35 Incredible Pictures of Alsace to Inspire Your Trip

Alsace is a region steeped in history and full of natural beauty. It’s an enchanting corner of France that captured my heart the moment I moved to its capital, Strasbourg, in 2019.

And now, four years later, I can’t get enough of the quaint half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and charming canals. As a photographer, it’s an absolute dream.

Everywhere I turn, there’s something to capture.

I’ve traveled all over Alsace and taken thousands of photos along the way. And, in this post, I’ve put together my favorite 35 pictures of Alsace that will surely inspire your next trip.

Here are the most incredible pictures of Alsace that I've taken. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

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35 Amazing Pictures of Alsace

From rolling vineyards to majestic mountains, there’s something beautiful in every corner of Alsace.

So, without further ado, here are my favorite photographs of this remarkable region.

1. Eguisheim’s Le Pigeonnier

This is Le Pigeonnier in Eguisheim. It's a half-timbered house on a cobblestone street. It's very small and in front of it is an archway covered in vines. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

There’s no denying that Eguisheim is beautiful.

And, even if it’s small, there are so many things to see.

I couldn’t stop taking pictures of this quaint little town, but the one above is my favorite.

It captures everything that makes Eguisheim, Eguisheim in one photo.

2. Colmar’s Quai de la Poissonnerie

This is Quai de la Poissonnerie during Sunrise in Colmar. It's the most colorful street in town. There is a row of red, pink, blue, yellow, and dark pink half-timbered houses. They are stacked next to each other. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Colmar is known for a lot of things, but Quai de la Poissonnerie is undoubtedly its most iconic spot.

These colorful half-timbered houses are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen in both Colmar and Alsace.

I’ve been hundreds of times, but sunrise has been my favorite time to visit. It was calm and I had the entire street to myself.

3. Turckheim’s Hôtel de Ville

This is Turckheim's Hôtel de Ville. It's a stone building with 11 windows and each have a hanging basket of flowers. I took this picture in the Jardin de la Ville and in the foreground you can see the bushes in the garden. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Not far from Colmar is Turckheim. And, while it’s not as popular with tourists, it’s just as beautiful.

There are tons of hidden streets with colorful half-timbered houses, and most are draped in hanging vines.

To date, my favorite photo is the one above. It’s of Turckheim’s Hôtel de Ville and I took it standing in the Jardin de la Ville.

4. The Alsace Wine Route

This is a section of the Alsace wine route. In the middle there is a paved biking path then on either side there are vineyards. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

No trip to Alsace is complete without visiting its infamous wine route. It spans over 170 kilometers (105 miles), passing through some of the most picturesque villages in the country.

I took this photo in the fall while walking from Barr to Mittelbergheim.

5. Strasbourg’s Pont Saint Martin

This is Strasbourg's Pont Saint Martin. There are 5 half-timbered houses in a row. They are hanging over the river. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

As the capital of Alsace, Strasbourg has no shortage of stunning sights. But, for me, Pont Saint Martin stands out as one of the most beautiful.

It’s right in the heart of its enchanting La Petite France district so it’s impossible to miss.

I took this photo while standing under the bridge, so I could capture all the half-timbered houses in one frame.

6. Saverne’s Grand Rue

This is Saverne's Grand Rue. It's full of colorful buildings and there are French flags hanging off a few of them. There are also rows of potted plants in front of the buildings. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Saverne may not be as well-known as some of the other towns on this list, but it’s worth a visit.

Its Grand Rue is lined with charming buildings, and I couldn’t resist snapping a photo of this colorful spot.

7. Munster

This is the view over Munster from the Narrenstein trail. From here you can see all the houses and two churches. It's surrounded by mountains that are covered in fog. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Munster is a small town in the heart of Alsace, known for its cheese and beautiful old buildings. It’s also a great starting point for hikes in the Vosges mountains.

I took this photo from a lookout along the Narrentstein trail. It’s by far the best panorama of Munster.

8. Mont Sainte Odile

This is Mont Sainte Odile. It's a church that sits on the edge of a mountain. There is the rock face at the bottom and there is the side of the church with a tower that has an angle on top. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Mont Sainte Odile is a former convent perched on top of a hill, overlooking the Alsace countryside. It was and is still a popular pilgrimage site for many in the region.

While most of the buildings have been converted into a hotel and a restaurant, the church remains active.

