15 Incredible Things to Do in Sélestat (2025)

Set in the heart of Alsace, Sélestat is a charming town filled with history, culture, and stunning architecture. And while there might be a lot to do here, very few tourists add it to their itinerary.

I will admit that Sélestat was not on my list of towns to visit when I first moved to the region in 2019. It wasn’t advertised as a fairytale-like town, so I assumed it wasn’t worth it.

However, after spending a day there this past summer, I quickly fell in love with this hidden gem and have returned several times since.

In this post, I share with you the top attractions, activities, and places to visit in Sélestat.

Half-timbered house along Quai des Tanneurs, a cobbled street. It's one of the best things to see in Sélestat. — Quai des Tanneurs

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1. Walk Sélestat’s Heritage Trail

This is a bronze triangle on a cobbled street. It's the symbol for the Heritage Trail in Sélestat. — Symbol for the Heritage Trail

One of the best ways I’ve found to explore Sélestat is via the Heritage Trail. It isn’t well-known or even advertised.

But you’ll find a booklet with all the details either at the Humanist Library or the Tourist Office.

The trail winds through the town stopping by monuments, museums, and other sites. There are 22 stops and at each one, there is a question (in the booklet) correlated to the site.

It’s a fun activity that shows the best this little town has to offer.

2. Visit the Second Oldest Bakery in France

This is photo of me, Jen Ciesielski, holding a Pomme Chausson from Fournil de Marcel Kientz — Pomme Chausson from Fournil de Marcel Kientz

Alsace is not only home to the oldest bakery in France but also proudly hosts the second oldest. And it’s located right in Sélestat.

The Fournil de Marcel Kientz first opened its doors in 1752 and has been run by 10 generations of bakers since.

So, of course, I had to stop by to try a pastry. I opted for a pomme chausson and it was delicious.

3. Discover the Humanist Library

This is a collection of books from Beatus Rhenanus at the Humanist Library. They are all enclosed in glass boxes. — Collection of Books from Beatus Rhenanus

The Humanist Library is one of the most well-known landmarks and museums in Alsace. It contains two different sets of libraries.

The first is from the Humanist School and the second is from Beatus Rhenanus, a Renaissance scholar born in Sélestat.

The entire collection is preserved on the top floor and divided into six sections.

While each one was fascinating, the middle section was my favorite. This is where I learned about the life of Beatus Rhenanus and saw his handwritten books.

It’s a small museum but the amount of information and exhibits was extraordinary. I could have easily spent half a day here.

Helpful Tip: If you plan on visiting the Humanist Library and the Maison du Pain d’Alsace, there is a discounted combo ticket.

4. Check Out Vauban’s Ramparts

This is the main wall of the Ramparts of Vauban along Boulevard Vauban. It's a stone wall with the different street signs in Sélestat. — Ramparts of Vauban

Along Boulevard Vauban you’ll find a series of walls that were once used to defend the city.

They prevented two sieges before being dismantled by the Germans in 1874.

Today, they offer a nice overview of the park below. But that’s not all.

The main wall along Boulevard Vauban also holds a significant piece of contemporary art called The Dream by Sarkis (photo above).

Each sign represents a street in Sélestat and there is one for all the future streets.

5. Learn the History of Bread-Making at Maison du Pain d’Alsace

This is the first room at Maison du Pain d’Alsace. It holds the tools and machines that was once used to make bread in France. — Maison du Pain d’Alsace

This is the Zunft room at the Maison du Pain d’Alsace. It's has a stone oven, wooden floor, and a large rectangular table. — Zunft Room at the Maison du Pain d’Alsace

The Maison du Pain d’Alsace is one of my favorite museums in the region. It combines history and France’s bread-making tradition into one immersive experience.

The journey starts in a half-timbered house from 1522 and takes you through the history of bread baking, including traditional tools and techniques.

Helpful Tip: At the beginning, there is a small table where you can sample some homemade bread.

The final room is called the Zunft room. It was once used to hold meetings of the bakers and miller’s corporation.

Then, in the center, there is a carved pillar that displays the arms of this organization. I nearly missed it so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Helpful Tip: If you plan on visiting the Humanist Library and the Maison du Pain d’Alsace, there is a discounted combo ticket.

