Visit Colmar and the wine route by coach
Summer transforms the Alsace Wine Route into a living painting. Between the sun-drenched vineyard hillsides, the storks soaring above the turrets and the medieval facades laden with geraniums, The region offers a unique concentration of heritage, gastronomy and landscapes.
However, Alsace's summer popularity comes with a significant challenge: getting around and parking in the heart of these fortified villages. To fully enjoy the experience, coach travel is the obvious choice. The ultimate solution for comfort and user-friendliness. Whether you choose the unique flexibility of the Kut'zig convertible bus or the tailor-made logistics of a standard coach with Francebus, discover, through this article, how to design the perfect summer trip.
I. Colmar and its key towns: The tourist and gourmet guide
For each stop, discover the essentials to plan your stops: what to do to soak up the atmosphere, which monuments to admire, and where to sit down to savor Alsatian local cuisine on a terrace.
1.📍 Colmar, the cultural and romantic epicenter
Colmar did not steal its title of «"Capital of Alsatian wines"». Spared from the great conflicts of history, the old town is a labyrinth of cobbled streets arranged around picturesque canals.
👀 A must-see:
- Little Venice and the Fish Market Quay : A perfect alignment of 17th and 18th century half-timbered houses painted in bright colors, formerly inhabited by the guild of boatmen and fishmongers.
- The Pfister House (1537) : A jewel of Renaissance architecture with its wooden corner oriel window and wall frescoes.
- The Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin Often called "Cathedral", this Gothic building in yellow sandstone is striking for its roof with colorful glazed tiles.
🏃♂️ Things to do in summer:
- Embark on a flat-bottomed boat on the Lauch river to glide under the flower-adorned bridges,
- Taking refuge in the coolness of the Unterlinden Museum to admire the world-famous Isenheim Altarpiece.
🥨 Great summer spots:
- The Fish Market Wharf : Ideal for a table by the water.
- The Wistub Brenner An institution to enjoy an octopus salad or a braised pork knuckle on a magnificent shaded terrace in the heart of Little Venice.
Consult the Colmar Tourist Office
2.📍 Eguisheim, the circular cradle of the vineyard
Ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Eguisheim has a unique urban plan: its alleyways wind in concentric circles around its central castle.
👀 A must-see:
- The Ramparts Circuit : A narrow promenade lined with tiny but incredibly flowery winegrowers' houses, built against the old perimeter wall.
- The Place du Château Saint-Léon Its majestic fountain surmounted by the statue of Pope Leo IX (native of the village) and its chapel with colorful stained glass windows.
🏃♂️ Things to do in summer:
- Follow the Grand Cru wine trail (Eichberg and Pfersigberg) which overlooks the rooftops of the village for a panoramic view at sunset.
🥨 Great summer spots:
- The Heuhaus Cellar : A superb historic inner courtyard where crispy tarte flambée (flammekueche) and excellent local Pinot Gris are served.
- The Rampart Inn : For a generous local cuisine (summer sauerkraut with fish, vol-au-vent).
Visit the website of the city of Eguisheim.
3.📍 Riquewihr, the fortified pearl
Nestled behind its intact medieval ramparts, Riquewihr is a a veritable open-air museum which seems to have become fixed in the 16th century.
A must-see:
- The Dolder (1291) : This 25-meter-high belfry tower, made of timber framing and pink sandstone, served as a defensive gateway to the city.
🏃♂️ Things to do in summer:
- Venture into the hidden courtyards (often paved and cool) accessible via the porches of the main street.
🥨 Good summer spots:
- The Grognard's Restaurant A unique historical atmosphere.
- The Corkscrew : Ideal for a summer break, with a lovely terrace overlooking a lively pedestrian street, perfect for enjoying a presskopf (traditional head cheese) or an iced kougelhopf for dessert.
Visit the website of the city of Riquewihr
4.📍 Kaysersberg, medieval and imperial elegance
Voted the French people's favorite village, Kaysersberg stretches along the Weiss river and charms with its terrain and its strong mountain character.
A must-see:
- The Fortified Bridge (1514) Unique in Alsace, this pink sandstone bridge equipped with loopholes allowed for monitoring the passage of the river.
- The Church of the Holy Cross It houses a 16th-century carved wooden altarpiece of rare finesse. The birthplace of Albert Schweitzer: A memorial dedicated to the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
🏃♂️ Things to do in summer:
- Climb on foot through the vineyards to the keep of the Imperial Castle (Schlossberg). The effort is rewarded with an exceptional panorama over the Weiss valley.
🥨 Good summer spots:
- The Cellar of Friend Fritz : For an immersion in traditional gastronomy.
- Hassenforder House It is distinguished by its magnificent 16th-century half-timbered facade, adorned with a superb carved wooden oriel window and mullioned windows typical of the Alsatian Renaissance.
Visit the Kaysersberg city website
5.📍 Ribeauvillé, the city of minstrels
Located at the foot of the Vosges mountains, Ribeauvillé is a medieval town of striking beauty and character. Bisected by a long, picturesque main street, it is historically linked to the Ribeaupierre family, who protected the minstrels (musicians and entertainers) of the region.
