Visit Alsace: tourist sites, museums, historic towns

La Petite France forms the historic center of Strasbourg with half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. The district sits on the Grande Île where the Ill river divides into several channels. Former tanneries, mills and fishermen's houses line the waterways. The Ponts Couverts with their medieval towers mark the western entrance to the quarter. Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes runs through the center with its restaurants and craft shops.

The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg stands at 757 meters above the Alsatian plain. This medieval fortress was built in the 12th century and served as a strategic defense point for centuries. After its destruction during the Thirty Years' War, the castle remained in ruins until Emperor Wilhelm II commissioned its complete restoration. Architect Bodo Ebhardt led the reconstruction between 1900 and 1908, basing his work on historical documents and archaeological findings. The château now houses weapon collections, furnished rooms, and defensive structures that illustrate medieval life. From the ramparts, visitors can enjoy panoramic views across the Vosges Mountains, the Black Forest, and on clear days, the Alps.

Mont Saint-Odile is a Catholic monastery from the 7th century located at the summit of a Vosges mountain at an altitude of 764 meters. This establishment was founded by Saint Odile and has served as a pilgrimage site for centuries. The monastery includes a Romanesque chapel, a cloister, and several buildings displaying architectural styles ranging from medieval to modern periods. The terrace provides views over the Alsatian plain extending to the Black Forest. The site is surrounded by an ancient stone wall known as the Pagan Wall, whose origins remain a subject of archaeological debate.

The Cité du Train is France's largest railway museum, displaying a collection of one hundred historic locomotives and railway carriages across 15,000 square metres. The museum traces the history of French railways from the 19th century to the present day, with restored vehicles organised into thematic areas. The exhibits include steam locomotives, electric locomotives, luxury trains and historic passenger carriages, some of which visitors can enter.

The Musée Alsacien presents an ethnographic collection housed in three interconnected 17th-century houses. The exhibition displays furniture, ceramics, textiles, religious objects, and tools documenting daily life of the Alsatian population from the 18th to the early 20th century. The rooms are organized by themes, illustrating domestic culture, crafts, agricultural practices, and local customs. The museum also preserves a significant collection of traditional costumes and folk art objects from different regions of Alsace.

The Château de Lichtenberg is a military fortress built in the thirteenth century and later modernized under the supervision of Vauban. The castle features multiple defensive levels with thick ramparts, defensive towers, and casemates. The architecture demonstrates the evolution of military engineering from medieval times through the early modern period. Visitors can explore the preserved fortifications, residential buildings, and underground passages. The château also houses exhibitions on regional history and fortification techniques.

The Cité de l'Automobile displays the Schlumpf collection with over 400 historical vehicles. This museum houses 122 Bugatti models, representing the largest collection of this brand in the world. Visitors can explore numerous Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz and other significant automobiles from different eras. The exhibition space covers several thousand square meters and documents the evolution of the automobile from its beginnings to the present day.

The Écomusée d'Alsace spans 100 hectares and brings together 70 authentic Alsatian buildings that were dismantled at their original locations and faithfully reconstructed here. This open-air museum documents rural architecture and way of life in the region from the 15th to the 20th century. Visitors can explore half-timbered houses, farms, workshops, a school, and a chapel. Craftspeople demonstrate traditional techniques including pottery, blacksmithing, and baking. The museum hosts seasonal events and invites visitors to discover heritage gardens and enclosures with historic livestock breeds.

Fort de Schoenenbourg forms part of the Maginot Line and was built between 1931 and 1935 as an underground defensive structure. The facility spans multiple levels and includes accommodation for the garrison, a fully equipped hospital, ammunition stores, and artillery positions. Visitors can explore the underground passages, the command center, and the armored gun turrets. The fort demonstrates the military architecture of the interwar period and provides insights into the daily life of soldiers stationed below ground.

