With a wealth of grape varieties and very distinct terroirs, Alsace is a land of singular wines. Its Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes provide each vineyard with a unique identity. Here we travel back in time, whether on foot, by bike or front-wheel drive. From Strasbourg to Colmar, the hilly landscapes and atmosphere vary until winter arrives: at the time of the Christmas markets, Alsace lights up and becomes, under the shade of the fir trees, a huge festive party...
Strasbourg, Winstubs, wine cellars and Christmas market
Before setting off on the Wine Route, why not discover the unique atmosphere of the Winstubs, traditional breweries suffused with the flavors of sauerkraut and beer? The city is also filled with wine bars showcasing Alsatian grape varieties as well as local craft beers. Don't hesitate to visit the historic wine cellars of the Hospices de Strasbourg, a six-hundred-year-old institution now run by some thirty estates in the region that grow their wines here. In December, Strasbourg is home to the largest and oldest Christmas market in France (1570). With its magical atmosphere, the market is an unmissable event for families, who throng together under the lights and illuminated displays of its imposing Christmas tree and countless wooden chalets while savoring "bredele " (traditional Christmas cookies or small cakes) along with a few glasses of mulled wine...
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Close to the property
Under the great Christmas tree at the Christmas Market, Strasbourg
During the last five weeks of the year, Strasbourg transforms itself into the ‘Christmas capital’. First opened in 1570, its Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most impressive in Europe. At the heart of the Grande Île, under the luminous garlands of the great Christmas tree, some 300 log cabins...
At this legendary restaurant, the whole of Alsace is celebrated and honoured. Noble ingredients and rich dishes inspired by the beautiful tables of yesteryear are combined with generosity and refinement. It is a cuisine that is above all an occasion for sharing, a culinary journey full of discoveries,...
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Under the great Christmas tree at the Christmas Market, Strasbourg
During the last five weeks of the year, Strasbourg transforms itself into the ‘Christmas capital’. First opened in 1570, its Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most impressive in Europe. At the heart of the Grande Île, under the luminous garlands of the great Christmas tree, some 300 log cabins...
At this legendary restaurant, the whole of Alsace is celebrated and honoured. Noble ingredients and rich dishes inspired by the beautiful tables of yesteryear are combined with generosity and refinement. It is a cuisine that is above all an occasion for sharing, a culinary journey full of discoveries,...
Hotel and restaurant in the country. Located between Strasbourg and Colmar, nestled in the Vosges mountains, La Cheneaudière welcomes visitors in search of clean air and relaxation. A member of Relais & Châteaux for 50 years, this family-owned property perpetuates Alsatian hospitality in an authentic yet refined way, where the backdrop of nature offers a total disconnection. Elegant guest rooms offer breathtaking views of the picturesque Bruche Valley. There are two restaurants, guaranteed to satisfy gourmets, with delicious cuisine that respects the seasons and showcases the region's finest artisanal produce. Guests also come to La Cheneaudière for the spa. Spread over 27,000 square feet/2,500 square meters and with an expansive feel, it benefits from some more unusual facilities, including a flotation tank where you can experience weightlessness. Discover the perfect destination to put your body and mind to rest and awaken your senses.
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In 1870, Jean-Baptiste Massenez was working as a mere grower-distiller. In 1913, his son Eugène distilled wild raspberry for the very first time. One of his main customers was none other than the Queen of Sweden, who said she treated her diseased lungs with eau-de-vie distilled in Alsace! Massenez is...
Hotel and restaurant in a village. For over a century, the imposing red walls of this 18th-century property, home to Relais & Châteaux Le Chambard in the heart of Kaysersberg, have been a gourmet stop on the Alsace wine trail. Its proud tradition of family hospitality is today perpetuated by Chef Olivier Nasti, who reigns over the stoves of the establishment’s Michelin-starred restaurant. He serves cuisine that respects nature and the land, while his wife Patricia is responsible for the front-of-house atmosphere, supported by their daughters Manon and Clara. This unmissable gastronomic rendezvous, between the region’s vineyards and the Ballons des Vosges, is also a friendly inn, where a chic, Zen-like vibe pervades guest rooms with contemporary décor. Enjoy the homely, traditional side of Alsace in the Winstub, experience a culinary immersion as you discover the chef's secrets, then enjoy a moment of relaxation in the spa...