A must-see:
- The Three Castles The silhouettes of the castles of Saint-Ulrich, Girsberg and Haut-Ribeaupierre majestically dominate the village from the rocky ridges.
- The Butchers' Tower (1290): This iconic 29-meter-high belfry served as a fortified gate and prison. It separates the old town from the middle town.
- The Minstrels' House (1683): A spectacular half-timbered facade adorned with unique wood carvings and bas-relief decorations.
🏃♂️ Things to do in summer:
- Strolling along the main street to admire the Renaissance-style fountains and treat yourself to a gourmet break to taste the famous traditional Kougelhopf from the local pastry shop.
- For courageous groups, the hiking trail The climb up to the castles offers a breathtaking view of the Rhine plain in the shade of the forest.
🥨 Good summer spots:
- The Sheep Restaurant : Ideal for settling in on the terrace in the heart of the historic center and enjoying game specialties or a traditional Alsatian sauerkraut, accompanied by a glass of Kirchberg (local Grand Cru).
Visit the website of the city of Ribeauvillé
6.📍 Turckheim, the medieval town at the gateway to the valleys
Nestled at the entrance to the Fecht valley, Turckheim is an ancient town of the Décapole (the alliance of the ten free towns of Alsace). Surrounded by impeccably preserved ramparts, it possesses a unique atmosphere and a somewhat more secret charm, preserved from mass tourism.
A must-see:
- The Three Fortified Gates The Porte de France (through which goods arrived), the Porte de Munster and the Porte de l'Esprit, which bear witness to the defensive past of the city.
- The Guardhouse (1580): A magnificent Renaissance building in red sandstone topped with a bulbous bell tower and a stork's nest, which formerly served as a sentry box and market hall.
- Saint Anne's Church : Recognizable by its 12th century Romanesque bell tower and glazed tile roof.
🏃♂️ Things to do in summer:
- Follow the Night Watchman's rounds. This is the must-see summer attraction! Every evening from May 1st to October 31st at 10:00 PM, a watchman in period costume, armed with a halberd and a lantern, takes visitors on a free tour through the alleyways, singing to tell the story of the city.
🥨 Good summer spots:
- The Watchman's Inn : A restaurant renowned for its creative market cuisine and its very pleasant, intimate terrace during mild summer evenings.
Visit the Turckheim town website
II. What to eat in Alsace in summer? Fresh specialties 🥨
Alsatian cuisine is renowned for its hearty, wintery flavors, but it also adapts perfectly to the balmy days of summer. Here are some must-try dishes to enjoy on a terrace:
- Summer Flammekueche (Tarte Flambée): Thin and crispy, it is ideal for sharing as an aperitif or as a light evening meal, accompanied by a green salad.
- The Strasbourg Salad: A great summer classic made with Strasbourg sausage, potatoes, gherkins and a tangy vinaigrette.
- Presskopf (or head cheese): Served very fresh in aspic with raw vegetables and fries, it is an absolute treat for lovers of fine charcuterie.
- Sauerkraut with three types of fish: An excellent lighter alternative to the traditional meat version, often cooked with a Riesling beurre blanc.
- The white Munster «siesskaas»: Fresh (unripened) Munster cheese, served in summer with sugar, fresh cream and sometimes a hint of kirsch or red berries. An ultra-fresh dessert!
- The iced Kougelhopf: An iced version of the famous Alsatian cake, flavored with Gewurztraminer marc and raisins. The perfect dessert after a long day of sightseeing.
III. 3 typical routes designed for coaches
These tours incorporate transport times, passenger drop-off logistics and the ideal pace for groups of all sizes.
🗺️ Route 1: The Royal Escape (1 Day) — Special «Great Classics»
Ideal for a first overall exploration of the region without rushing.
- Morning (Eguisheim): Drop-off of the group at the coach parking lot (Town Hall). 1.5-hour guided walk along the ramparts loop.
- Midday / Early afternoon (Kaysersberg): Drop-off at the Lower Gate. Lunch in a winstub, followed by free time to climb to the castle or stroll among the master glassmakers.
- Late afternoon (Riquewihr): Scenic drive through the vineyards. Stop in Riquewihr for a visit to the Dolder and a tasting session of Riesling or Crémant d'Alsace at an independent winemaker's.
🗺️ Itinerary 2: Panorama, History and Storks (1 Day) — Special for «Families and Groups»
A varied route combining mountain fortress, local wildlife and heritage.
- Morning (Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle): The coach climbs the winding road to the rocky spur. A visit to this fully restored 12th-century fortress follows. The armories and galleries offer welcome respite from the summer heat.
- Midi (Ribeauvillé): Descent into the plain. Lunch in the historic centre of Ribeauvillé and a stroll along the Grand'Rue to the Butchers' Tower.
- Afternoon (NaturOparC in Hunawihr): A 5-hectare natural area dedicated to the preservation of local species. The group witnesses the spectacular flight of white storks and the feeding of European otters.
🗺️ Itinerary 3: The Great Alsatian Immersion (2 Days / 1 Night)
The ultimate for a complete weekend combining urban culture, the Wine Route and the Crest Route.
