GAY FRIENDLY ALSACE
Travel solutions with itineraries to discover all the wonders of this destination, places not to be missed, tips about where to sleep and what to eat, and above all many small special tips to enjoy your journey !
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this destination at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Best of Alsace - Google Maps
alternatively, if you have more than one day available, we advise you to divide it into these three itineraries, which will allow you to fully enjoy it:
Day 1 - Villages & Castles of Alsace - Google Maps
Day 2 - Strasbourg & Surroundings - Google Maps
Day 3 - Alsace Wine Route - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our itinerary)
Click'n'Go - Click on the places to find them on the Map
WHAT TO SEE in ALSACE?
10 THINGS and PLACES TO SEE in ALSACE
Colmar
In our opinion, the most beautiful city in Alsace and the best place to celebrate Christmas and take a trip to the traditional markets. You will be enchanted by its colorful houses, its cobbled streets and the Petite Venise district (Little Venice) characterized by colorful houses on the banks of the Launch River. In addition to this picturesque neighborhood, we recommend that you visit the Collegiate Church of San Martino, the building of the Old Customs "Koïfhus", in the Quarter of the Tanneurs (Tanners) and stroll along the Quai de la Poissonnerie.
Strasbourg
With its historic center declared a World Heritage Site, the immense Notre Dame Cathedral and the Petite France district, your eyes will be delighted by so much beauty.
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Riquewihr
This beautiful city surrounded by vineyards is without a doubt our favorite; think that the beauty of the city inspired the designers of the Disney film of Beauty and the Beast. It is an obligatory stop on the famous Alsace Wine Route. Strolling through its streets, which abound with historical monuments, watchtowers and colorful houses embellished with climbing plants, is a real delight.
Eguisheim
Declared the Most Beautiful City in France in 2013, it has a particular conformation, with concentric streets that make up the historic center and beautiful half-timbered houses adorned with flowers.
Ribeauvillé
Another of the most beautiful cities to see in Alsace. Walking along its Gran Rue will allow you to see the most beautiful places in this French village. In the mountains near the city you can also admire the Castles of Girsberg, Haut-Ribeaupierre and St. Ulrich of the Ribeaupierre family.
Kaysersberg
Surrounded by the vineyards of the famous Wine Route, in 2017 it was declared the Most Beautiful City in France. Its historic center, separated by the River Weiss and connected by a fortified bridge, encloses beautiful colorful houses with flower-filled balconies. We recommend that you visit the ruins of the Castle, the Stone Bridge, and the Cathedral.
Hunawihr
One of the towns that most surprised us on our trip. Located between Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé, you will recognize it for the picturesque 14th century fortified church of St. Jacques-le-Majeur.
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
Located on the Stophanberch mountain, it is another of the most beautiful places to visit in Alsace. Its origin dates back to the 12th century when it was a fortification guarding the wine and wheat routes. After a period of neglect, it was completely rebuilt respecting the original architecture.
Turckheim
Here is another of the fairytale villages of Alsace. After crossing the Porte de France you will be speechless in front of so much beauty and you will feel like you are back for a moment in the Middle Ages. Not to be missed are the three gates of the old wall, the Place Turenne and the Grand'Rue.
Mulhouse
Here we are in the most important city in southern Alsace. Really a surprise for all visitors. Its spectacular Protestant Church of Sant-Etienne, the former town hall and the Place de la Réunion are some of Mulhouse's must-sees. Today it is also nicknamed the "City of Museums" due to the abundant cultural offer of its numerous museums. Just outside the city you will also find the Little Prince Amusement Park, in the place where the Ensisheim meteorite fell on 7 November 1492.
ALSACE WINE ROUTE
If you are a lover of good wine, Alsace is the region for you. Thanks to its expanses of vineyards and the many local Domaines (estates), the region offers a rich choice of excellent local wines, enchanting cellars to taste them and wonderful views to admire.
Here are the villages along the Alsace Wine Route not to be missed (some also among the 10 Most Beautiful Things to See in Alsace):
Hunawihr
Completely immersed in the vineyards of Alsace. We were bewitched.
Riquewihr
Already mentioned earlier, it is a small medieval town between the crests of the Vosges and the Alsatian plain in the country of Ribeauvillé. Here you will find old wooden barrels and giant wine presses, a watchtower and charming half-timbered houses.
Zellenberg
It looks like a small French gem located on a green hill, surrounded by vineyards that frame the colorful houses.
Mittelbergheim
Close to Obernai and Mount Saint Odile, the town differs from the others because there are no half-timbered buildings but elegant pink stone Renaissance houses.
Andlau
Located in a valley dotted with vineyards, the village of Andlau is famous for its imposing abbey, its three great Riesling wines - the Moenchberg, the Kastelberg and the Wiebelsber - and for the curious divinity of the bear, due to the fact that the village was a Celtic place of worship.
Eguisheim
Another town among the unmissable ones in Alsace. Here in addition to the variety and colors of the flowers, you will find many cellars of local winemakers.
Obernai
Located halfway between Colmar and Strasbourg, this village has a great architectural heritage. Among other things, the central market square, its nerve center. In addition to this you will be bewitched by the wonder of the vineyards that surround the town.
Bergheim
Here is the village that will take you back to the past, among winding alleys, houses decorated with flowers and ancient stories of witches.
Kaysersberg
Another town among the must see of Alsace: getting there will leave you speechless both for the green of its woods and its vineyards, and for the grandeur of the castle.
