The stunning Riquewihr is a well-preserved town along the Alsace Wine Route. It has the regular flashy half-timbered buildings that the region is famous for, only with a medieval demeanor because of its fortified walls. It has several old 1500s houses and is the home of many museums and other magnificent structures. 

Are you looking to spend at least a day in Riquewihr? Here are some interesting things to do there.

Visit the Vieille Ville (The Old Town)

Like many French villages, one of the town’s first things to be engaged in is its strikingly expressive Old Town area. Visiting here is a flashback to the medieval time, with its winding streets and flamboyant timbered houses. Vieille Ville is a terrific spot for an easy amble as you prepare to see the town more.

Gathered in the Vosges Mountains and encircled by Alsace vineyards, the Old Town is also a perfect base for checking out the close mountains as well as the famous vineyards. Ensure that you have some great local food and wine in any of the several restaurants around Riquewihr, and hear when a local shares a strange ghost story that is quite well known there.

>>Also Read: Strasbourg Travel Guide

Stroll Along the Sentier Viticole des Grands Crus

Meandering along the Sentier Viticole des Grands Crus allows you to see amazing sights while learning more about the intriguing trade and art of winemaking. The route reaches six French communes, all of which are pleasant and fascinating. On this trail, you will explore the Alsace area, stop in various vineyards, and see fine villages and lovely castles. The Sentier Viticole des Grands Crus, like those in Ribeauvillé, is one of the astonishing things to see in Riquewihr as you also get to have spellbinding views of Alsace and the Black Forest.  

See Medieval Brilliance at Musée du Dolder 

Musée du Dolder is the place to learn more about Riquewihr’s history and culture. The museum houses some interesting historical artifacts and items that display the town’s robust heritage. See medieval weapons like guns and old fortifications. A good number of these items will take you back to the town’s transformation that occurs from the 1100s to the 1600s.

Be Stunned at Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Shop

The flashy and fine Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop is an off-beat spot to visit in the town. The shop has a Christmas-ish and festive vibe all year round. Besides gifts, décor, and souvenirs, the shop has cellars where visitors can indulge in some wine tasting. You should definitely sample some of the best wines around here since Riquewihr is in the Alsace wine route. Gewurztraminer and Riesling are the two famous wines in the area that I recommend for sampling at this Christmas shop.

Continue your Wine-sampling Quest at Dopff & Irion 

Established in the 1500s, this wine estate is part of the foremost wine producers in the town and has been functioning since the Middle Ages. It was at the estate’s vineyards that the famous L’Exception 2008 Cremant Pinot Gris and 2010 Grand Cru Schoenenbourg Riesling originated. They are delectable, and few bottles are worthy souvenirs. Before leaving, see the building’s central cellar, too, where they offer some phenomenal wine-related tips from the knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Checkout the Thieves’ Tower and the Winemaker’s House

A former prison, this 1300s defensive tower is one of the town’s major attractions. Today, it houses the Museum of Thieves and retains its old underground cell or oubliette as well as a fascinating instrument of torture- a strappado that was last used in the 1700s. The building’s upper floor features the 1563 wine grower’s house, with its embellished kitchen and bedroom. In addition, you should find a storeroom that contains tools and a cellar.

Tread the Alsace wine Route

This historical wine route is where Riquewihr is situated and is a must-visit for adventure seekers. It begins in Strasbourg in the north to Mulhouse in the south. Aside from the vineyards, the area features various landscapes and scenic villages. A great way to see more of the route apart from being in the company of an organized tour is by bike or car. Like this, you can stop wherever and whenever you like to savor the sights as you want. 

>>Also Read: Is Strasbourg Worth Visiting?

See French Largesse at Haut Koenigsbourg Castle

Situated in the commune of Orschwille Haut Koenigsbourg Castle is about 20 minutes from the Riquewihr center. The drive from the town to this castle is one of the most picturesque routes in this part of the region. The countryside views are undoubtedly adorable.

Though uphill, this journey is worth it as visitors as rewarded with a close look at the superbly preserved castle. The views here are as captivating as they look over the Upper Rhine Plain. The Ministry of Culture has recognized the castle as a Monument Historique and one of the best French castles.

Visit Hunawihr

Hunawihr is nearby and another fantastic place to visit in the Alsace region. The village enjoys the reputation of being a stork haven as it has a natural shelter for the endangered birds. Around Hunawihr, visitors can watch the storks and see their massive nests atop several local structures like church spires. Visitors can as well enjoy ranging views of full green vines occupying the hillsides. 

Go on a Day Trip to Kaysersberg 

It is easy to reach Kaysersberg from Riquewihr in under twenty minutes by car. Usually an underrated Alsatian spot, Kaysersberg is a must-visit if you feel you have explored Riquewihr enough. However, it is easy to explore on foot, and Fontaine Constantin is the perfect base to start seeing the village. 

Walk along the Weiss riverfront, take delight in the views from Pont Fortifie or Ancien Lavoir, or visit the Chateau du Hohlandsbourg. This nicely restored castle dates back to the 1200s. There is a museum too that visitors can see to learn about the castle’s history.  

How Far is Riquewihr from Paris?

By train, it takes four hours to reach Riquewihr, and if you are driving, you should reach the Alsatian destination in about 5 hours. Some travelers do it differently by taking night buses, which is the cheapest means to reach Riquewihr. For a total duration of 5 hours and 10 minutes, the distance to travel between the two places is 531.8 km. If using the airline route, the distance between Riquewihr and Paris is about 372.1 km in a straight line. 

Best Time to Visit Riquewihr

Winter

For the wine lover, winter is the best season. As a tip, a typical winemaker has more time for visitors to taste the great wines in his cellar and get them acquainted with the peculiarities of the wines in the region. In addition, the inns, restaurants, and taverns open in winter are often visited by locals- an assurance of authenticity and quality. 

The gems of medieval architecture, the crown jewels of Colmar’s museums, and the stunning streets of Riquewihr are owned by those who know how to select varying ways for their Alsatian aspirations.  

Spring

Spring season is the time for trees to blossom. At April’s end, the vegetation explodes: it is a fete of leaves and flowers everywhere. The activities also commence again: flea markets and local products, flower festivals, etc. When the sun shines, Riquewihr’s terraces are overwhelmed by storm. Hiking is smooth in the springs, and the temperature is excellent without being too warm.

Summer

In the summertime, the winemaker observes the sky and the vineyards. They seek to know if the weather is humid, cold, or dry. The weather plays an important role in the development of the grapes and the entire vineyard. While the visitors are excited about sunny or warm weather, it can be a demanding season for the winegrower.

Autumn

Grape harvesting is great between September and October. There is also a unique ambiance in the village during this period. Villagers and winegrowers get busy taking in the grapes. It is often possible to taste the new wine by September’s end. The “newe sisser” wine is a sweet grape juice with low alcohol, and the grape’s sugar is yet to become alcohol entirely. 

Is Riquewihr Worth Visiting? – Summary

The town of Riquewihr has everything to make you fall in love with it. Perched beneath a valley leaned against the forest and the mountain, this place is a jewel of the Alsatian vineyards. It is an important wine route and a medieval city that has remained intact despite the wars it has lived through. “The pearl of the vineyards” is its nickname, and this speaks much about the varied landscape that awaits visitors. Indeed, the nickname aptly describes the town considering its architectural beauty in a lush green setting.