I took this photo at sunset, capturing the golden light shining over the side of the church and surrounding mountains.

9. Strasbourg’s La Petite France

This is a photo of me, Jen Ciesielski, standing in front of La Maison des Tanneurs. I'm wearing shorts and a jacket and behind me are several white half-timbered houses. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

La Petite France is arguably the most charming neighborhood in Strasbourg.

It’s not as colorful as Colmar, but it’s full of cobbled streets, traditional Alsatian architecture, and beautiful canals.

I took this photo of myself for fun. And, if you’re looking for a good place to take a selfie, this spot along Quai des Moulins can’t be beat.

10. Strasbourg’s Astronomical Clock

This is Strasbourg's Astronomical Clock. It's a giant clock with three dials that are visible. There are figures all over the clock. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

No trip to Alsace is complete without a visit to Strasbourg. The city is full of beautiful architecture and history. And one of its most fascinating sights is the astronomical clock in the Strasbourg Cathedral.

This intricate clock has had three versions. The first one dates to the 14th century and the one in the photo above is from the 19th century.

It displays not only the time but also the position of the sun, moon, and planets.

11. The Strasbourg Cathedral

This is the exterior of the Strasbourg Cathedral. It's a red stone and there are statues from top to bottom. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

The Strasbourg Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in Alsace and is a must-see. I, myself, have been hundreds of times.

It stands at 142 meters (465 feet) tall and took over 300 years to build. So, capturing all the intricate details of this Gothic masterpiece was not easy.

I was able to get the photo above by standing in front of the cathedral and pointing my camera upwards.

12. Barrel of Wine from 1472

This is the oldest barrel of wine in the world. It's in the World at Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg. It's a wooden barrel with a wooden plaque that states the date. It's behind iron bars. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

This is not your average wine barrel. This particular one in the Historic Wine Cellar of Strasbourg Hospices dates to 1472 and is the oldest barrel of white wine in the world.

To date, it’s only been sampled three times. The most recent being when Strasbourg was liberated in 1944.

It’s free to visit, so, if you have time during your stay, I recommend stopping by.

13. Saint Paul’s Church in Strasbourg

This is Strasbourg's Saint Paul's Church at sunset. It's a stone church with two spires. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Located in the heart of Strasbourg’s Neustadt district, Saint Paul’s Church is a stunning piece of architecture. It’s not as big as the Notre Dame Cathedral, but it’s definitely worth checking out.

My favorite time to visit is at sunset when the soft rays hit the front of the church. Of the photos I have of Strasbourg, this is one of my favorites.

14. Strasbourg’s Quai des Pêcheurs

This is Strasbourg's Quai des Pêcheurs. There are colorful half-timbered houses along the street and several boats along the quai. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

The Quai des Pêcheurs is a picturesque street in Strasbourg that runs along the River Ill. It’s lined with charming half-timbered houses, cafés, and shops.

It’s a popular spot to go for a stroll or grab a bite to eat. I love taking photos here because it captures a different side of Strasbourg that you don’t often see.

15. Strasbourg’s Vauban Dam

This is Strasbourg's Vauban Dam. It's a stone dam with water passing below. There is a boat in front of the dam. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Built in the 17th century, the Vauban Dam is a unique structure that served to defend Strasbourg.

Oddly enough, it was only used once in its existence. It’s now a historical monument and a popular tourist attraction.

Over the years, I’ve visited the Vauban Dam hundreds of times. I love going for walks in this part of town and bringing my camera.

There are so many picturesque spots, I can’t help but capture everything I see.

But if you want to see it up close, I recommend taking a Batorama boat tour.

16. View from the Strasbourg Cathedral

This is the view over Strasbourg from the Strasbourg Cathedral. You can see the roofs of all the houses and in the distance there is the outline of the Vosges Mountains. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Climbing up to the top of the Strasbourg Cathedral has been one of the coolest things I’ve done since moving to Strasbourg.

The views of the city are stunning. I went on a clear day and could even see the Vosges mountains.

It’s 330 steps to the top, but it’s worth it for views like that.

17. Strasbourg’s Place Benjamin Zix

This is Strasbourg's Place Benjamin Zix. It's a square with white half-timbered houses and it's next to the river. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Place Benjamin Zix is a small square tucked away in La Petite France. It’s surrounded by white half-timbered houses, cafés, and restaurants.