BEST DOMAINES, WINE CELLARS & TASTINGS in ALSACE
Domaine Agapé in Riquewihr
Domaine Emile Beyer in Eguisheim
Domaine Kuentz-Bas in Husseren-Les-Châteaux
Domaine Schoenheitz in Wihr-au-Val
Domaine Valentin Zusslin in Orschwihr
Domaine Marcel Deii Barr Bergheim
Domaine Stoeffler in Barr
Domaine Alfred Wantz in Mittelbergheim
Domaine Marc Kreydenweiss in Andlau
Domaine Sylvie Spielmann ini Bergheim
Domaine Kirrenbourg in Kientzheim
Domaine Pierre-Henri Ginglinger in Eguisheim
Domaine Hubert Metz (Cave de la Dîme) in Blienschwiller
Domaine du Bollenberg in Westhalten
BEST EVENTS in ALSACE
Strasbourg Mon Amour
One of the most romantic events in the city held in February, dedicated to lovers.
Mulhouse Carnival
One of the most famous carnivals in France, with parties, colors and lots of confetti.
Colmar Celebrates spring
The Festival that celebrates the arrival of spring in Alsace.
Wine Festivals
A series of events and festivals in some villages of Alsace (including Eguisheim and Obernai) dedicated to wine.
Colmar International Festival
Every year in July, dedicated to international musicians and artists.
Alsace Wine Fair
The fair dedicated to wine professionals held in July.
Corso Fleuri in Sélestat
The floral festival that culminates with the parade of floats and flowers.
Christmas Markets in Alsace
One of the most famous events in the world, which attracts millions of tourists and which makes the villages of Alsace even more magical.
To be up to date and discover all the events in Alsace,
we advise you to click on this site.
WHERE TO STAY in ALSACE?
BEST LGBT FRIENDLY HOTELS & APARTMENTS in ALSACE
Colmar - Hostellerie Le Marechal ****
Eguisheim - BRIT La Ferme du Pape ***
Ribeauvillé - Le Clos Saint-Vincent ****
Ribeauvillé - Hôtel Barrière Ribeauvillé ****
Mulhouse - Hôtel Mulhouse Centre ***
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Strasbourg - Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile *****
Strasbourg - BOMA Easy Living Hotel ****
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Strasbourg - Hôtel Rohan ****
Obernai - Le Parc Hôtel, Restaurants & Spa ****
Illhaeusern - Hôtel des Berges *****
Morsbronn les Bains - Hôtel Spa La Source des Sens ****
Ostwald - Château de l'Ile & Spa *****
Rouffach - Château d'Isenbourg ****
Otrott - Hostellerie des Châteaux & Spa ****
WHERE TO EAT in PROVENCE?
BEST TYPICAL RESTAURANTS of PROVENCE Quality / Price
Strasbourg - €€ - Restaurant Maison Des Tanneurs - Gerwerstub
Strasbourg - €€ - Restaurant Les Chauvins Père & Fils
Strasbourg - €€ - Le Tire-Bouchon
Strasbourg - €€ - Muensterstuewel
Eguisheim - €€ - Caveau d'Eguisheim
Colmar - €€ - Restaurant Le Quai 21
Colmar - €€ - Brasserie de Tanneurs
Colmar - €€ - Wistub de la Petite Venise
Riquewihr - €€ - Restaurant le Médiéval à Riquewihr
Ribeauvillé - €€ - Winstub Zum Pfifferhus
Mulhouse - €€ - Aux Caves du Vieux Couvent
Obernai - €€ - Restaurant La Cour des Tanneurs
Niedermorschwihr - €€ - Caveau Morakopf
Barr - €€ - Restaurant Au Potin
WHAT TO EAT in ALSACE?
BEST TYPICAL DISHES of ALSACE
Tarte Flambée
The best known dish in Alsace: a kind of very fine pulled pizza, with onions, bacon, a cream of cream and other ingredients of your choice, a real treat (we would have eaten more, over and over)!
Pretzels
Despite its German origin, this salty flake-shaped bread can be found practically in every corner of Alsace.
Choucroute
Fermented cabbage served as a side dish for different dishes.
Formaggio Munster
One of the most delicious cheeses in this area of France.
Baeckeoffe
Meat cooked with different vegetables, practically a kind of stew.
Kugelhopf
Cake with raisins and dried fruit.
Alsatian Wines
The best wines of Alsace are Riesling, with a delicate and fresh taste in the mouth, Pinot Noir, the only Alsatian rosé wine, Moscato, with a fruity tone, Gewürztraminer, a wine with character and very tasty, and finally the Sylvaner, an excellent wine.
TRAVEL TIPS about ALSACE by World Mappers
The Villages of Alsace are all very small (Colmar is the largest); you can therefore easily visit them in a short time and let yourself be enchanted by their picturesque alleys and by the wonderful colored houses that characterize them.
Always look for the closest parking to the historic center on Google Maps, in order to reach the various villages comfortably on foot.
Clicking on this site you can find all the dates and times of the Alsace Christmas Markets.
The ideal solution for your trip to Alsace could be to stay overnight in Mulhouse (we did so), a beautiful town in the southern part of the region, near the Basel-Mulhouse airport. Or Colmar and Strasbourg, more demanding, however, at an economic level. From Alsace you can also easily reach Freiburg and the Black Forest in Germany or the Swiss city of Basel.
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