Riquewihr in Alsace (France), prettiest village on the wine route. A tiny medieval city at the bottom of Vosges mountains & famous vineyards in Alsace.
Riquewihr, a very special place to stay.
Where is Riquewihr?
What is Riquewihr?
Is Riquewihr the most beautiful village in France? Some travelers think so. For sure, Riquewihr, is one of the prettiest villages in France. It has only a little more than 1000 inhabitants. Riquewihr is located in Alsace (Eastern France), not far from the German border. The river Rhine is only 30 kilometers away.
Riquewihr is a very special place to stay. I have created this page to help you discover the preserved beauty of its historic architecture, its unique natural site, its famous wine and gastronomy.
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Riquewihr is a very special place to stay. Have a look at the outstanding accommodation we have created for you.
Jean-Paul Krebs
Blogger, photographer, wine lover, historian and… citizen of Riquewihr!
Riquewihr, a spectacular village on the Alsace wine route
Riquewihr is a wonderful and romantic little medieval city hidden between the Vosges mountains and some of the most famous vineyards in Alsace. Although in a very preserved area, Riquewihr is only 7 miles from Colmar and minutes from other famous Alsatian villages like Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr, Eguisheim or Kaysersberg.
Yes, Riquewihr is the prettiest village on the Alsace wine route – famous for the Riesling and other great Alsace wines produced here – and this tiny city looks today exactly as it did in the 16th Century.
Riquewihr in Alsace, a romantic medieval city between mountain and vineyards
Some years ago, the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel has picked Alsace in France as one of the hot regions in the world to visit. In 2018, Colmar-Riquewihr, the central part of Alsace, was voted #3 Best Destination in Europe! Indeed Alsace is one of the most beautiful and distinctive regions of France and is famous for its wine, gastronomy and wine tourism facilities.
« Alsace is in eastern France on the Rhine River border with Germany. It is unquestionably spectacularly beautiful. A very special combination of history, culture, scenery, and especially food and wine makes it one of the most delightful places to visit in all of Europe. »
– John Egan, American journalist.
Riquewihr, Riquewhir or Riquier?What is the correct spelling?
The correctly written name is “Riquewihr” with the letter “H” before the final “R”. We frequently encounter “Riquewhir”: this is the most common mistake, the letter “H” is not in the right place.
It’s true, the spelling of Riquewihr’s name is sometimes difficult to memorize, especially when the word is pronounced or heard approximately.
I see sometimes “Riquevir”, “Riquier” and even “Requier”. Don’t worry, the name of the city has evolved several times over the centuries and the important thing is for you to arrive at the right village.
Riquewihr, a village of charming half-timbered colorful houses
« If there’s a more delightful prospect anywhere in Europe than the Alsace wine route, I’d like to hear about it. I mean, consider: we have, first, the Vosges mountains — rounded, forested and with just enough drama to give matters an edge. Up top, castles look out from craggy summits, their sting now drawn. Down below, vineyards unfurl right to the gates of villages whose half-timbered streets tell tales stretching back to the middle ages. » –
James Preston, Sunday Times
American & English journalists write about Riquewihr
« Within the town’s well-preserved walls, are tight alleys and uneven streets void of cars, with the exception of the few natives’ vehicles. Town’s people live in charming half-timbered homes, each one a different hue
of the rainbow.
Yes colorful dwellings not just the typical off white plaster straw and dark beamed homes of European medieval villages one sees on TV.
Riquewihr‘s homes and stores range in light shades of baby blue, pale yellow, mauve, faded turquoise and light green. »
Michael J. Meese
About your visit to Riquewihr
As you may imagine, Riquewihr is a successful tourist destination in Alsace, France.
But most of the tourists are only coming to Riquewihr for the day. At 6 o’clock in the evening, most of the visitors are gone and this beautiful village will be yours until later in the morning of the next day.
The next picture below is taken at approx 8:30 am… And finally, there is hardly any car traffic allowed in the narrow and picturesque streets of our historical village of Riquewihr.
This means that it is a great idea to stay in Riquewihr itself. Your vacation home will be in a privileged place.
Riquewihr, a look at history.
More than 12 centuries ago, around the year 800 (When Charlemagne was emperor and ruled over a large part of Europe), Richo, a Frankish landowner, had an estate here, hence the name “Richovilla”, probably the origin of Riquewihr’s name.
At that time, Alsatian was spoken in the region. The origin of the Alsatian language dates back to the middle of the 4th century AD, when the Germanic peoples began to cross the borders of the Roman Empire and invade Alsace. Alsatian is not a single language, but a linguistic set dominated by Germanic dialects. Alsatian is therefore similar to German. These dialects vary from north to south of Alsace. Thus, the Alsatian of Wissembourg is not the same as that spoken in Riquewihr, Colmar or Mulhouse, even if the bases are similar. In 2012, 43% of the Alsatian population said they knew Alsatian, even if French was the official language.
