Things To Do
Colmar
Colmar is a picturesque city known for its colorful half-timber buildings and canals that have been dubbed 'Little Venice'. You can spend a whole afternoon shopping, eating, exploring, and taking in the views. Colmar is a 20 minutes drive from the Hotel, and has a central train station that can take you to and from major cities like Strasbourg, Paris, and other European cities. Restaurant Recommendations - be sure to try and reserve in advance: Jadis et Gourmande (Brunch/Lunch) L’Arpège (Dinner) Wistub La Petite Venise (Lunch/Dinner)
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
Haut-Kœnigsbourg is a medieval castle that has been rebuilt and preserved. You won't be able to miss this attraction because it looks down on us just behind the venue! If you would like to explore the castle it is only 10 minutes by car from the Hotel. Entrance inside the castle is ticketed, and parking gets crowded so we recommend carpooling or arranging a ride.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is the capital city of Alsace, and also home to the EU Parliament. There is plenty of shopping, food, and site seeing. Top things to see and do include Strasbourg's Cathedral, Petite France, the Covered Bridges, and the Parliament. It is a 30 min train ride from Colmar, and will be a stop along the way if you are coming from Paris and sometimes Germany.
Freiburg
If you want to brave the autobahn, just over the Rhine is Freiburg. We love to visit for an afternoon of german food, markets, shopping, and maybe some german beer. About an hour from Colmar, we recommend driving, there are many parking garages available!
Ribeauvillé
Ribeauvillé, located on the Routes des Vins (Wine Route) between vineyards and mountains, is a charming Alsatian town known for its blend of rich history and modern amenities. Dominated by the majestic ruins of the Three Castles, its picturesque streets feature beautifully preserved 15th- to 18th-century buildings adorned with seasonal flowers. Visitors can explore Renaissance fountains, the historic Town Hall with its silver cup collection, and many wine tastings of its Grands Crus.
Kaysersberg
Known as one of Anthony Bourdain's last visitations, Kaysersberg is a prominent stop on Alsace's Route des Vins (Wine Route - https://www.wineroute.alsace/230106256-kaysersberg/). Here you can visit old castle ruins, shop local goods before the Christmas Markets truly kick off in December, and visit some local wineries.
Vallée de Munster
The Munster Valley, nestled in the heart of Alsace on the Vosges massif, is a place that feels like a hidden treasure, and we can't wait to share its beauty with you. As you enter the valley, vineyards give way to lush mountains and forests, where you’ll discover serene mountain lakes and the deep-rooted traditions of the marcaire farmers. One highlight you must try is the valley's pride and joy: Munster cheese. Crafted for centuries from the milk of cows grazing in the verdant meadows, this cheese is known for its rich, bold flavor and unique character. Whether you enjoy it simply with fresh bread or melted into traditional Alsatian dishes, we promise Munster cheese, paired with a crisp local wine, will give you a true taste of the valley’s heritage. We can’t wait to explore this special place with you!
Grand Ballon
With its highest peak reaching 1,424 meters, the Grand-Ballon is the crown jewel of the Vosges mountains, and we’re excited to share its breathtaking beauty with you. A haven for hiking and skiing enthusiasts, this summit has been a beloved destination since the 19th century, when railroads opened up the region. At the top, you’ll find the Diables Bleus monument, honoring mountain infantry battalions of WWI, as well as an iconic radar station designed by Claude Vasconi. The panoramic views from the summit are truly spectacular, and we hope you’ll enjoy exploring this stunning landscape with us!