Day 1: The soul of Colmar and the southern vineyards
- Morning: Guided walking tour of Colmar (Little Venice, the Tanners' Quarter, the House of Heads). Lunch at the Colmar Covered Market.
- Afternoon : Drive to Eguisheim for a grand tour of the village. In the late afternoon, visit the fortified town of Turckheim.
- Evening : Traditional dinner in Colmar. Groups can participate in the Night Watchman's rounds in Turckheim before returning to the hotel.
Day 2: The pearls of the Wine Route and the Osgian heights
- Morning: Visit to Riquewihr and free time for shopping for local products (gingerbread, artisanal jams).
- Noon : Lunch in Kaysersberg.
- Afternoon : The coach leaves the vineyards and climbs the Route des Crêtes. A stop at Lac Blanc is made for a walk in the fresh air and a breathtaking panorama of the Rhine plain and the Black Forest, before beginning the return journey.
IV. A closer look at Kut'zig: The unique open-top bus on the wine route
For a day trip in complete freedom, discover the unusual experience offered by Kut'zig, the famous red open-top bus operated by the regional group LK Kunegel.
1. The evolving "Hop-On Hop-Off" concept
The Kut'zig operates on a principle of total freedom: with your ticket, you can hop on and off as you please at any stop along the official route. You can book a single ticket or reserve the Kut'zig for your group excursion in Alsace.
⚠️ Important update: To ensure optimal travel comfort and smoother service during peak season, the Kut'zig now operates a continuous loop with a train every 1 hour and 45 minutes. The Hunawihr stop has been removed to maximize punctuality and time spent in key towns. The route seamlessly connects the following stops:
- Colmar ➡️ Ribeauvillé ➡️ Riquewihr ➡️ Kaysersberg Vineyard ➡️ Turckheim ➡️ Eguisheim ➡️ and return to Colmar
2. Price list
- Adult Day Ticket (12 years and over): 32 €
- Child Day Ticket (ages 3 to 11 inclusive): 22 €
- Under 3 years old: Free
3. The 4 major advantages of the Kut'zig experience
- A spectacular convertible view: Its sliding glass roof allows you to travel with the wind in your hair amidst the vineyards. It's ideal for taking breathtaking photos of the hills and castles without any glass reflections.
- A very comprehensive mobile application: It allows you to geolocate the bus in real time to optimize your visits, while broadcasting carefully crafted audio anecdotes about the region (available in French, English and German).
- Zero parking restrictions: The bus drops you off as close as possible to the historic gates of the villages, where private cars are not allowed to circulate.
- A strengthened eco-responsible approach: The Kut'zig runs exclusively on HVO biofuel (hydrotreated vegetable oil from recycling channels). This reduces CO2 emissions by more than 80% compared to a conventional diesel bus.
V. Why choose the coach option to discover Alsace?
While the Alsace Wine Route is a dream destination, the logistical reality of a summer trip by car or convoy can quickly become a headache. Choosing a coach offers three major benefits :
⭐️ Immunity to parking: Alsatian villages are medieval and pedestrian-only. In summer, finding a parking space is practically a miracle. Coaches benefit from regulated drop-off zones and exclusive dedicated parking areas, thus avoiding hours of stressful searching.
⭐️ A tasting in complete safety: Alsace is world-renowned for its seven main grape varieties (Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, etc.). Traveling by coach frees all participants from the responsibility of driving. Everyone can participate in the wine workshops and visit the cellars with complete peace of mind.
⭐️ Group spirit preserved: Whether it's a company trip, an association outing, or a family reunion, the atmosphere begins from the very first kilometers in the vehicle. Moments of sharing, laughter, and briefings happen together, instead of being scattered across several cars.
VI. Why entrust your logistics project to Francebus?
Organizing a group trip requires meticulous planning. That's where our expertise makes all the difference in transforming your visit or stay into a complete success.
👉 A fleet of vehicles adapted to each group: We don't just provide transport, we adapt the vehicle to the nature of your journey:
- Minivans (7 seats)
- Minibus (19 seats)
- Midibus (25-35 seats)
- Double-decker coaches (60 seats)
- Standard and extra-long coaches (60 seats and more)
👉 Territorial logistics expertise: The Alsace Wine Route has strict size and weight restrictions. Francebus drivers have an in-depth knowledge of the Vosges terrain and the regulated access to villages (such as the intricacies of accessing the Lower Gate of Kaysersberg or the foot of Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle). They are fully versed in driving time regulations, guaranteeing a smooth and trouble-free journey.
👉 A 100% turnkey % solution: We work in synergy with local partners. Do you wish to charter a classic coach for your luggage and main journey, while also including a unique, independent day trip on board the Kut'zig convertible bus We coordinate the entire logistics chain (schedules, group bookings, connections) so that your only concern is enjoying the Alsatian sun.
Discover our bus rental services in Colmar
Choosing Francebus means to make sure :
✅ comfort
✅ reliability
✅ punctuality
✅ safety
✅ peace of mind
Don't hesitate any longer and travel with Francebus!
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