Alsace Wine Route

What should you know before visiting Alsace Wine Route?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €7 (France).

• The route was created in 1953 by the Office du Tourisme d'Alsace and is described as the oldest wine road in France. It is signposted along its length.
• Some towns restrict motorhomes. A municipal order against motorhomes is reported for Riquewihr; check local rules and signs before stopping.
• Setting up camping gear by the roadside is banned in France. Overnight at campsites or service areas and check the signs on site.

The drive

The wine route runs from north to south, from Marlenheim in the Bas-Rhin to Thann in the Haut-Rhin, and can be driven in either direction. Stops include Molsheim, Obernai, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Turckheim, Colmar, Eguisheim and Guebwiller. Of the roughly 70 wine villages, Mittelbergheim, Eguisheim, Hunawihr and Riquewihr are among the Plus Beaux Villages de France. In Colmar, the Musée Unterlinden holds the Issenheim Altarpiece.

Planning

Two to three days cover the whole route with sightseeing. Almost 1,000 producers are said to open their cellars all year, so tastings are not tied to a season. Check parking and local signs before driving into village centres, since some towns restrict motorhomes. Kaysersberg is known for its Christmas market. You can start in Marlenheim or in Thann.

Camping

In France, motorhomes may park on the road like cars as long as nothing prohibits it. Tables, chairs, awnings or extended supports count as camping and are banned on public roads. Some municipalities ban motorhomes by sign. Off the road you need the landowner's consent, and camping can be restricted in forests and protected areas. Plan nights at campsites or service areas along the route, and book ahead in summer.

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