6. Explore Sélestat’s Christmas Market

This is a photo of the original documents of the Christmas Tree at the Humanist Library in Sélestat. They are housed in three glass boxes that are in three different wooden chalets. — Original Documents of the Christmas Tree at the Humanist Library

If there is one thing Alsace is known for it is its Christmas markets. Almost every town is decorated with festive lights, ornaments, and wooden chalets.

But what sets the one in Sélestat apart from the others is something special.

This is where the first mention of the Christmas tree was recorded. And the Christmas market is centered around this event (which happened in 1521).

My two favorite exhibitions were at the Humanist Library and Église Saint-Georges.

The Humanist Library had the original documentation while Église Saint-Georges detailed the history of the Christmas tree with a beautiful display.

And those are just a few of the many things to add to your itinerary during the holiday season in Alsace.

7. Visit Église Saint-Georges

This is the interior of Église Saint-Georges. There is an aisle leading to the altar and it's surrounded by wooden pews on either side. — Église Saint-Georges

This Gothic-style church was completed in the late 15th century and originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary. However, the name and affiliation were changed to Saint George shortly after its completion.

While its architecture is no doubt impressive, it’s most known for the Christmas trees that are hung from its ceilings during the holiday season. A tradition that dates to 1521.

Helpful Tip: There’s a set of stairs that go behind the altar and lead to a series of stained-glass windows from the 15th century.

8. Take a Photo of the Tour Neuve

This is the top half of the Tour Neuve. It's a square tower with a pointed top and there is a clock in the middle. — Tour Neuve

The Tour Neuve or the Tour de l’Horloge was the first monument I saw in Sélestat. And, if you’re coming by train, you’ll no doubt enter the town through its gates.

It was built as part of a second defensive wall in 1280 and is one of the few remaining parts that still exist. But the clock wasn’t added until the 19th century.

Interestingly, the clock was designed by Jean-Baptiste Schwilgué, who also contributed to Strasbourg’s infamous astronomical clock.

9. Hop on the Shuttle to Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg

This is the view from the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg. There is the entrance to the castle and in the distance there is the valley. — View from Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is one of the most visited castles in Alsace and rightly so. It holds a ton of history along with decorated rooms and stunning views from its terrace.

The only downside is that it’s not easy to get to without renting a car. However, there is a shuttle that runs from Sélestat’s train station to the castle.

Helpful Tip: The shuttle bus website is one of several apps and websites you should bookmark for your trip.

Although the hours are limited during the off-season, it’s still an excellent option and much cheaper than joining a tour.

10. Visit Église Sainte-Foy

This is the interior of Église Sainte-Foy. There is an aisle leading to an altar surrounded by three stained glass windows. Then, the aisle is surrounded by wooden pews on either side. — Église Sainte-Foy

This a photo of the Boules de Noël Meisenthal at the Église Sainte-Foy. Each ball is a different color and hung so it looks like a Christmas tree. — Boules de Noël Meisenthal at the Église Sainte-Foy

This Romanesque-era gem dates to the 12th century and was built with pink sandstone from the Vosges mountains.

It underwent restoration in the late 19th century, which led to the discovery of a crypt dating to the 11th century.

Today, you can visit the church and admire its architecture.

I’ve been several times, and my favorite visit was during the Christmas market.

Here, you’ll find a suspended Christmas tree made entirely from boules de Noël Meisenthal.

11. Hang out at Puits de la Place du Marché aux Poissons

This is Puits de la Place du Marché aux Poissons. It's a small square surrounded by half-timbered houses and there is a well with trees in the center. — Puits de la Place du Marché aux Poissons

This is one of the prettiest squares in Sélestat, in my opinion. Here you’ll find restored half-timbered houses, a stone well, and a small restaurant with outdoor seating.

If you’re passing by, it’s a great photo opportunity or a nice place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Helpful Tip: It’s next to Église Sainte-Foy, making it impossible to miss.

