Ribeauvillé, an essential stop on the Alsace Wine Route

Ribeauvillé is a charming medieval village located in the Alsace wine region in France. It is famous for its castles and fortifications, as well as for its vineyards. 

Where is Ribeauvillé?

Ribeauvillé is located in the department of Upper Rhinean administrative district belonging to the region Great East. This small town is located on the wine routeIt is located between the mountains and the vineyards of Alsace. It is one of the most beautiful villages of the region.

Ribeauvillé tourism: what to do in this town?

Like all villages Alsatians, Ribeauvillé There are also many half-timbered houses, as well as monuments and historic sites tourist remarkable. You can visit them during a weekend or during your holidays with the family. 

The 3 emblematic castles of Ribeauvillé

The first must-have of Ribeauvillé is the visit of the Saint-Ulrich castlesof the Girsberg and the Haut-Ribeaupierre. Overlooking the village, these buildings trace the history of the region and offer a view of the impregnable on the valley. 

The wines and cellars of Ribeauvillé

If you are a lover of fine wine, don't miss the wine route of Alsacewhich runs through Ribeauvillé. You will discover the most beautiful vineyards of the region and be able to taste the local wines. You can also visit the many wine estates of the city to learn more about the different Alsatian grape varieties. 

The parks and gardens of the town of Ribeauvillé

If you are a in love nature, you can take a walk in the garden Cityon the place du Bouc or in the garden Butterflies. The latter houses about 100 exotic butterflies and multicoloured bees from Africa, Asia and America, as well as bees and ants. 

A transparent educational hive has been installed so that you can see how bees live in their natural habitat. There is also a transparent area dedicated to the ants so that you can observe them and learn more about their life, organisation and form of communication. 

The historical monuments of Ribeauvillé in Alsace

Apart from the prestigious castles, the city has several buildings that you can visit such as the church of Providence, the house of the Ménétriers, the old corn exchange, the Shrine of Our Lady of Dusenbachthe Saint-Grégoire church or the town hall. The latter monument houses a collection of silver hanaps donated by the Counts of Ribeaupierre.

You can also visit the Butchers' TowerThis is an almost 30-metre high building dating from the 13th century and was used by the butchers defending the city in the Middle Ages. It is forbidden to enter, but you can take a photo in front of the building. 

Other places to visit around Ribeauvillé France

Do you like to go for a walk? Then don't miss a visit to the Ballons Regional Nature Park dhe Vosgeslocated a few kilometres from Ribeauvillé. This place offers several hiking possibilities, with marked trails for all levels of difficulty. You can also discover the fauna and flora of the region by taking one of the many discovery tour.

The surroundings from Ribeauvillé are also full of villages picturesque places to discover such as :

- The village of Riquewihr

This medieval village is located about 5 kilometres away from Ribeauvillé. It is known for its cobbled streets and half-timbered housess, its monuments and its beautiful landscapes. 

- The village of Eguisheim

You can also visit Eguisheima village famous for its historic centre in the shape of circle. This destination will seduce you with its many websites tourist (Old Town of Eguisheim, Castle of the Counts, Wolfberger House...) and activities (walk or bike ride, camping(e.g., picnic, visit to the cellars and vineyards).

- The village of Hunawihr 

You can also go to Hunawihra medieval village located in 2.3 kilometres from Ribeauvillé. Visit the NaturOparCA wildlife park committed to the preservation of regional biodiversity. Go on a journey of total immersion to meet thelocal endangered animals such as the white stork, the European otter or the great hamster, but also aquatic and expatriate species such as the raccoon or the great cormorant.

 During your visit, you can also take a guided tour of the wine trail of the Grands Crus to learn more about wine growing and wine making. A free tasting is even offered during the summer seasons.

How to get to Ribeauvillé?

If you don't have a car, you can go to Ribeauvillé in trainby bus or even by bicycle if you live in the surroundings.

Where to eat and sleep during your stay?

Ribeauvillé offers a wide range of accommodation options. You can stay in luxury hotels, but also in gites and guest houses. The latter welcome you in beautiful houses Alsatian womenThese are located in the middle of the vineyards and sometimes even close to large emblematic sites.

As for bars and restaurants, you will find them on every corner. Take the opportunity to try the specialities culinary local such as kougelhopf, baeckeoffe, sauerkraut, the famous flammekueche, matelote, fleischnaka, smoked pork shoulder, etc.