The best season to stay in Riquewihr is the one that best suits your pace and your idea of travel. As we offer accommodations designed for immersion and “slow travel” in our historic houses, we encourage our guests to take
their time and not limit themselves to a (too) short visit.
To help you choose, here are the specific features of Riquewihr throughout the seasons, with links to my pages of suggestions for your stay, as well as 👉
a link to my page that presents the village of Riquewihr in more detail.
Spring (April – May)
Awakening and blossoming. The vines come back to life, the balconies are adorned with geraniums, and the temperatures are mild. Ideal for those first terraces and hikes. Attendance is moderate (except during long weekends in May). The village is lively but the atmosphere remains relaxed. Take advantage of the quiet mornings to photograph the flower-decked facades before the crowds arrive. 👉
Easter and its beautiful traditions kick off the season.
Summer (June – August)
It’s party time on the Wine Route! Sunshine, summer events, and the busy winegrowers. Attendance is quite high. But contrary to popular belief, early July and late August are very pleasant periods without too many people. There are festivals everywhere, and when the weather is warm, the cool atmosphere and thick walls of our historic gîtes are very pleasant. The days are long: don’t hesitate to go out for a quiet evening after the crowds have
left.
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What to do during your summer vacation in Riquewihr and the heart of Alsace? Here are some ideas…
Autumn (September – November)
It’s the Season of Colors and Wine. The vineyards are ablaze with gold and red (a magnificent spectacle), and it’s harvest time. The atmosphere is warm and delicious. Visitors are very busy. Autumn is one of the most popular seasons for hikers, foodies, and wine lovers, particularly for the colors and atmosphere of the harvest. Experience a truly immersive stay: the smell of grapes and fresh must, the activity of the winegrowers. By staying for several days, you’ll soak up the unique atmosphere of the wine village.
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See my special “autumn” page about Riquewihr.
The Magic of Christmas (late November – early January)
The village transforms into a fairytale setting with its famous Christmas Market and illuminations. Visitors are extremely busy. Riquewihr is packed during the markets and Christmas holidays (late November to
late December). The privilege of guests staying with us: At nightfall, after the market closes, you have the illuminations and the magical beauty of the main street all to yourself. It’s the most magical time.
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Click here to immerse yourself in the magic of our Christmas markets.
Off-Season (January – March)
The season Peace and Authenticity: Local life returns to normal. Ideal for those seeking a break and a more intimate atmosphere. Attendance is very low, a little higher on weekends. This is the quietest time.
Some shops are closed on weekdays, but essentials and a few restaurants remain open. We Alsatians also like to go to restaurants, even in winter 😇.
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This is the time of year for fans of “Slow Travel” par excellence, and for romantics too, who, around Valentine’s Day, will enjoy staying in Disney’s “Beauty & the Beast” village.
Visit museums in a quiet setting (i.e. Unterlinden Museum in Colmar, the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle are open all yer round), Enjoy invigorating hikes through the frosty vineyards and enjoy the plush comfort of your gîte to read
and recharge your batteries.
In conclusion: If your priority is time spent in the sun and crowds, come in summer. Beginning of July and after August 15, there are less visitors. If you’re looking for magic, come at Christmas. But if you prefer relaxation,
regional immersion, and the intimacy of the village, choose spring, fall (weekdays), or the winter off-season. You’ll appreciate the quality of our accommodations even more.