In the year 1094, the first mention of ‘Richenwilre’ is to be found in a document. Riquewihr was already involved in vine-growing (“possessiones in Riquewihr cum vineis…”).
1291 is an important date. The village is then the property of the Count of Horbourg. The town was surrounded by walls and a moat. The Dolder and the Thieves’ towers are
built at that time and are still standing today. They host interesting museums that you should not miss during your stay.
See more further below.
1324 (700 years ago) – The Counts of Horbourg sell the seigneury of Riquewihr to their cousin, Count Ulrich X of Württemberg (Riquewihr remains part of Württemberg until 1796).
1500 – Construction of the second fortified belt of ramparts following the spread of firearms. We have 3 vacation rentals on that part of the ramparts.
16th-early 17th century – It is a happy period. Riquewihr lived from the production and sale of its wine, renowned throughout Europe. The beautiful houses bear witness to the prosperity of this period.
1618-1648 – Thirty Years War: Riquewihr was besieged, pillaged and occupied several times by imperial and French troops (1635, 1652): epidemics, famine, high mortality, hostage-taking…
1680 – Following the Treaty of Westphalia (1648), Riquewihr and its seigneury became French, but remained subject to the laws and customs of the German Empire.
1796 – The princes of Württemberg relinquish their possessions on the left bank of the Rhine: this act marks the final attachment of Riquewihr to France.
1871 – After the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) lost by France, Alsace and Moselle were annexed by Germany. Riquewihr becomes German.
Riquewihr in the XXth Century
1919 – After the First World War, Alsace and Moselle return to France. Riquewihr becomes French again.
1940 – Alsace and the Moselle are again annexed by Hitler’s 3rd Reich.
December 1944 – Allied troops tried for the first time, without success, to reconquer the Colmar Pocket. Riquewihr, liberated on December 5, 1944, became the advanced headquarters of several French and American regiments (i.e. 36th and 3rd USID) and served as a logistical base in the fighting to liberate the neighboring villages of Mittelwihr, Bennwihr, Sigolsheim, Kientzheim and Kaysersberg. The enemy artillery does not realize the strategic importance of Riquewihr who miraculously escapes destruction.
May 8, 1945 – surrender of the Germany of Hitler and return of Alsace and Moselle to France. Riquewihr becomes French again.
VIDEO
Want to stay just at the foot of the vineyards, in an emblematic place linked to the history of Riquewihr?
Riquewihr is a preserved historic village, enclosed in a double belt of ramparts of the Middle Ages
In 1291, the lord of Horbourg, who was the owner of Riquewihr, had a rectangular wall built and surrounded the town with a wide and deep moat. With this first wall of ramparts, Riquewihr became a small fortress 300 m long and 220 m wide, which could, if necessary, shelter the inhabitants of several neighbouring villages.
A good part of Riquewihr’s ramparts is still visible today
Access to the town of Riquewihr was provided by two gates. The lower one was destroyed in 1804 and replaced by the current town hall. The upper gate is known as the “Dolder”. This gate is overlooked by a five-storey tower
25 metres high.
In times of danger, the passage could be closed by a very solid double-leaf gate and a portcullis. The bell in the small bell tower served as an alarm signal in the event of an approaching enemy.
The interior of the Dolder once served as a dwelling place for the village guard.
This first enclosure still exists in part in the 21st century. The north and west ramparts and the town’s emblematic towers can still be seen: the Dolder and the Thieves tower.
Stay at the Ramparts of Riquewihr
Our Old Winery property is a collection of 6 outstanding holiday homes in Riquewihr, Alsace. They are located in a big Renaissance house which was a former winery built in 1580 against the first belt of the ramparts (year 1291). The property is facing the famous Schoenenbourg vineyard (see picture above).
👉 Click here to discover our holiday apartments in the old defense wall of 1291.
At the ramparts of the year 1500
Three other romantic vacation rental apartments are in the most picturesque part of the external city wall built in the year 1500.
On the picture below, the Dove’s Nest***** house is in the center. More left, the Sentinel***** apartment is at the level where the defense walkway used to be. Just below, the studio The Refuge of the Imp*** is embedded in the city wall below the Sentinel apartment. Access to these special places to stay are on the other side of the ramparts, in the picturesque Rue des Remparts.
Riquewihr, a National Heritage treasure.
Riquewihr, although being only a village of a little more than 1000 inhabitants, is the third city in Alsace, after the much larger towns of Strasbourg and Colmar, for the number of National Heritage houses! The splendor of Riquewihr finds its roots in the Renaissance period (16th and 17th Centuries) and is mainly due to the revenue generated by the excellent wines produced in the village.
Riquewihr and its colourful main street, typical of Alsace historical villages.
