I will be in the Alsace area coming in on a Friday and leaving Sunday at the end of May. I know it will probably be a busy time. I was going to spend all day Saturday exploring the town of Colmar. Then hitting a few small towns coming in on Friday. We'll probably leave mid-day Sunday. Any tips on how to avoid crowds? Is it even possible? What is your favorite place to visit in the area? We will have a car and are staying in Colmar. Thank you!
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL
2275 posts
I traveled to Alsace in the month of July, the latter weeks. I did not find most of the small villages all that crowded because there are so many villages. A car, in my opinion, makes seeing the Alsace region so much easier. Parking was available and I actually saw two villages per day.
I found visiting Colmar early in the morning was the best time. It offered better photo opportunities before the crowds did appear in that popular town.
Posted by
Chicago
4328 posts
My best tip for avoiding crowds anywhere is to get out early. You know Colmar will be busy so explore it early Saturday and Sunday mornings. Then hit some of the smaller towns late morning and afternoon.
Posted by
Chicagoland
2308 posts
Consider visiting the often overlooked walled town of Turckheim, only a few minutes from Colmar. You can take the train or bus, if you want to leave your car parked in Colmar.
If planning meals in any of the villages (and Colmar) book ahead unless you're up for a long wait.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Do I need reservations for quick meals, cafe's etc?
Which small towns do you recommend? I love history, and my partner loves nature/views
Posted by
Coral Gables, Florida
563 posts
Are you visiting Strasbourg?
I went to Ribeauville, Riquewihr and Eguisheim as day trips from Colmar and liked them a lot, but I would go to Strasbourg before them.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1742 posts
Since you have a car, you can save time and money by buying picnic food and stopping at scenic places. Go to takeout food shops and farmers markets. You can buy a small foam cooler for your drinks and cheese. Buy your bread fresh in the morning, or if you have breakfast where you are staying, save a bit for later. Some of the Wineries/Vineyards have picnic tables. Bon Voyage!
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Kathleen, we are planning lots of picnics. This is part of a 15 day trip to Germany, Switzerland, France and Austria.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Marco, why Strasburg?
Posted by
Boston
445 posts
La Fromagerie Saint Nicolas on the rue du Logelbach in Colmar is a wonderful place to buy excellent cheese.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8575 posts
When we were in Alsace in May 2023 with a rental car every parking place around Riquewihr was filled, so we ended up skipping it. We did visit Hunawihr, Ribeauvillé, Eguisheim, Strasbourg, Kaysersberg, Obernai, Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, and Barr.
We had more time in that area and stayed in both Eguisheim and Colmar at hotels with free parking. We took the train to Strasbourg since our Germany rented rental car didn’t have the France environmental sticker needed to drive in Strasbourg.
Not knowing where you’re renting the vehicle, remember to buy vignettes to drive on the highways in Austria and Switzerland. They can be purchased at border crossings. Also, ensure you let the rental car company know you’ll be crossing borders. There can be a fee of up to €50 to cross international borders.