If you're looking for a charming weekend destination without going too far away, Riquewihr in Alsace is perfect. Discovering the picturesque villages of Alsace is a must. Half-timbered houses, old medieval towns and wine tasting are all on the agenda. The Wine Route will serve as a guideline to discover other typical villages such as Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, Eguisheim...
Discover Riquewihr
If you feel like a little getaway for a change of scenery, you can go and discover Riquewihr located in the Vosges plain below the Crêtes des Vosges. This picturesque little town in the heart of the Alsace vineyards is on the list of the most beautiful villages in France. It is one of the most popular villages in the region and even the locals come to stroll through its narrow streets with half-timbered houses that the inhabitants decorate with love and passion. The ramparts surrounding this pearl of the Alsatian vineyards are extremely well preserved. If you don't have your own car, it is advisable to rent one so as not to miss anything of the surrounding villages, the famous vineyards and the surrounding hillsides. A wide range of wine estates are present in Riquewihr and you can stop at any time to meet and talk to winegrowers who are passionate about the wine of their region.
Brief history of Riquewihr
The name of Riquewihr appears in the annals in 1094, when the village was under the domination of the Counts of Horbourg. It was they who built and fortified it (1291). In 1320, Riquewihr became a town. In 1324, the counts of Horbourg sold the town to Duke Ulrich X of Wurtenberg. Nevertheless, the town remained part of the Horbourg-Riquewihr seigneury until the French Revolution. Riquewihr reached its golden age in the XVIᵉ century, when it began to grow rich through its vineyards. In 1796, Riquewihr became part of France. During the two world wars, the town suffered little damage, which is why its state of preservation is extraordinary.
Explore the villages and vineyards of Alsace
The Alsatian vineyards are home to many charming villages, both well-known and lesser-known, and Riquewihr is one of those nuggets not to be missed. The half-timbered houses, the facades decorated with flowers and the extremely varied colours add a cheerful note and one never tires of walking through them. You can discover these charming Alsatian villages by bike, an original and pleasant way to get around.