« Riquewihr is certainly the object of an enchantment which lasts for centuries. Its layout and structure have not changed since the Middle Ages, and every piece of architecture is miraculously preserved. If today’s
Riquewihr resembles the Middle Age town so much it is because people have not changed much either, for they have the same lifestyle and their existence revolves around the industry of winemaking. It is the aroma of this
particular wine that you smell in every ‘Winstub” of the main street. Wine is everywhere and everything in Riquewihr and may be the cause of the enchantment. »
George Kassianos, wine expert in Cyprus.
Walks through the little streets of Riquewihr.
Take some time to leave the main street beaten track and discover the hidden and secluded streets of Riquewihr. Lift your eyes and you will see so many wonderful architectural details… On each side of the main street of Riquewihr, there are many beautiful hidden little streets. The “day trippers” who are in a hurry hardly explore this part of the village. But if you are an adept of Slow Travel in Alsace and while staying in one of our holiday homes in Riquewihr, this part of the village will offer you a lot of interesting discoveries.
Riquewihr and quality wines, a long-standing know-how…
Since the Middle Ages, Riquewihr has drawn its resources from a monoculture: the vine. Producing quality wines was an obsession. The archives of Riquewihr attest to this: at all times, only the cultivation of noble grape varieties was authorised there.
Want to stay in an emblematic place steeped in history, linked to Alsace and Riquewihr wine?
What wines will you find in Riquewihr?
The noble grape varieties of Alsace white wine are Riesling, Pinot Gris (called Tokay in the past), Muscat and Gewurztraminer.
All these grape varieties are grown in Riquewihr, you will find them on the labels of the bottles. There are also some other grape varieties, generally cheaper, such as Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc or Auxerrois. Edelzwicker is not a grape variety, but a mixture of several noble grape varieties such as Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer or Muscat. Each winemaker has his own recipe that can change from year to year depending on the production of the moment.
There is also a red wine produced in Alsace and in particular in Riquewihr, based on Pinot Noir. Once neglected and often vinified as a rosé wine, Pinot Noir has finally become a real red wine whose quality increases year after year. Some are now comparable to very good Burgundy wines (it’s the same grape variety).
Crémant d’Alsace, the local sparkling wine, is also a wonderful choice.
Want to stay in a previous medieval winery facing the vineyards?
Want to know more about the great wines of Riquewihr and Alsace? Want to know who are my favorite winemakers, how to pair wine with food and more?
Shopping and eating out in Riquewihr
The shops in Riquewihr are mainly grouped in the main street which starts at the town hall and goes up to the Dolder tower (about 300 meters). There are of course restaurants and tea rooms there. See further: I have prepared a pdf file for you to download with my favorite restaurants.
There are of course many winegrowers in Riquewihr, a village known for centuries for its great wines.
The souvenir and stuffed stork sellers are there but also some original shops and beautiful boutiques where you can treat yourself. I mention a few of them below.
My favourite shops in Riquewihr
At the bottom of the street, not far from the town hall, in one of the most beautiful historic houses in Riquewihr, do not hesitate to push open the door of the Cristallerie to discover original creations, glass engravings made on site, jewelry …
A magnificent village like Riquewihr of course awakens the sensitivity of painters and other artists. In the small rue Héderich, which is just opposite, is the gallery of the contemporary painter Michel Loth , a very well-known artist in Riquewihr.
For the rest, I invite you to go a hundred meters towards the top of the village. At the corner of the main street and the rue des Trois-Eglises, opposite the tourist office, the Le Cellier boutique offers you beautiful objects.
Right next door, from spring to autumn, Vélo Libre offers you to rent your bike . You can book online for the next day. Your bike will be waiting for you in their premises near the tourist office, in the centre of the village.
A little further up, Claude the brocanteur (second-hand dealer) will welcome you to his Ali Baba’s cave at the top of the street.
La Chapellerie de Riquewihr has beautiful headgear (including well-known brands) that will protect you in all seasons.
Next door, the Couteau Alsacien shop will offer you beautiful, sharp objects.
The Rikia Ferrer art gallery , at the top of the village, is a must-see for anyone looking for beautiful, original works.
Just opposite, the painter and illustrator Christian Schwob will explain to you how he works while you try to decide on one of his watercolours or perhaps his engravings.
Finally, at the top of the main street, the famous Christmas decoration shop “Féérie de Noël” at the foot of the Dolder tower is universally known.
RIQUEWIHR RESTAURANTS, my favorite ones…
Important remark — There are over 30 restaurants in Riquewihr, from simple eateries to the famous Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant. With so many restaurants, competition is fierce. Depending on your personal tastes, you may prefer one type of cuisine or another, but nowhere will you be robbed in terms of prices. Find out about closing days and annual holidays.