I have tons of photos of this square, but this is one of my favorites. I took it while standing on Ecluse A de la Petite France at sunrise. It’s the best time of day to get a still reflection in the water below.

18. Strasbourg’s Quai de la Petite France

This is Strasbourg's Quai de la Petite France. It's a small street that runs along the river and there are several colorful half-timbered houses. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Quai de la Petite France is a small walking path that passes a set of colorful half-timbered houses.

Over the years, I’ve taken hundreds of photos and this one is the one I like the most. I took it from Ponts Couverts so I could get the entire quay in one frame.

I recommend going in the morning. That’s what I do, and I always have the place to myself.

19. Strasbourg’s Maison des Ponts Couverts

This is Strasbourg's Maison des Ponts Couverts. It's a house covered in purple lilacs and in the distance there is the Strasbourg Cathedral. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Maison des Ponts Couverts is a small house that sits in the middle of Ponts Couverts. It’s beautiful any time of year, and, in spring, it’s covered in lilacs.

You can’t enter the house, but it’s too Instagram-worthy not to pass by.

20. Sentier des Cerisiers

This is a horse I saw on the Sentier des Cerisiers. It's a brown house looking to the side. It's standing on grass surrounded by trees. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Sentier des Cerisiers translates to Cherry Blossom Path. It’s a short circular hike that starts and ends in Bischoffsheim.

I go every spring when the cherry trees start to bloom.

This past year, I came across this horse (above photo) and couldn’t resist taking a picture.

21. Allée des Cerisiers

This is a tree of Cherry Blossoms on Allée des Cerisiers in Obernai. There are tons of bright pink blossoms all over the tree. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

There are hundreds of cherry trees along the Sentier des Cerisiers, but the most beautiful ones are on Allée des Cerisiers.

The whole street is lined with cherry trees, and, in spring, they are full of gigantic blossoms.

The photo I took above is of a small part of just one tree.

22. Mulhouse’s Hôtel de Ville

This is the Hôtel de Ville in Mulhouse. It's a bright pink building with a French flag on the front. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

The Hôtel de Ville, or Town Hall, is the most iconic building in Mulhouse. It’s known for its detailed paintings and bright pink color.

I’ve been to Mulhouse multiple times, and I always make sure to stop by Place de la Réunion and check out the Hôtel de Ville.

23. Kaysersberg’s Fortified Bridge

This is the view from Kaysersberg's fortified bridge. In the middle there is the river. Then there is a stone wall on the left and on the right there are houses. In the back there are tree covered mountains. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Kaysersberg is a quaint village that looks like something straight out of a fairytale. And its fortified bridge is one of its main attractions.

I took this photo looking through the bridge over the Weiss River.

24. Château du Haut-Barr

This is the view from Château du Haut-Barr in Alsace. There is the side of the castle on the left then the valley on the right. It's one of the best pictures of Alsace that I have. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

The Château du Haut-Barr, also known as the “Eye of Alsace,” is a medieval castle that’s about an hour’s hike from downtown Saverne.

It’s perched on top of a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

I’ve visited several times, and I can’t get enough of the views.

I will admit that my vertigo kicked in while climbing to the highest point, but, as you can see in the photo, it was worth it.

25. Wine from Ribeauvillé

This is a bottle of wine from Ribeauvillé. It's a green glass bottle with a label that says the name of the town. It's surrounded by vineyards. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

No trip to Alsace would be complete without trying some of the famous local wines.

Every town has its own wines and the one in the above photo is from Ribeauvillé.

It’s a picturesque town in the heart of the Alsace wine region and is home to several vineyards and wineries.

26. The European Parliament

This is the European Parliament that is in Strasbourg. It's a glass building on the edge of the river. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

As the official seat of the European Parliament, this building is an important symbol for the city of Strasbourg.

It’s a modern architectural marvel that stands out among the historical buildings in the city.

While I enjoyed touring the inside and learning about the European Union, I found the outside to be stunning. This all-glass building is like nothing else in town.

27. Strasbourg’s Parc de l’Orangerie

This is Strasbourg's Parc de l'Orangerie. There is a pavilion that is surrounded by gardens. And there is a fountain in the middle. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

The Parc de l’Orangerie is the largest and most beautiful park in Strasbourg. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a picnic, go for a stroll, or relax and take in the scenery.

I took this photo early one morning while I was out walking around. The flowers were in full bloom, and I had the whole place to myself.