12. Dine at Pâtisserie Wach Benoît

This is my Salad at Pâtisserie Wach Benoît. It's on a square plate and full of vegetables, ham, and cheese. — My Salad at Pâtisserie Wach Benoît

This is the upstairs at Pâtisserie Wach Benoît. There are chairs around tables and decorative wall paper. — Upstairs of Pâtisserie Wach Benoît

Sélestat is full of fantastic restaurants and cafés, but my favorite was Pâtisserie Wach Benoît. The downstairs is where you’ll find the pâtisserie and a small tearoom.

Then, there’s the upstairs. Here you can order lunch or dinner (depending on the day) and enjoy the elegant setting.

I opted for a salad and then went downstairs to select one of the pastries for dessert. It was easily one of the best meals I’ve had in Alsace.

Helpful Tip: It’s also a great place to try some traditional sweets from Alsace.

13. Admire Quai des Tanneurs

This is Quai des Tanneurs. It's a cobbled street lined with half-timbered houses and trees. — Quai des Tanneurs

Quai des Tanneurs is one of the most beautiful areas in Sélestat. It’s also where I captured some of my favorite pictures of this little town.

Here you’ll find a cobbled alley lined with colorful half-timbered buildings.

It’s a small street so you won’t need more than a few minutes to explore, but it’s worth a visit for the picturesque views.

14. Walk along Rue des Tanneurs

This is the entrance to Rue des Tanneurs. It's small passageway beneath a half-timbered house. — Entrance to Rue des Tanneurs

Along Quai des Tanneurs, you’ll see an intersecting street called Rue des Tanneurs. It’s a small passageway that goes under one of the half-timbered houses.

There are definitely some Harry Potter vibes here. And, like Quai des Tanneurs, it’s not an activity that will take you more than five minutes to do, but it’s still something that I thought was cool.

15. Explore the Alsace Wine Route

This is Rue du Général de Gaulle in Riquewihr, which is along the Alsace Wine Route. It's a cobbled street lined with colorful half-timbered houses and at the end of the street there is a a tower. — Rue du Général de Gaulle in Riquewihr

The Alsace Wine Route stretches 170 km from Marlenheim to Thann and is easily one of the must-visit activities in the region.

There are tons of places to base your stay but the most underrated is Sélestat.

Why?

It’s less known than more popular towns like Colmar or Strasbourg. So, that means cheaper accommodation, fewer people, and a more authentic experience.

It’s also close to some of the most charming villages in the region, including Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr (photo above).

And it’s less than 15 minutes from Colmar by train, so you can easily visit on a day trip.

Where to Stay

Most of the accommodation options in Sélestat are apartments. So, you can except an authentic experience. Below are the ones I recommend.

✓ Appartement de la Noblesse – designed by C.M – An apartment with everything you’ll need to enjoy your stay. It’s also right in the center.

✓ Gîte du Figuier 4 à 6 personnes Sélestat Centre-Alsace – Located on one of the prettiest streets in town, this two-bedroom apartment is perfect for a quiet stay. The beds are also really comfy.

✓ La Parenthese Alsacienne au Coeur de Sélestat – A small but beautiful apartment. It has every amenity you’ll need including a parking lot nearby.

Where to Eat

To my surprise, Sélestat has quite a few places to eat. Below is a list of places that I recommend.

✓ Restaurant Auberge de la Paix – A French-style restaurant with a mix of traditional dishes and modern cuisine. The atmosphere are welcoming and the staff are friendly.

✓ Bar Elsass Faller Edouard – This family owned restaurant has a delicious menu made of local products. And, best of all, they even have their own wine.

✓ L’Amuse Bouche – Technically, this is a wine bar, but it’s a hot spot for locals. They serve tapas in a cozy setting with friendly staff. When everything else is closed, this is the place to be.

Conclusion

Sélestat is one of the most underrated towns in Alsace. It’s often overshadowed by more popular destinations like Colmar and Strasbourg but let me assure you there is a ton of things to do here.

In fact, some of the most important landmarks in the region are in Sélestat.

My favorite attractions were the Humanist Library, the Maison du Pain d’Alsace, and the half-timbered houses on Quai des Tanneurs.

Now that you know the best things to see and do, why not add Sélestat to your stay in Alsace?