Petite Venise is a historic district in the center of Colmar, crossed by the Lauch River. This section of the city features half-timbered houses from the 16th century that line the waterways. The buildings display typical Alsatian architecture with painted wooden beams and colorful facades. Visitors can walk through the narrow streets or take boat rides along the canals to view the house fronts from the water.

The Vauban Dam was constructed in the 17th century under the direction of military engineer Vauban and served as part of Strasbourg's defensive fortifications. This structure spans the Ill River and features an accessible rooftop terrace that offers visitors views over the old town and the towers of Strasbourg Cathedral. The construction allowed authorities to regulate the water level of the river and, when necessary, flood the southern districts to halt advancing troops.

The Musée Unterlinden occupies a former Dominican convent from the 13th century in the heart of Colmar. The collection includes medieval and Renaissance artworks, featuring sculptures, paintings, and decorative objects from the Rhine region. The museum houses the Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald, a polyptych from the early 16th century originally created for the Antonine monastery in Issenheim. A modern extension connects the historic convent building with an adjacent bathhouse and displays modern and contemporary art, as well as archaeological finds from the region.

The Old Town of Colmar extends across several cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses built between the 14th and 18th centuries. The buildings display typical Alsatian architecture with painted wooden beams and colored facades. Along the canals in the Petite Venise district stand former craftsmen's houses and tanneries. The area features several historic fountains, small squares, and restaurants housed in old buildings. Weekly markets take place regularly in the public squares, where local products and regional specialties are sold.

The Palais Rohan was built between 1732 and 1742 as an episcopal residence for the cardinals of the Rohan-Soubise family. Architect Robert de Cotte designed this classical building, which stands on the banks of the Ill River. The palace now houses three municipal museums: the Museum of Fine Arts with paintings from the 14th to 19th centuries, the Museum of Decorative Arts located in the former state apartments of the cardinals, and the Archaeological Museum with collections covering regional history from prehistory to the Middle Ages.

The old town of Eguisheim was founded in the 8th century and developed around the former castle in concentric rings. The streets follow this medieval layout, forming three successive circles around the historic center. The half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries display various colors and traditional Alsatian architecture with carved wooden beams and flower-decorated balconies. The village was the birthplace of Pope Leo IX in 1002 and has received multiple awards as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

The Mémorial Struthof is located on the site of the former Natzweiler-Struthof concentration camp, operated by the Nazis between 1941 and 1945. The complex includes preserved barracks, watchtowers and the gas chamber. The museum documents the history of the camp, the fate of the deportees and the forced labor in the quarries. The European Centre of Deported Resistance provides educational engagement with this dark period of history and serves as a place of remembrance and reflection.

La Volerie des Aigles is a breeding and conservation center for birds of prey housed in the 12th-century Kintzheim Castle. This facility is dedicated to preserving endangered raptor species and offers daily flight demonstrations where visitors can observe eagles, vultures, falcons, and kites in free flight. The birds soar over spectators' heads, demonstrating their natural hunting techniques. The castle stands on a hilltop overlooking the Alsatian plain and vineyards. Falconers explain the biology, behavior, and threats facing these animals during the shows. The center participates in European breeding programs and works on reintroducing endangered species into the wild.

The European Parliament was constructed in 1999 and serves as the deliberation center for European deputies. The circular Louise Weiss building hosts monthly plenary sessions where the 705 members of parliament debate and vote on European legislation. The building features a 750-seat hemicycle, multiple committee rooms, and visitor facilities. The architecture combines glass and steel in a contemporary design.

The Maison Pfister was built in 1537 for a cloth merchant and stands as one of the most notable townhouses in Colmar. The facades display richly decorated wall paintings featuring biblical and allegorical themes, along with two-story bay windows framed by stone mullions. The ground floor is constructed of stone, while the upper levels are half-timbered. The octagonal stair tower and carved wooden balconies demonstrate Renaissance craftsmanship in Alsace.

