The Haut-Rhin department consists of rolling green hills, open meadows and charming towns with Swiss or German architecture. The Alsace Wine Route meanders through the pretty countryside, where small villages with canals, museums and churches await. Try the acclaimed local wine while on a tour of the region’s vineyards.
Locals continue to converse in the regional Alsatian dialect, although most people also speak French. Some place names are in German, due to the proximity to the country. The region experiences a semi-continental climate, with long hot summer days and very cold winters.
Colmar is the capital of the department and is worth visiting for its medieval centre. Take a romantic stroll along the canals of the Little Venice area. Peruse the highly regarded works of art at the Museum of Fine Arts.
But the department is best known for its remarkably quaint villages. Spend the afternoon capturing the Disney-esque charm of Eguisheim on camera. Marvel at the brightly colored buildings that are a cross between Swiss cottages and Caribbean houses. It is a village with floral displays, water features and a beautiful church. Spot the storks, for which the village is famous. Nearby Riquewihr is just as charming with its traditional architecture, cobblestone alleys and timber structures.
Take a trip to Mulhouse, which is one of the largest towns in the district. Visit its intriguing museums, such as the Museum of the Automobile and the National Museum of Trains. Explore nearby Rouffach for its exquisite collection of churches.
Discover these traditional hamlets and towns, as you zigzag along the 105 miles (169 kilometres) of the Alsace Wine Route. Taste the local produce at some of the top vineyards, such as the Vin d’Alsace Horcher in Mittelwihr and the Domaine Paul Blanck in Kientzheim.
The Haut-Rhin department is in the Alsace region in the east of France, right by the borders with Switzerland and Germany. Take a flight to Euro Airport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, which is in the south of the district.
The scenic villages hidden in the glorious countryside of Haut-Rhin will welcome you to a world of colour, tradition and hospitality.