A Car-Free Day in Alsace: Itinerary from Ribeauvillé

What if, for a single day, you left your car at the hotel to discover Alsace differently? From Ribeauvillé, everything lends itself to a gentle and refreshing getaway: wine villages, vineyard landscapes, medieval heritage and gourmet breaks are all accessible by combining bus travel with a few walks. Here is a suggested itinerary to fully enjoy Alsace without a car, starting from your hotel in Ribeauvillé.

Morning — Departure from Ribeauvillé and a Visit to Colmar

After breakfast at the hotel, make your way to the bus station to catch one of the bus lines that will take you along the Alsace Wine Route (line 16 or 17). First essential stop: Colmar. From Ribeauvillé, bus connections make it easy to reach the capital of Alsace wines, with a stop in the heart of the town centre (the “Place Scheurer Kestner” stop). The goal of the day: take your time. Here, there is no need to search for a parking space or follow a precise itinerary. Simply enjoy the scenery and let yourself be carried along. Begin with La Petite Venise, then continue along the fish market quay towards the Tanners’ Quarter. There you will discover numerous half-timbered houses typical of Alsace! During your visit, be sure not to miss some of the town’s most iconic buildings, such as the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin (regarded by the people of Colmar as a veritable cathedral), the Koïfhus (the former customs house and the oldest public building in the town) or the Maison des Têtes (House of Heads), which takes its name from the hundred or so grotesque heads and masks adorning its façade. Take the time to stroll leisurely: one of the great advantages of a car-free day is precisely the opportunity to slow down.

Midday — A Gourmet Break in the Heart of Colmar

After a few kilometres on foot, it is time to sample the finest Alsatian specialities. Depending on your preference, choose a traditional winstub to discover generous, authentic cuisine (tarte flambée, spaetzle, choucroute), or opt for a more classic stop at a restaurant (Colmar is home to numerous establishments offering a wide variety of cuisines, including takeaway options).

Afternoon — Onwards to Riquewihr

© OT Pays de Ribeauvillé-Riquewihr

In the afternoon, take the bus towards Riquewihr (line 16 – “Place Scheurer Kestner” stop), one of the most iconic villages along the Alsace Wine Route. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this medieval town. Behind its ramparts, Riquewihr reveals a magnificent ensemble of half-timbered houses, colourful façades and cobbled lanes. Here, every street invites you to slow down and fully savour the charm of Alsace. Do not hesitate to take the time to admire the architectural details of the buildings and to visit the most iconic among them (for example, the Dolder, a tower-museum where you can learn more about the village’s defence system and enjoy a superb view over the town, the Black Forest and the Alsace plain from a height of 25 metres).

Late Afternoon — Return to Ribeauvillé

After this excursion to Riquewihr, simply take public transport back towards Ribeauvillé (bus line 16). Please note the timetable (last bus at 7:39 p.m. – “Jacques Preiss” stop)! The more adventurous may wish to attempt a short hike through the forest or through the villages and vineyards. By passing through Hunawihr, you can easily reach Ribeauvillé in under two hours (approximately 6 kilometres). This walk offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the landscape from a different perspective, amid rows of vines and villages appearing in the distance. An excellent way to travel without a car... and to take your time.

Evening — Dinner in Ribeauvillé

To conclude this Alsatian day, there is nothing quite like dinner at a local establishment. Take a seat on a terrace when the weather permits, and accompany your meal with a glass of Alsace wine. After a day spent walking, observing and discovering, you will appreciate all the more the comfort of returning to your hotel without needing to get back in the car.

Why Visit Alsace Without a Car?

A car-free getaway simply requires a little more forward planning to check bus and train timetables. In return, it allows you to experience Alsace differently. There is no need to worry about driving, nor to search desperately for a parking space: you can simply enjoy the scenery or rest between villages. Would you like to discover Alsace? Do not hesitate to book a room at one of our establishments in Ribeauvillé: the Hôtel de la Tour, in the heart of the town centre, or the Hôtel Le Ménestrel, just next to the historic centre!