28. Madeleines de Voyage

This is a photo of the Madeleines de Voyage from Strasbourg's Au Fond du Jardin. There are several on a plate and they are all decorated differently. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

One of my favorite things about Alsace is its delicious cuisine. And the Madeleines de Voyage from Au Fond du Jardin is a must-try when visiting Strasbourg.

These small, buttery cakes are baked fresh daily and come in a variety of flavors.

I couldn’t resist taking a photo of these treats before devouring them. They not only taste amazing, but they also make for a beautiful photo.

29. Strasbourg’s Château Musée Vodou

This is the only active fetish at Strasbourg's Vodou Museum. It's a blob covered in cloth and there are offering's in a plate next to it. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Strasbourg has so many incredible museums that it’s hard to choose which one to visit.

I’ve been to them all and the most unique among them is the Château Musée Vodou.

And the photo above is of Kenessi, the only active fetish.

It was somewhat eerie, I’ll admit, but I learned so much during my visit.

30. Pain d’Épices

This is a typical Pain d'Épices in Alsace. It's a heart-shaped gingerbread with the word Alsace written in frosting on the front. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Pain d’Épices, or spiced bread, is a traditional dessert in Alsace that’s often made with honey and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

It’s a staple during the Christmas season and can be found at local markets all year round.

The cookie in the photo above is from Fortwenger Strasbourg Cathedrale.

They have tons of different varieties of Pain d’Épices to choose from, but this heart-shaped one caught my eye.

31. Strasbourg’s Christmas Tree

This is Strasbourg's Christmas Tree during the Christmas market. It's a giant tree covered in ornaments and lights. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

It’s no secret that Strasbourg is known as the Capital of Christmas. In fact, it’s the most anticipated event in town.

Every year, a giant Christmas tree is placed in the main square, Place Kléber.

And it’s always decorated with the most festive lights and ornaments.

I took this photo during my first Christmas in Strasbourg, and it instantly became a favorite of mine.

There’s something magical about the atmosphere here during the holiday season. And this photo captures that perfectly.

32. Hunawihr’s Fortified Church

This is the Fortified Church in Hunawihr. It's a stone church is one bell tower and it's surrounded by vineyards. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

The small village of Hunawihr is known for its fortified church, Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur church. Compared to some others in the region, it’s very small, but it’s still a must-see in the region.

It’s surrounded by rolling vineyards, making it one of the most beautiful pictures of Alsace.

33. Riquewihr’s Restaurant le Médiéval

This is a photo of Riquewihr. There is a red and green half-timbered house on a cobbled street. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Riquewihr is a charming medieval village in Alsace and it’s no surprise that it won the Most Beautiful Villages in France award.

One of my favorite spots to grab a bite to eat here is at Restaurant le Médiéval, shown in the photo above. The outside is also a perfect representation of traditional buildings in Alsace.

34. Château de Saint-Ulrich

This is Château de Saint-Ulrich in Ribeauvillé. It's a stone castle with several towers sitting on top of a mountain surrounded by dead trees. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

The Alsatian countryside is dotted with picturesque castles, and one of the most stunning is Château de Saint-Ulrich. It sits on top of a mountain overlooking Ribeauvillé.

And, of the castles I’ve visited, this is by far the most fairytale-esque. It perfectly captures the beauty of Alsace’s landscapes and architecture.

35. Kruth

This is a bird's eye view of Kruth. It's a small town with a few houses that are surrounded by tree covered mountains. — Photo Credit: Jen Ciesielski

Located in the Vosges Mountains, Kruth is a small town that isn’t known for much and is far from any tourist path.

But, for me, this photo captures the beauty of Alsace’s smaller towns and countryside. I took it from the top of Château du Wildenstein, a once majestic castle that is now in ruins.

There are tons of hikes in the area and Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein is also worth a visit. You can come to add another Alsace photo to your collection then go for a hike!

Conclusion: Alsace Photos

From the enchanting Riquewihr to the off-the-beaten-path charm of Kruth, each frame shows a different side of this beautiful region.

There’s so much history and beauty here, I always have my camera out ready to snap a picture of something.

So, whether you’re a passionate photographer or a traveler who wants to remember your trip, there are so many places to capture.

Now that you know where to get all these pictures, it’s time to start planning your trip. And why not start with an itinerary that will take you through the best of Alsace?