Alsace and avoiding crowds?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

Kathleen, we are planning lots of picnics. This is part of a 15 day trip to Germany, Switzerland, France and Austria.

Marco, why Strasburg?

La Fromagerie Saint Nicolas on the rue du Logelbach in Colmar is a wonderful place to buy excellent cheese.

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.

The Alsace area is quite spread out so depending on what direction you are coming from will determine which villages to see on Friday as you head towards Colmar. I would avoid Strasbourg only because your time allotment is quite limited. Otherwise, Strasbourg is worth seeing. However, car parking in Strasbourg was difficult when I was there.

Casual dining should not be too difficult, but just like everywhere, higher end restaurants may require reservations.

These websites are quite helpful to understand the Alsace region.

https://www.visit.alsace/en/

https://www.wineroute.alsace/

Marco, why Strasburg?

The old town, with half-timbered houses, has a medieval vibe and is nice to walk around and the gothic cathedral is gorgeous.