What to do in Alsace and Lorraine?

What are the things you just have to see, do, and taste while you’re in Alsace? From Strasbourg’s Petite France to the little Venice (Colmar), and on to the vineyards and bars, this list is far from exhaustive, but it’s a great place to start.

Visits you cannot miss in Alsace

• Notre Dame Cathedral and the Petite France district in Strasbourg
A masterpiece of gothic art, in pink sandstone lace, the cathedral stands majestically above the roofs, while Petite France, with its cobbled streets and picturesque canals, invites you to stroll.

• The old town of Eguisheim on the Alsace Wine Route
A stop of charm is needed in this typical small town, where one wanders in the heart of the ramparts, in a maze of alleys, lined with old half-timbered houses.

• The village of Kaysersberg
Elected favorite village of the French in 2017, we understand why when we walk on its fortified bridge, in its medieval streets that go up to the castle.

• The Railway Museum and the Cité de l'Automobile in Mulhouse
By visiting these two Alsatian museums, you will be glued onto this rail ride, from the first locomotives to the TGV, and the most beautiful car brands in the world: Bugatti, Mercedes, Rolls-Royce, ...

• Colmar, little Venice
Capital of the wines of Alsace, she likes the water too, that of her channels where it is good to sail in Venetian style, along the half-timbered houses.

• The humanist library of Sélestat
The building designed by Rudy Ricciotti serves as a showcase for the outstanding collection of the humanist Beatus Rhenanus, composed of medieval manuscripts and documents of the fifteenth and sixteenth century.

• Unterlinden Museum of Comar
This former convent, now a museum, houses works of art from the late Middle Ages and the early Renaissance, including the famous Isenheim altarpiece.

• The Lalique Museum in Wingen-sur-Moder
The glass creation in its entire splendor! The museum revives the delicate art of René Lalique since the 1920s: chandeliers, perfume bottles, vases,...

• The pretty city of Mosheim
At the foot of the vineyards, is an old university town, which has preserved amazing buildings, such as the large church of the Jesuits, the Carthusian monastery or a butcher shop of the Renaissance period.

Visits you cannot miss in Lorraine

• The Pompidou-Metz center in Metz
In a very contemporary building, the most beautiful works of modern art are exhibited, drawn from the collection of the Center Pompidou in Paris.

• The citadel of Belfort
Built between the 17th and 19th centuries, this imposing fortress, partly designed by Vauban, overlooks the city of Belfort.

• Place Stanislas in Nancy
Bearing the name of the King of Poland, it was built in the 18th century and connects two neighborhoods, between the old town and the medieval town. It is a perfect example of French classicism, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Essential activities in Alsace

• Hit the giant zip line in the Brumath Forest
Guaranteed thrills in this adventure park, zip line at the water's edge! Other courses take you into suspension in a forest of oaks and beeches.

• Take a look at the historic sites of the Great War
The Historial de la guerre from 14-18 traces the tragic events of this period, to the summit of the Hartmannwillerkopf massif, nicknamed the Mountain of Death.

• Take off the barefoot trail of Lac Blanc
If you have always dreamed of walking barefoot on a path, now is the time. On a 1.2 km long course, you will tread a variety of soils: stones, wood, bark, slabs, sand, fir cones, small rivers ...

• Strolling between the smells of anise and cinnamon at the Christmas market in Strasbourg
Been alive since 1570. In its 300 small cottages, we find everything that creates the magic of Christmas: confectionery, decorations, gingerbread, traditional crafts, toys,...

• To think of himself as a knight at Haut-Koenigsbourg castle
To visit the castle is to dive into the Middle Ages. This ancient fortress 800 meters above the plain of Alsace, has been fully restored in the spirit of the 12th century.

• Take the reins of a carriage to explore the Ried
On 2000 hectares, is a rich nature reserve of wet meadows and forests. Take the time to discover it in a carriage, drawn by draft horses, the old-fashioned way.

• Treat yourself to a gastronomic moment in one of the Michelin-starred restaurants
Alsace is a land of great chefs. Some thirty Michelin-starred restaurants exist, such as L'Auberge de l'Ill in Illhaeusern, Bistrot des Saveurs in Obernai, Painter's Workshop in Colmar, Le Kasbür in Saverne, and many more ...

• Dine in the vineyards at Philippe Sohler Estate
An unforgettable experience in the heart of the vineyards for an outdoor dinner, where you can taste great wines, to suit your meals.

• Cross the winter and the Munster Valley with sled dogs
What's more invigorating than crossing the snow-covered forests of the Vosges, pulled by a team of dogs? This is possible at the Ballon d'Alsace, at the foot of Black Lake or at the Platzerwasel pass.

• Approach the Barbary macaque to Monkey Mountain
In a forest of 24 hectares, they are very close to you and the guides explain everything about their behavior.

• Visit the Christmas markets
Alsace knows how to highlight Christmas, and the traditional markets are numerous. In Strasbourg,

Essential activities in Lorraine

• Follow the bison on safari in Petit Réderching
They come from the United States, and are raised in freedom in the heart of the country of Bitche, in a ranch installed on 103 hectares of pastures.

• Get fresh ideas in Vittel and Contrexéville
These spa towns of the Vosges have waters beneficial to health. They rely on well-being in a Belle Époque atmosphere.

• Enjoy Lake Gérardmer
In the summer, you can indulge in paddling, rowing, sailing, swimming. In winter, you can ski on the 100 km of Nordic trails connected to the area of Xonrupt and La Bresse.

• Relive the Battle of Verdun
Symbol of the great war of 14-18, Verdun is visited with emotion: its memorial, its ossuary, its underground citadel, its World Center of Peace. You mustn’t forget…

Getting to Alsace