Ribeauvillé was the first town I visited along the Alsace Wine Route. I was intrigued by its three castles and excited to see what this little town had to offer.
Since that first visit in 2019, I’ve been back every year.
My favorite activities are hiking to the Three Castles of Ribeauvillé, visiting wineries, and walking along Grand Rue.
In this article, I’ll share with you the top things to do in Ribeauvillé, including must-visit sites, the best wineries, and other insider tips.
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1. Hike to the Three Castles of Ribeauvillé
This is one of my favorite hikes in Alsace.
The trail starts in front of the Restaurant Aux Trois Châteaux. From there, it’s signposted all the way to the top.
There is one fork in the road, and you will see two signs. One points to Château du Giersberg and the other to Château de Saint-Ulrich.
The route to Château du Giersberg is steep, but it follows a dirt trail. The path to Château de Saint-Ulrich is not as steep, but there is a rocky section where you’ll have to step up and over some large boulders.
I’ve done both, and I think the route to Château de Saint-Ulrich is much easier.
Once you’re at the top, there is one flat trail connecting all three castles.
After you’ve toured the castles, you can either head down the same way or follow the Three Castles of Ribeauvillé trail that continues behind Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre.
It goes through the vineyards and finishes in the center of town.
Altogether, it took me about two hours, but I stopped to take pictures, which added at least 30 minutes.
Helpful Tip: The Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre is the only castle that you can’t enter. It’s in ruins and undergoing restorations.
2. Explore Grand Rue
Grand Rue is the main street in Ribeauvillé. It’s also where you’ll find some of the most colorful half-timbered buildings.
Some of the prettiest sections, in my opinion, are Place du Bouc, Place de la Sinne, and the Tour des Bouchers.
Then, there are lots of beautiful buildings like:
- Auberge à l’Eléphant: Built in 1522, it’s known for the elephant on the side of the building.
- Maison Siedel: This Renaissance house is the most recognizable in town.
- Pfifferhüss: This building is known for its bay window that dates to 1663. Written in small letters is “Ave Maria Gracia Plena,” which pays homage to a pilgrimage that was done for the Virgin Mary.
3. Visit a Wine Cellar
Ribeauvillé sits on the Alsace Wine Route, so you’ll find lots of wineries that you can visit and do tastings.
I have tried a few, but my favorites are:
Both are family-run and have a great reputation for producing excellent wine.
I recommend making a reservation.
In summer, it gets very busy, and in winter, there are so few tourists that they often don’t have staff on site for wine tastings every day.
4. Walk to Riquewihr
Not far from Ribeauvillé is one of the prettiest little villages along the Alsace Wine Route, Riquewihr.
One way to get there is to follow the wine route through the vineyards. The most direct path is about 4.7 kilometers (2.9 miles).
Along the way, you’ll pass Hunawihr’s infamous fortified church.
Then, once you’re in Riquewihr, you’ll find lots of fun things to do.
Helpful Tip: If you don’t have time to walk to Riquewihr, I recommend taking the Kutzig Bus.
5. Take the Little Tourist Train
The Little Tourist Train is a staple activity in Alsace. Almost every town has one, and I have yet to be disappointed.
And what I like about the one in Ribeauvillé is that it takes you through the Old Town, the vineyards, and all the way to Hunawihr.
You’ll get to see the surrounding area and learn about its history along the way.
Helpful Tip: For dates, prices, and departure times, check out the official website here.
6. Go to a Festival
For such a small town, Ribeauvillé puts on some of the best festivals in the region.
The festival season starts with carnival and a very cute spring/Easter market.
Then, the first weekend of September, there is the Fête des Ménétriers (Fiddler’s Festival).
It’s the oldest festival in Alsace with performances, concerts, and food.
Helpful Tip: Tickets are required to attend the Fête des Ménétriers.
Finally, there’s the Christmas market, and it’s one of the coolest in the region.
It has a medieval theme where locals dress in costume and perform traditional music, dance, and craft.
7. Hangout in Jardin de Ville
Near the entrance of Ribeauvillé, there is the town’s garden, Jardin de Ville.
Here you’ll find walking paths, benches, and a playground.
It’s a nice place to take a break or have a picnic. I always stop by while I am waiting for the bus, since it’s right next to the stop.
Where to Stay
Ribeauvillé might be small, but you’ll find lots of accommodation options. Below is a list of my top recommendations.
- Hotel Restaurant 3 Châteaux: This is where I stayed. It’s at the edge of town in a quiet area. The rooms are comfortable, and the staff is friendly.
- Domaine Jean Sipp: This winery also has a hotel. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped. Plus, they have private parking, which is hard to find in Ribeauvillé.
- Mirabelle Bed & Breakfast: A cute bed and breakfast with comfortable rooms and a gorgeous garden. It’s run by a lovely couple who are very helpful.
Where to Eat
No trip to Ribeauvillé is complete without trying some traditional Alsatian food. Here are a few restaurants that I recommend.
- Restaurant Aux Trois Châteaux: This is my favorite restaurant in town. The menu is traditional Alsatian food, and it’s delicious.
- Winstub La Flammerie: A delicious traditional Alsatian restaurant with a cozy setting. The staff is reputed for being very welcoming.
- O’Grincheux: Another traditional Alsatian restaurant with a garden at the back. It isn’t as cozy as the others, but the garden setting is lovely.
Conclusion
Ribeauvillé may be a small town, but it is full of charm and things to do.
The medieval architecture is beautiful, and the castles offer some of the best views over the region.
It was the first town I visited on the Alsace Wine Route when I moved to the region in 2019, and I have been back every year since.
Now, I recommend planning the rest of your trip with my guide on where to stay in Alsace.
Read More
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- 25 Amazing Things to Do in Alsace (Local’s Guide)
- A Local’s Guide to Getting Around Alsace
- Best Time to Visit Alsace, France (A Local’s Guide)
