RIQUEWIHR

Nestled among the lush vineyards of Alsace, Riquewihr feels like it stepped right out of a storybook.

This is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval villages in France, where 16th-century architecture blends seamlessly with authentic Alsatian tradition.

It is no coincidence that Riquewihr was the inspiration for Belle’s fictional village in the film “Beauty and the Beast”.

Disney drew inspiration from the Alsatian aesthetic, the colourful facades, the flowers in the windows and the cobbled streets of the village. A visit there is truly like a walk on a movie set.

The village has a history dating back to the 8th century, with the first record of the village appearing in 778. In the Middle Ages it was an important centre of wine trade, thanks to its ideal location along the Route des Vins d’Alsace (Route des Vins d’Alsace).

Riquewihr belonged to the powerful Wurtemberg family from the 16th century, which contributed to its fortification with walls, towers and fortresses.

Where is Riquewihr

Riquewihr is located in the Haut-Rhin department of northeastern France, in the heart of Alsace.

It’s just 15 km from Colmar and about a 1-hour drive from Strasbourg, making it a perfect stop for a day trip or a romantic weekend getaway.

The village is a key stop along the Alsace Wine Route, a scenic drive connecting dozens of charming wine-producing towns.

How to visit Riquewihr

The nearest city to Riquewihr is Colmar.

You can reach Riquewihr by car from Colmar in about 20 minutes. If you don’t drive, you can take bus 68R016 from Colmar, as I did, in the direction of the village of Ribeauvillé.

This bus goes to almost all Alsatian villages and of course stops in Riquewihr. The distance from Colmar is about 20 minutes by bus as well.

What to see in Riquewihr

The medieval houses

The entire village feels like an open-air museum. The beautifully preserved half-timbered houses, painted in cheerful tones of blue, pink, yellow, and green, date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, many of them house wine cellars, artisan shops, and cozy inns.

The Dolder Tower (Tour du Dolder)

Built in 1291, this iconic watchtower once served as the town’s main gate and defense post. Now home to a small museum, it offers insights into Riquewihr’s history and panoramic views over the rooftops and vineyards.

Rue du Général de Gaulle

The village’s central street is a lively pedestrian zone filled with boutiques, wine shops, bakeries, craft stores, and more. It’s the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere and snap a few fairytale-worthy photos.

La Porte Haute

The Porte Haute de Riquewihr is a fortified gate built in the late 13th century and extended in the 16th century.

It is one of Riquewihr’s most iconic monuments and a landmark for visitors, when you cross its arch it is like entering a fairy tale, with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and flowers adorning every corner.

Musée de la Communication

An unexpected gem—a museum dedicated to the history of communication and postal services in the region. Housed in a historic post office, it’s quirky and educational.

Local Products & Wine Tasting

Riquewihr is renowned for its white wines, especially:

Riesling – crisp and floral, excellent with seafood
Gewürztraminer – aromatic, spicy, and rich
Pinot Gris – smooth, with stone fruit and honey notes

Apart from wine, the region also produces:

Mirabelle liqueur (from yellow plums)
Handmade jams and honey
Bredele (traditional Alsatian cookies)
Cured meats and Munster cheese

Must-try dishes:

Choucroute garnie – sauerkraut with sausages and potatoes
Tarte flambée (flammekueche) – a thin flatbread with cream, onions, and bacon
Baeckeoffe – a slow-cooked stew with pork, beef, potatoes, and white wine
Kougelhopf – a sweet yeast cake with raisins and almonds