Alsace

Between picturesque villages, endless vineyards, deeply rooted traditions and a unique way of life, Alsace is a destination to be fully savoured—provided your stay is well prepared. Here are our best tips for organising a successful stay in Alsace and enjoying every moment in Ribeauvillé and its surroundings.

Choosing the Right Time to Visit Alsace

Alsace can be discovered all year round, with each season offering a unique atmosphere:

• In spring, nature awakens and villages are adorned with flowers. After a very quiet start to the year, the region comes back to life with the return of events and the reopening of parks and castles. It is also the perfect time to experience Easter celebrations and discover Alsatian traditions and beautifully decorated villages.
• In summer, sunny days are ideal for hiking and wine tastings. The summer season represents the second major highlight of the year, with numerous events, including the famous fairs and wine festivals.
• In autumn, the grape harvest takes centre stage, along with the reddish hues of the vineyards. This season offers pleasant temperatures before the tourist crowds at the end of the year.
• In winter, Alsace turns into a fairy-tale setting with its Christmas markets. The magic of Christmas is more present here than anywhere else in France—an experience to enjoy at least once in a lifetime.

Choosing the Right Accommodation

Selecting the right accommodation is essential to fully enjoy the region. Choose a hotel located in the town centre of a beautiful village along the Alsace Wine Route. This location allows you to do everything on foot (restaurants, wine cellars, shops, historic heritage) or to easily reach the most beautiful nearby villages in Alsace.

An additional and significant advantage is a wellness area. A spa hotel in Alsace is an excellent choice to balance discovery and relaxation. After a day filled with sightseeing, enjoying a wellness area is a true luxury—and a pleasure you will never regret.

Planning Your Must-See Visits in Advance

Alsace is full of remarkable places to discover:

• Typical villages: Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim.
• Medieval castles such as Haut-Koenigsbourg.
• Colmar and its Little Venice district.
• Wine cellars and estates.
• Renowned museums (e.g. the Unterlinden Museum in Colmar and its famous altarpiece).

Festivals, wine celebrations, traditional markets and concerts also punctuate Alsatian life throughout the year. These events are often an opportunity to discover Alsatian traditions in a friendly and festive atmosphere.

There is no need to see everything in a single stay. It is best to plan your itinerary in advance to enjoy your holiday under the best possible conditions.

Do not hesitate to contact local tourist offices to learn about activities available during your stay. Some websites may also be useful:

• Visite.alsace (listing all activities available in the region).
• Fluo Grand Est (centralising public transport routes and schedules in the region).

Adapting Your Luggage to Planned Activities

For a comfortable stay, remember to adapt your equipment:

• Comfortable shoes for city walks and hiking.
• Elegant attire for restaurants and wine tastings.
• A swimsuit to fully enjoy the spa.
• Clothing suited to the season, as the climate may vary.

A stay in Alsace often involves many discoveries—it is best to be well prepared.

Tasting Alsatian Specialties

Gastronomy is an integral part of the Alsatian experience. Among the must-try dishes:

• Sauerkraut, baeckeoffe and flammekueche.
• Local cheeses and regional specialties.
• Alsatian wines: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris.

Do not hesitate to research restaurants, winstubs (traditional Alsatian taverns) and local artisan producers (chocolates, gingerbread, pastries, bakeries, biscuit makers) in advance to find the best local products.

Taking Time to Relax

A successful stay also means knowing how to slow down. Including moments of well-being in your programme is essential to fully enjoy Alsace.

Booking a hotel with a spa area allows you to:

• Recharge after a day of sightseeing.
• Enjoy a timeless moment of relaxation.
• Balance discovery and well-being.

You now have all the keys to prepare your stay in Alsace under the best conditions. For accommodation, we invite you to book a room in one of our establishments: Hôtel de la Tour, located in the heart of the town centre, or Hôtel Le Ménestrel, just next to the historic centre.