Colmar to Riquewihr: Alsace Fairytale Villages Route
Explore the fairytale villages of Alsace on this 39.9 km route connecting Colmar with Riquewihr, a village that inspired Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Visit the medieval Château de Haut-Kœnigsbourg perched in the Vosges mountains, explore the Unterlinden Museum in Colmar, and dine at renowned local restaurants.
- Distance
- 39.9 km
- Duration
- 7 h 59 min
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Arrival in Colmar (Alsace region)
- End
- Hotel Maréchal Colmar
- Stops
- 6
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Arrival in Colmar (Alsace region) — Medieval town renowned for half-timbered houses, canal-lined streets, and preserved Renaissance architecture that defines Alsatian charm.
- Riquewihr village (Beauty and the Beast inspiration) — Fortified wine village with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful shuttered buildings, and vineyards that inspired Disney's iconic animated film.
- Château de Haut-Kœnigsbourg — Medieval castle perched on a mountain with views of the vines below in the surrounding region.
- Unterlinden Museum — Art museum in Colmar housed in a former convent.
- Restaurant La Soï — Local restaurant in Colmar specializing in regional Alsatian cuisine.
- Hotel Maréchal Colmar — Accommodation in Colmar recommended for visitors.
Useful for your trip
- Food
- Try tarte flambée (Alsatian flatbread pizza) at local restaurants like Restaurant La Soï in Colmar; chef noted home ovens won't reach the required 3000° temperature.
- Food
- Sample local pork stew dishes with potatoes and spices (nutmeg) served with cream sauce, typical of the Alsace region.
- Food
- Visit bakeries in Riquewihr for coconut macaroons displayed in windows.
- Food
- Dine at Baolo restaurant in Colmar for modern innovative Alsatian cuisine with unexpected flavor combinations.
- Where to stay
- Book Hotel Maréchal Colmar for accommodation with a riverside setting.
- Transport
- Driving from Paris to Colmar allows trunk space for wine purchases and shopping; consider renting a car for the trip.
- Tip
- Visit Unterlinden Museum in Colmar (admission €5) to see the Eisen altarpiece from early 1500s, located in a former convent.
- Tip
- Tour Château de Haut-Kœnigsbourg medieval castle perched in the Vosges mountains; completely restored in early 1900s by Kaiser Wilhelm II.
- Tip
- Visit the Bartholdi Museum in Colmar, childhood home of Statue of Liberty designer Auguste Bartholdi, featuring his early works and models.
- Food
- Taste local Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines from Alsace; Gewürztraminer means 'spicy' and pairs well with tarte flambée and local dishes.
- Timing
- Visit Riquewihr (Beauty and the Beast inspiration village) and Colmar in spring for better weather; rain is common and canal boat rides are less enjoyable.
- Tip
- Burgundy region is 2 hours drive south from Colmar; climate difference over short distance affects which wines grow best in each area.
Video on this route
We Visited Europe’s Most Fairytale Like Villages in Alsace (Colmar & Riquewirh)