A fairy tale village in the Alsace region of France is only a 2+ hour drive from our home in Stuttgart. Riquewihr (pronounced rik-eh-vir) is on the Alsace wine route, and is certainly well worth a visit. Within the old village walls, colorful medieval buildings line cobblestone streets. This village is said to have inspired what Disney created as Belle’s village in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
We spent hours wandering around this photogenic town, finding new winding beautiful streets to explore.
We visited the weekend before Easter, and signs of spring were everywhere, along with the quirky ambience that is Riquewihr.
Wine COUNTRY
Riquewihr is known for its surrounding vineyards, and many tasting cellars are located right in the heart of the village. We tried a range of wines at the friendly Fritsch & Fils, and bought some bottles to bring home with us.
Just outside the village walls are walking paths that lead up through multiple vineyards, and on to other villages.
The Wildlife
The Alsace Region is popular with storks, and there is a huge storks’ nest right in Riquewihr. The storks are so fun to see, especially when they fly, with their long legs flapping along behind them.
Recommendations
We’re so thankful to have this travel diary for holding onto memories from each place we visit. Not only was this a beautiful village, but also we ate the best piece of ham here. It was part of a charcuterie board at La Taverne Alsacienne, and it had incredible flavor, with just a hint of sweetness.
We stayed at the lovely Hotel de la Couronne, in a building that dates from the 1500’s. We love the adventures old Europe has to offer, such as climbing circular stone stairs in an old tower lit by stained glass windows.
Unique stays are the best, and we especially love not only a quirky hotel, but also one that includes breakfast.
Hotel de la Couronne offers a lovely continental breakfast of fruit, yogurt, granola, eggs, meats, and cheeses, and a super generous basket of croissants, rolls, and chocolate brioches for each table.
We highly recommend visiting this fairy tale village in France. It is astonishingly adorable, and has great food and wine, and friendly people. The locals even (pretended to) understand our French!
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