For example, after the 6 intense weeks of Christmas magic, from the end of November to the beginning of January, every restaurant (and shop too) needs to close a little to give their teams a break. The second half of January, for example, is the off-season, even if some are still open at the end of the week.
But even in mid-January, life goes on. There are real residents in Riquewihr who also need to eat. Our holiday apartments are all equipped with a kitchen and the supermarkets all have a nice delicatessen section. 👉 Our tourist office has developed a very useful tool that allows you to see which restaurants are open over the next 4 days, in Riquewihr and the nearby villages. The PDF file updates automatically.
Riquewihr by car.
Is it necessary to have a car to stay in Riquewihr?
Riquewihr and parking.
Is it necessary to have a car to stay with us in Riquewihr? The answer is NO.
You do not absolutely need a car when staying in Riquewihr but it helps in discovering Alsace. Actually it depends on how long you will be staying, what do you want to do during your stay. In which season and whether you want to discover larger areas. Remember that Riquewihr is very centrally located in the region and is a very practical base to explore Alsace, the Vosges mountains and even nearby Germany and Switzerland. The Black Forest mountains in Germany are easily accessible from Riquewihr. Or do you wish to see mainly the nearby vineyards and cities, walk along the hiking paths or ride a bicycle?
RMK — On our dedicated page ” How to get there” I give you some valuable information on choosing your arrival airport, with some very useful practical advice, including for renting your car. I show you the different possibilities for arriving and staying with us in Riquewihr, with or without a car.
If you have chosen to come to Riquewihr with a car, here are some important points to consider.
Remember that Riquewihr is one of the most beautiful villages in France and that the whole world knows it. The only way to enjoy this magnificent village in a privileged way is to stay there. Indeed, Riquewihr has more to offer than just a quick walk up and down the main street.
In the evening and in the morning, Riquewihr will be yours without the crowds of day visitors. Here are some practical tips to help you organize yourself in a clever way, in order to be as little a victim as possible of Riquewihr’s success and to make the most of your stay.
Riquewihr and car parks / parking
There is no free parking in Riquewihr (even I pay, even if it is year-round). Parking fees are almost the only resource of the municipality of this small village to finance the maintenance and beautification of a public space subjected to severe strain by the many day visitors.
On the other hand, the municipality offers a public parking offer at a very attractive rate for the vehicles of visitors who stay more than 3 days in Riquewihr (5.50 EUR / day as of the beginning of 2025). This card can be obtained from the tourist office upon presentation of the reservation of the stay. The problem is that there is no reserved space, you have to find a free space.
Private parking is available for our guests at the Ramparts of Riquewihr
At the Remparts of Riquewihr, we have private parking for visitors who stay in one of our apartments. You just have to reserve this option when booking only. Be careful, however, some of them are not accessible during the Christmas markets period (end of November to end of December).
👉 Check out our special page “Christmas in Riquewihr”.
Electric vehicle charging stations
Currently, there are 4 public electric vehicle charging stations in Riquewihr, located in public car parks. If you are staying in Riquewihr, the tip is to charge your vehicle at night (free parking).
What is the best season for your stay in Riquewihr ?
Riquewihr and Alsace are beautiful (but different) in all seasons. Everything will depend on the traveler’s interests.
After mid-January and its essential rest period after the intense activities of the Christmas markets, the travel season starts again in February, the month dedicated to Lovers.
Easter is of paramount importance in Riquewihr and Alsace. The traditions related to Easter are still very lively and the Easter Hare is always a mythical character to know absolutely.
👉 I have prepared a page for you especially about Easter, the famous Easter hare.
Winelovers, gourmets, hikers and heritage lovers are delighted to stay in Riquewihr during Spring!
Riquewihr in the Summer & Fall.
In the Summertime, there are 2 periods to enjoy without having to face the crowds: first week of July (school holidays did not start yet) and the last week of August (parents and children are already back home before school starts again).
September (sometimes from the end of August) and October are the grape harvest period. From mid-October to mid-November, the leaves of the vines and the forest take on their golden coat. The landscapes are extraordinary.
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See my dedicated page about the events not to be missed (including the fabulous Pfifferdaj, festival of minstrels) from end of August to mid-November.
👉 Read more about the seasons in Riquewihr and Alsace on our dedicated page.
Christmas markets in Riquewihr and Alsace, welcome to the magic!
Straddling the end of autumn and the beginning of winter, Alsace rejoices in the magical atmosphere of Christmas, its illuminations, markets and concerts which mark the commemoration of the Nativity of Jesus during the darkest nights of the year.
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Riquewihr in Alsace, France, in the fall and grape harvest season
Beyond words, discover the video we made that shows you the beauty of Riquewihr in the fall and a harvest morning on the hillside of Schoenenbourg. To be in the front row, nothing could be easier: stay in one of our vacation rentals in the Riquewihr Ramparts.
Choose yours and welcome!