MM Park France is a private military museum covering 7000 square meters in La Wantzenau. The collection includes tanks, aircraft, military vehicles and uniforms from World War II. The museum displays historical equipment and documents from various armies of the war period. The exhibition allows visitors to explore the military history of this era through authentic objects.

The former Town Hall of Mulhouse was built in 1552 in Rhenish style and served as the seat of municipal administration until 1798. The facade displays a series of 16th-century murals depicting allegorical representations of civic virtues such as justice, courage, and temperance. The building features a characteristic stepped gable and ornamental paintings typical of Alsatian Renaissance architecture. The frescoes were restored during the 19th century.

The museum displays works by René Lalique and his successors in a modern building opened in 2011. The collection includes over 650 pieces from different creative periods: Art Nouveau jewellery, Art Deco glasswork, perfume bottles designed for major fashion houses, and decorative objects. The building combines contemporary architecture with historical exhibits and hosts temporary exhibitions exploring various aspects of the Lalique heritage.

The Collégiale Saint-Thiébaut in Thann was constructed between 1307 and 1516, displaying outstanding examples of Gothic architecture. This church contains medieval stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes and saints. The sculpted portal from the 15th century presents detailed stonework with religious motifs. Construction spanned over two centuries, bringing together different phases of Gothic design.

La Montagne des Singes spans 24 hectares of forest and is home to approximately 200 Barbary macaques living in freedom. This wildlife park allows visitors to observe these North African primates in an environment that resembles their natural habitat. The animals move freely among the trees and on the ground while visitors walk along designated paths through the area. The center contributes to the conservation of this endangered species and provides information about their social behavior, diet, and the threats these macaques face in their original range.

This fortified town was built between 1698 and 1703 following the plans of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban. The structure follows an octagonal layout with eight bastions connected by curtain walls. The complete system includes glacis, covered ways, counterscarps and water-filled moats. The inner town is organized according to an orthogonal street grid, with a central parade ground. The Porte de Belfort and Porte de Colmar form the main entrances through the double defensive line.

The Parc de l'Orangerie covers 26 hectares in northern Strasbourg. This park was created in 1804 for Empress Joséphine and houses the Pavillon Joséphine named after her. The grounds include a small zoo where visitors can observe various animal species. Several playgrounds provide children with opportunities for play. A lake forms the centerpiece of the park, where storks live, which are symbols of Alsace. The green spaces invite walking and relaxation.

Le Vaisseau is a science discovery center in Strasbourg designed for children and families. The facility houses 130 interactive installations spread across three levels, covering various scientific fields. Visitors can conduct experiments, operate technical equipment, and participate in themed workshops. The center regularly offers scientific demonstrations and educational programs. The exhibitions address topics such as mechanics, optics, acoustics, water sciences, and construction. The museum is located in the Neudorf district and is accessible by public transportation.

The Musée du Jouet occupies a former cinema in Colmar and displays a collection of one thousand toys spanning different periods. The exhibition documents the evolution of toys from the 19th century to the present day. Visitors discover historical dolls, mechanical toys, tin figures, model trains and modern games. The collection illustrates the social and technological changes reflected in toy production. The museum provides insight into childhood across past generations and shows how play habits have evolved over time.

The Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame occupies a 15th-century building in the heart of Strasbourg. The museum houses an extensive collection of medieval and Renaissance artworks, including original sculptures and architectural fragments from the cathedral. The exhibition displays religious paintings, stained glass windows, and liturgical objects from the region. The historic building itself represents Alsatian architecture and features an inner courtyard with a garden. The collections document the artistic development from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance period.

The Château de Fleckenstein is a medieval fortress from the 12th century built on a pink sandstone rock at an altitude of 380 meters. Located in northern Alsace near the German border, the structure extends over a length of approximately 90 meters. Numerous rooms, staircases, and galleries were carved directly into the sandstone rock. Visitors can explore the rock-hewn living quarters, the knights' hall, the cistern, and the defensive fortifications. The ruins offer extensive views over the forests of the Northern Vosges. The castle was destroyed in the 17th century during the War of the Palatine Succession.