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SlowUp: another way to discover the Alsace Wine Route
Discovering the Alsace wine route with the SlowUp concept means "reducing the pace and increasing the pleasure". The organizers have devised three circuits of 5, 12, and 19 miles through 9 towns and villages (including Scherwiller, Sélestat and Bergheim). On these roads closed to traffic, it is by foot,...
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On the route
Visit Riquewihr, a village and two grands crus
Riquewihr occupies an unusual spot on the Alsace wine list. Very selective in the choice of its grape varieties, the commune has two grands crus. To the north of the fortress town, Riesling is king on the slopes of Schoenenbourg. Voltaire himself owned a few plots of these famous vineyards. Nearby, the...
Hotel and restaurant in town. “Authentically up-to-date”, this is how Marilyn and Éric Girardin describe La Maison des Têtes in Colmar; undoubtedly one of the most beautiful historical buildings in Alsace. Built in 1609, this bourgeois residence owes its name to the one hundred and six small stone heads adorning its façade, behind which the couple has been dispensing their exceptional savoir-faire since 2015. After all, La Maison des Têtes is not only a traditional brasserie, but also a discreetly luxurious Michelin-starred restaurant and stylish hotel.
While the historic brasserie serves mainly local dishes, the restaurant transcends all boundaries. Within its sleek interior, indulge in a “journey into the world of plants” and savour a “puffed” Munster cheese with Marc de Gewurztraminer. Cap it off with the sweet “broutilles & canailleries”, before returning to your intimately charming room, where contemporary decor accentuates stunning traditional woodwork.
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The Au Brin de Paille grocery store, a landmark for Alsatian beer (Colmar)
Located on the Grand-Rue de Colmar since 1900, Au Brin de Paille is the meeting point for all craft beer lovers. All the beers produced by the (micro) brewers of the Haut and Bas-Rhin region are displayed on the shop's shelves. This is your opportunity to discover and taste the beers of Uberach, L'Alsacienne...
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Colmar, the town with 5 Christmas markets
Every year at Christmas time, Colmar establishes itself as one of the capitals of Alsace: throughout the city, 5 markets compete with the quality of their craft products and the sparkle of their decorations. In a festive atmosphere, under the half-timbered houses of the pedestrian streets, the lights...
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The Au Brin de Paille grocery store, a landmark for Alsatian beer (Colmar)
Located on the Grand-Rue de Colmar since 1900, Au Brin de Paille is the meeting point for all craft beer lovers. All the beers produced by the (micro) brewers of the Haut and Bas-Rhin region are displayed on the shop's shelves. This is your opportunity to discover and taste the beers of Uberach, L'Alsacienne...
Read Moreless
Colmar, the town with 5 Christmas markets
Every year at Christmas time, Colmar establishes itself as one of the capitals of Alsace: throughout the city, 5 markets compete with the quality of their craft products and the sparkle of their decorations. In a festive atmosphere, under the half-timbered houses of the pedestrian streets, the lights...
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Photos : Photo by Leon Contreras on Unsplash, Sarah Linder, serts, Mario M. Lommersum (CC BY-SA 4.0 [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en]), ALINE COCO 67 (CC BY-SA 4.0 [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.fr]), Dirk Scheuble on Unsplash, Ch.FLEITH, Clémence Bergougnoux on Unsplash, Bluets et Brimbelles SAS
IMAGINE IF EVERYTHING WAS EXACTLY HOW YOU LIKE IT: ALWAYS BE EXPECTED
**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
Reservation Service
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges. Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
Alsace: a wine route... and mulled wine at Christmas markets
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