What to Do in Alsace in September? 10 Ideas for Enjoying the Late Season

Alsace in September reveals a particularly appealing side. The days remain mild, the landscapes begin to take on the first colours of autumn, and the villages regain a more peaceful atmosphere after the bustle of summer. It is the ideal time to take the time to discover the region, between heritage, gastronomy, nature, and vineyards.

Wondering what to do in Alsace in September? Here are 10 ideas for making the most of the late season and enjoying a gentle Alsatian stay.

1. Travelling the Alsace Wine Route

September is one of the best times to discover the Alsace Wine Route.

The grape harvest begins or continues depending on the area or grape variety. It is a unique atmosphere, in which one discovers behind the scenes of winemaking at its very first stage.

By late September, autumn colours begin to appear, offering a breathtaking spectacle!

Among the must-see stops: Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, Eguisheim, and Bergheim.

2. Enjoying the grape harvest and the atmosphere of the wine villages

Although winegrowers are very busy during the harvest season, you can still enjoy events at the heart of the cellars, in particular by taking part in tastings.

For an even more complete immersion, you can also take part in the “Winegrower for a Day” programme.

For further information, please do not hesitate to ask at the reception of our hotels or to visit the Ribeauvillé tourist office directly.

3. Strolling through Strasbourg away from the summer crowds

In September, thanks to pleasant temperatures and the end of the school holidays, it is very pleasant to stroll through Strasbourg and enjoy the outdoor cafés while taking the time to savour a few Alsatian specialities.

Begin your walk in La Petite France, continue towards Notre-Dame Cathedral, then lose yourself in the streets of the historic centre. The banks of the Ill are also perfect for a late-afternoon walk.

And if you would like to see Strasbourg without too much effort, do not hesitate to take a boat trip. From the water, you will enjoy an entirely new perspective on the city's historic districts and bridges.

4. Discovering Colmar and its picturesque districts

If you are staying in our beautiful region, a visit to Colmar is a must. As the capital of Alsace wines, its town centre is particularly pleasant to explore on foot.

Begin with La Petite Venise, then continue towards the Tanners' district and the historic centre. For a cultural break, several museums are also well worth a visit (for example, the Unterlinden Museum, the Bartholdi Museum, and the Toy Museum).

In September, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the city without necessarily encountering the crowds of July and August.

5. Going hiking in the Vosges

If you enjoy nature, September is a perfect time to go hiking in Alsace. With the end of the intense heat, it becomes more comfortable to explore the Vosges and the panoramic views over the Alsace plain.

A family stroll, a loop of a few hours, or a more demanding hike allow everyone to enjoy the Vosges massif at their own pace, according to their preferences and physical condition.

Be sure to bring sturdy shoes and water, and check the weather forecast before setting out: in the mountains, conditions can differ from those observed on the plain.

6. Discovering the castles of Alsace

Did you know? Alsace is one of the European regions with the largest number of fortified castles.

The most famous is undoubtedly the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg. Perched at an altitude of 757 metres, this fully restored fortress is an imposing pink sandstone structure offering a breathtaking panoramic view over the Alsace plain.

However, there are many other castles and ruins to discover, often accessible via beautiful forest trails. For example, the three castles of Ribeauvillé can be visited after a short walk (an easy level, suitable even for children and non-athletes) starting from the village's town centre.

7. Taking a gourmet break around Alsatian specialities

Alsatian gastronomy alone is reason enough to come and discover Alsace.

In September, take the opportunity during your getaway to discover or rediscover the great regional specialities: flammekueche (tarte flambée), choucroute, baeckeoffe, kougelhopf, munster cheese, and pretzels.

Would you like to eat in a typically Alsatian setting? Try a winstub! These traditional taverns are perfect for sampling this hearty cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.

And to accompany your meal, Alsatian wines naturally occupy a place of choice. A tasting at a winegrower's or a wine-and-food pairing meal can also make for a wonderful experience to include in your stay.

8. Enjoying the first colours of autumn

The end of September marks the beginning of autumn.

In the vineyards as in the Vosges forests, touches of gold and orange gradually appear. It is a particularly interesting period for photography enthusiasts and for all those who love seasonal landscapes.

To enjoy the autumn scenery, simply travel along the vineyard's secondary roads or take a walk in the Vosges. The late season allows you to admire our beautiful region in a new light, especially if you have already visited it in summer or winter.

9. Discovering the Alsatian villages at your own pace

One of the great pleasures of visiting Alsace in September is being able to take your time. There are fewer people in the streets and traffic flows more smoothly on the roads: it is the perfect time to visit several villages in a single day!

Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, Obernai... there is no shortage of villages, and each has its own charm.

It is also an opportunity to venture off the best-known routes and discover smaller, less-visited villages.

10. Treating yourself to a wellness-focused stay

And what if the best way to enjoy the late season in Alsace were simply to slow down?

September lends itself particularly well to such moments of respite: the summer holidays are over, the end-of-year festivities have not yet arrived, and the region offers a perfect balance between discovery and rest.

After a day of exploration, we invite you to return to the calm and comfort of your hotel. At the Hôtel de la Tour and the Hôtel le Ménestrel, every guest enjoys free access to a wellness area (with jacuzzi, sauna, and hammam) to recharge during their stay.

Ready to discover Alsace in September? Do not hesitate to book your stay now at one of our establishments: the Hôtel de la Tour, in the heart of the town centre, or the Hôtel Le Ménestrel, right next to the historic centre.