The Château du Haut-Andlau is a 14th-century fortress perched at 450 meters altitude on the foothills of the Vosges Mountains. This medieval castle features two round towers and a central residential building. The structure was strategically positioned to monitor the valley and belonged to the Andlau family. The fortification includes thick walls and defensive structures that demonstrate late medieval military architecture. From the ruins, visitors can enjoy expansive views over the Alsatian plain and surrounding vineyards.

The Mémorial de l'Alsace-Moselle documents the region's history between 1870 and 1945. The exhibition presents the four successive changes of nationality between Germany and France and examines the lives of local populations during these transitions. Visitors discover through documents, photographs and testimonies the impact of both World Wars on the inhabitants of Alsace and Moselle.

The Château de l'Ortenbourg was built in the 13th century on a rocky spur at an altitude of 440 meters. The fortress features a pentagonal keep and several curtain walls. From the ruins, visitors enjoy extensive views over the Alsatian plain and surrounding vineyards. The castle was once the seat of the Lords of Ortenberg and played an important role in regional history. Today, visitors can explore the preserved wall sections, the characteristic tower, and appreciate the strategic position of this medieval fortification.

Hartmannswillerkopf is a national memorial site in southern Alsace commemorating the fierce battles of World War I. This mountain peak was the scene of devastating combat between French and German forces in 1915. The site includes a military cemetery, preserved trenches, shelters and a tunnel network. The interpretation center opened in 2017 documents the history of the battles and the lives of soldiers at this strategically important location in the Vosges mountains.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg is a Gothic structure from the 13th century with a 142-meter spire. The western facade displays three portals with detailed sculptures and a large rose window. Inside, the mechanical astronomical clock from the 16th century presents its figurine procession daily at 12:30 PM. The nave reaches a height of 32 meters. The cathedral uses pink Vosges sandstone and defines the skyline of the old town.

The Bibliothèque Humaniste houses a major collection of medieval manuscripts and Renaissance printed works. The institution displays the personal library of humanist scholar Beatus Rhenanus, inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register since 2011. The exhibition presents liturgical manuscripts from the 7th to 15th centuries alongside scientific and literary works from the 15th and 16th centuries. The collection documents the intellectual development of humanism in the Upper Rhine region.

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul was built in the 13th century and combines Romanesque architectural elements in the nave with Gothic structures in the choir. The building demonstrates the evolution of religious architecture during the transition between these two styles. The Romanesque sections feature characteristic rounded arches and thick walls, while the choir represents Gothic construction with its pointed arches and higher vaults. This church stands in the historic center of Obernai and documents several centuries of religious architecture in Alsace.

The Collégiale Saint-Martin was constructed between 1234 and 1365, demonstrating the evolution of Gothic architecture in Alsace. The western portal serves as the main entrance, while the nave comprises five bays that structure the interior space. The five-sided choir forms the eastern end of the building and houses liturgical areas. Construction spanned over a century, reflecting the architectural techniques of this period.

This church was constructed in the 15th century and contains notable religious furnishings. The facade displays stone sculptures depicting religious themes. Inside, visitors can observe mural paintings from different periods. The wooden altarpiece dates from the 16th century and presents carved scenes from the life of Christ. The building combines Gothic architectural elements with later additions. The church serves as a testament to the religious artistic tradition in Alsace.

The Château de Schlossberg stands at 294 meters above the Weiss valley. This 12th-century fortress features a cylindrical keep built from pink granite that dominates the surrounding landscape. The enclosure walls, constructed from the same material, demonstrate the medieval building techniques of the region. From the ruins, visitors can observe the vineyards and the village of Kaysersberg below. The path to the castle climbs through wooded slopes to reach the upper sections, where remains of the former defensive structures are visible. The fortress served as a strategic point for controlling the valley throughout the Middle Ages.