A quirky mixture of French and German culture and architecture, Alsace is a truly unique corner of eastern France. Situated between the rushing Rhine and the mighty Vosges mountains, it is a patchwork of dense forests and verdant pastures, gentle valleys and, of course, vineyards. It’s a region dotted with sites that bear witness to a turbulent past: ruined castles perch atop hills and Le Struthof, France’s only concentration camp, squats stark and sinister in the north of the region.
Points of interest: Strasbourg | Alsace Wine Route | Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg | Le Mont Sainte-Odile | L’Ecomusée d’Alsace | Colmar
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Bas-Rhin
Hunspach [📸 detoursenfrance.fr]
Hunspach
Hunspach is one of the most well preserved towns in Alsace however it is different to most Alsation villages in that its houses are painted uniform white instead of the usual pastels. Another interesting architectural feature are the convexed windows that allow inhabitants to see out without being seen! There is also a small church in the village, notable for its red stone clock tower.
Set at the foot of Mount Saint Odile, and surrounded by gently sloping vineyards, this village is the home of the Zotzenberg grand cru. Because of the village’s placing near the Vosges, a rain shadow is cast leading to a dry and relatively warm climate during the summer months. However, its winters are cold and it’s not unusual to see the Alsation vineyards dusted with snow.
Haut-Rhin
Eguisheim
Eguisheim
The dreamy village of Eguisheim is the image of Germanic Alsace. Its streets of baby boy blue, rose pink and minty green give it its fairytale feel and hark back to its past when it was part of neighbouring Germany. The village is laid out in concentric circles with its castle, magnificent fountain, main square (or circle) and colourful Saint-Léon-IX chapel in the centre. It also sits on the Alsatian wine trail and in the summer the village comes alive with the Stork and Wine Growers festivals.
Hunawihr [📸 lalsace.fr]
Hunawihr
Also located on the wine route and built in a narrow valley, Hunawihr shares many of its features with Eguisheim including its colourful half-timbered houses and central square with fountain. The fountain dates from the 6th century and was used by Hune, the wife of one of the first lords of the country, to wash the clothes of the poor. The fortified church is steeped in history and is one of the few examples of defensive religious architecture.
Riquewihr
Riquewihr
Nestled at the bottom of a valley alongside vineyards of plenty is the fortified village of Riquewihr. A staple on the Alsace Wine Route and often nicknamed ‘Pearl of the vineyards’, it is steeped in history having been spared by two past wars. No less than 40 monuments in the village are classified as Historic Monuments.
Le Vallon de l’Ehn is a very pleasant, open municipal site with views, located on the Wine Route, 25 km. from Strasbourg at the foot of Mont Sainte Odile. The friendly town of Obernai is within walking distance (free parking). The site has 142 pitches on grass or hardstanding with trees and hedges to provide shelter and shade. There are 120 pitches with electricity on the 3-hectare site. There is room for large units. English is spoken at the reception desk where simple necessities such as bread, milk and drinks are stocked.
This site is surrounded by vineyards and minutes from the delightful medieval village of Riquewihr. Situated in the heart of the Alsace wine region the site covers four hectares and offers 148 individual pitches. These are divided by hedging, 6A electricity is available to all pitches and many have shade. Long leads may be required for some. A modern, part-timbered building houses the reception and a small shop for basic supplies in high season. The historic town of Colmar is just 12 km away.
The village of Eguisheim, ‘cradle of the Alsace vineyards’, lies on the Alsace Route des Vins to the west of Colmar. The three châteaux from which the site gets its name are clearly visible on the hill behind the site. Being close to the village, Les Trois Châteaux is always busy. Flowers, shrubs and trees, and well-tended grass areas make this a very pleasant place.
Part of the Tohapi Group, this site has 228 pitches, some of which are occupied by mobile homes and chalets. The 139 touring pitches are on two levels in woodland and heavily shaded. Electricity (6A) is available to all but long leads may be necessary. A fast flowing river borders the length of the site on one side. This part of the Vosges is beautiful and great for walking and mountain-biking. The site is not far from the famous wine routes of Alsace and is close to historic Colmar and the medieval villages with storks nesting on chimneys.
Le Giessen is a member of the Campéole group and can be found at the foot of the Vosges mountains, with easy access to many of the best-loved sights in Alsace. Although there is no pool on site, a large complex comprising indoor and outdoor pools with a water slide can be found adjacent to the site, with free admission for all campers. The 74 touring pitches here are grassy and of a good size, mostly with 6A electrical connections and some shaded by mature trees. A number of mobile homes and fully equipped tents are available to rent. A supplement is payable for twin-axle caravans. Various activities are organised in high season including a children’s club and disco evenings.
Situated 30 km from Strasbourg and the ‘Route des Vins d’Alsace’, Camping Au Clair Ruisseau combines the attractions of big city life, the beauty of the wine-growing area of Alsace and a peaceful, natural setting. Once inside the gates of the campsite, you will be transported into a green, leafy setting with a lake within the site itself, and shaded by mature birch and chestnut trees. Its 63 spacious touring pitches, all with electricity, and 34 of which are fully serviced are tastefully interspersed with pods and chalets for rent.
Seasonova Les Portes d’Alsace is a charming site on the southern edge of Saverne. It has a relaxed and quiet feel thanks to its grassy open spaces and mature trees, which shade the large pitches. There are 145 pitches, 129 being touring pitches with electric hook-up points. The site is adjacent to a riding school, with some pitches overlooking the outdoor schooling area. The facilities are immaculate and include a pool, play area and bicycle hire - there are some excellent cycling routes. A takeaway van visits three times a week, and activities are organised for children in high season.
![Hunspach [📸 detoursenfrance.fr]](https://static.alanrogers.com/assets/images/campsite/default.png)
