10 Alsatian Villages to Discover Around Colmar

2. Turckheim

This medieval city, former imperial town, has a very large number of colorful and flowered Alsatian half-timbered houses, as well as architectural and wine heritage worthy of interest.

What to do in Turckheim?

Testimonies of the rich past linked to wine trade in the 16th and 17th centuries, beautiful residences were built at this time, but also the town hall and the Corps de Garde.

Besides the half-timbered houses, you will also discover 3 gates, testimonies of the ancient fortifications: The Munster Gate, the Brand Gate, the France Gate.

This vestige of Romanesque art is composed of 5 levels, houses 4 bells (D, E, F, A), a bourdon, a SILBERMANN organ built in 1755 and many other treasures: paintings, stained glass, statues, as well as a pietà.

To see

• The night watchman, an ancestral tradition maintained until 1939 and which was honored again from 1953. His steps and song echo through the streets of Turckheim from May 1st to October 31st during his 10 PM round.
• The Memorial Museum of the Battles of the Colmar Pocket.
• A 17th century town hall that was formerly the seat of the praetorium of justice of the former imperial city.

Wine

A legend tells that a dragon fought against the sun and that since then, this land of fire produces majestic wines of sublime delicacy... Information to verify with the 11 local producers!

4. Kaysersberg

Kaysersberg is renowned for its Christmas market, unmissable and authentic. The city then transforms into a magical place. This concentrate of Alsatian history was also elected "French's Favorite Village" in 2017!

The old village

The original medieval fortifications remain, you can discover them while walking in Kaysersberg, as well as the ramparts, half-timbered houses, the fortified bridge that connects the lower and upper parts of Kaysersberg. Outside the main axes, don't hesitate to get lost in the potters' street, the commandery street, the former gendarmerie street, the convent street...

The castle of Kaysersberg

Visible from the city, this 13th century fortified castle is now only a vestige, but it offers a magnificent view of the vines, the Alsace plain and the Vosges from the top of this hill.

The parish church Sainte-Croix

Built in the 13th century, you will be impressed by the statue of Christ which measures 4.25 in height, with, at his sides, those of the Virgin and Saint John each 2.06 m high, as well as by the superb altarpiece retracing the passion of Christ through 14 paintings dating from the 16th century.

To see

• The Albert Schweitzer museum traces the life of this philosopher, theologian, musicologist and organist.
• The vineyard and Alsace wines museum: origins and know-how of Alsatian winegrowers, Alsace wine route.
• The city's historical museum: customs, legends and local stories will have no secrets for you.
• The Badhus: 17th century building that has always played an essential role in Kaysersberg's economic fabric: municipal baths, then wine purchasing center, this site is now an essential exhibition and reception hall for the city.

6. Sélestat

Capital of humanism during the Renaissance then garrison town under Louis XIV, the city of Sélestat has numerous monuments to visit. It is also labeled City of Art and History, a very pretty city where it is pleasant to walk during your vacation, while enjoying the many activities.

• The Saint-Georges church presents magnificent 15th century stained glass windows.
• The Witches' Tower on Place de Lattre de Tassigny, 13th century tower used as a prison for witches in the 17th century
• The Strasbourg gate (Vauban fortification), unique vestige of the former 17th century fortification.
• The New Tower from the 13th century presents 15th century frescoes (hunting scenes, grape harvests...).
• The Sainte-Foy church, its 11th century crypt contains a death mask cast "The beautiful unknown of Sélestat".
• The half-timbered houses, tanners' quay, built in 3 distinct periods: Middle Ages (end of 13th and 15th centuries), Rhenish Renaissance (15th and 17th centuries) and 18th century.
• The Arsenal Sainte-Barbe, a 15th century building in Gothic style where you can discover temporary exhibitions.
• The municipal baths, built in 1927, they have been transformed into a music school, but the period ornaments and bas-reliefs remain.
• The splendid water tower from 1906, 50 m high with its pepperpot crowning.
• The rue des Chevaliers, partially pedestrian, is one of the oldest streets in the city, you will find many shops, terraces.
• Humanist Library: 460 manuscripts, 6,400 very precious works printed between the 15th and 16th centuries.
• ...

8. Hunawihr

Enjoy a 360° panorama, this tiny village benefits from a unique view of the vines and the Vosges massif, it is classified among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" thanks, notably, to its fortified church.

• The Saint-Jacques le Majeur church from the 15th century, surrounded by a fortified cemetery.
• The winegrowers' houses from the 16th and 18th centuries.
• The Sainte-Hune fountain and the washhouse on place du Sinn.
• The former weaving mill.
• The coats of arms: of the cooper, the gourmet, the baker...
• Naturoparc, an animal park where it is possible to observe storks, otters, great hamsters.
• The butterfly garden.

10. Ribeauvillé

Dominated by the castle of Saint Ulrich, we discover a city with rich historical heritage where life is good.

• The minstrels' festival and its floats, the 1st weekend of September, the oldest traditional festival in Alsace present since the 14th century. Very popular in Alsace.
• The hiking trail of the 3 castles: St-Ulrich, Girsberg and Haut-Ribeaupierre.
• The Town Hall exhibits a collection of silver Hanaps (drinking cups) heritage of the counts of Ribeaupierre.
• The Butchers' Tower (13th century).
• The former grain hall, former storage place.
• The minstrels' house from the 17th century with unique decoration.
• The Grand'rue, its typical quarters and its Renaissance-style fountains.

Also to see

Neuf Brisach is part of the 12 member communes of the major Vauban sites network, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2008. A true Alsatian jewel that also hosts every summer a festive period in its foothills: the Neuf Brisach festivals. Another exceptional village around Colmar in Alsace.