Envie de (re)découvrir l'Alsace? Hopla, suivez-moi!
Envie de (re)découvrir l'Alsace? Hopla, suivez-moi!
Visiting Riquewihr in Alsace, France: Tips and tricks
Practical informations by a Native to make the most of your visit to Riquewihr!😉
Welcome in Riquewihr, my hometown!
Hey there! I am Roseline, your local guide. In fact, my ancestors established in Riquewihr over two hundred years ago! I grew up in Riquewihr and still live there.
Let me explain you how to prepare the logistics for visiting Riquewihr, my heartbreakingly beautiful hometown.
Enjoy!
Visiting Riquewihr in Alsace, France: Tips and tricks. OVERVIEW:
Riquewihr Christmas market 2026: Practical informations by a Native
Is Riquewihr worth visiting?
3 good reasons to explore Riquewihr in Alsace, France:
1. Visiting Riquewihr, a must-stop for your trip on Alsace Wine Route:
🤩 The nickname of Riquewihr is « The gem of alsatian vineyard ».
🏅 Riquewihr is classified among the « Most Beautiful Villages of France » since the beginning of the renowned french association (1982).
🏅 Riquewihr, Remarkable Heritage Site (Site Patrimonial Remarquable): National label that rewards the architectural, urban and landscape heritage of the city, in order to preserve it, enhance it, and support its development.
🏅 Riquewihr was rewarded by Japan as « The Most Beautiful Village of France » and « Among the 30 most beautiful villages in Europe » (JATA certification 2016).
🏅 In 2025, Riquewihr is the third most welcoming city of France according to the « Traveller Review Awards » of Booking.com
🤩 Did you know that the fairytale town of Riquewihr is the real life inspiration behind Belle’s hometown in « Beauty and the Beast » (Disney 1991)?
2. Visiting Riquewihr, a gorgeous open-air museum:
Miraculously preserved from total destruction during WWII, Riquewihr retains a unique architectural wealth. Even today, the town appears to visitors as it was in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period.
Although small in size, Riquewihr is nevertheless among the top 3 Alsatian cities with the most protected historical monuments (42 buildings), after the large towns of Strasbourg and Colmar.
3. Visiting Riquewihr, the ultimate gastronomic destination on Alsace Wine Route:
The wine quality is incredible in Riquewihr, due to the very unique geology of the area. Riquewihr is famous all around the world for its wines and its two Grands Crus: Schoenenbourg and Sporen (well-known since the Middle-Ages). Riquewihr is also the birthplace of Crémant d’Alsace.
Ready for an alsatian culinary experience you can only find in Riquewihr? Let yourself be tempted by green sauerkraut, also called « La Riquewihrienne ». For this emblematic dish, the sauerkraut cabbage is coated in a fresh herb sauce, and accompanied by goose and duck sausages.
On the second weekend of June, don’t miss the annual Knepfelfacht event in Riquewihr. This Alsatian gastronomic festival celebrates Knepfla/Knepfle, the Alsatian gnocchi.
Where is Riquewihr located?
Riquewihr is located in the eastern part of France, close to the Rhine river and German border. Riquewihr stands on the legendary Alsace Wine Route, between Colmar and Sélestat.
With its central position, Riquewihr is a perfect place for a getaway. You’re next to Colmar, close to Alsace’s top tourist attractions, and close to the Black Forest and Switzerland.
Top experiences by heading North from Riquewihr, Alsace:
📷 Riquewihr is 2.5 miles from the fortified church of Hunawihr, one of the Most Beautiful Villages Of France.
📷 At 3 miles from Ribeauvillé and its Fiddlers Festival, the oldest festival in Alsace.
📷 At 11 miles from Haut-Koenigsbourg castle.
📷 At 12 miles from Humanist Library in Sélestat (Home to the first written mention of the Christmas tree in 1521).
📷 At 30 miles from Europa-Park in Rust, Germany. The theme park was honoured with the Golden Ticket Award, as the « Best Amusement Park Worldwide ».
📷 At 31 miles from Mont Sainte-Odile monastery, a spiritual destination beloved by Alsatians.
📷 At 43 miles from Strasbourg, capital of Alsace, and European capital.
Top experiences by heading South from Riquewihr, Alsace:
📷 Riquewihr is 9 miles from Unterlinden Museum of Colmar.
📷 At 19 miles from Neuf-Brisach, Vauban’s masterpiece.
📷 At 28 miles from the Ecomusée d’Alsace and « Little Prince Park » in Ungersheim
📷 At 37 miles from National Automobile Museum and Train Museum of Mulhouse.
📷 At 52 miles from Kunstmuseum of Basel, Switzerland.
How to get to Riquewihr?
How to get to Riquewihr by bike:
How to get to Riquewihr by public transport:
If you are coming by train, the closest stations to Riquewihr are in Colmar (9 miles) and Sélestat (12 miles). You will then need to take the regular bus line. The Riquewihr bus stop is located opposite to the Place des Services (formerly the Post Office).
👉 I plan my bus trip
How to get to Riquewihr by car:
Whether you are coming from the south or north of Alsace via the A35 motorway, take the « Ostheim – Beblenheim – Riquewihr » exit.
Where to park in Riquewihr?
You will find plenty of parking places around the ramparts, a 1-minute walk from the historic center of Riquewihr.
👉 Parking fee required in Riquewihr public parking lots 7 days a week, including Sundays and public holidays. By paying your parking fees, you are contributing to the maintenance and preservation of an exceptional architectural ensemble in Alsace.
Parking fees in Riquewihr
(except « parking du vignoble »)
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
1h / 4.00 €
2h / 5.00 €
3h / 6.00 €
4h / 7.00 €
7h / 9.00 €
7h25 / 40.00 €
Parking fees for parking du vignoble
(long-term parking for cars)
8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Less than an hour
20 min / 1.50 €
After an hour:
20 min / 0.70 €
10 p.m. – 8 a.m.
30 min / 0.40 €
👉 The historic center of Riquewihr is not in a pedestrian zone. However, automatic security terminals may be activated after 10 a.m. at the two entrances to Rue du Général de Gaulle and Rue de la 1ère Armée, in the case of high tourist traffic.
👉 Parking of any vehicle is prohibited on Rue du Général de Gaulle, day and night, all year round.
Bicycle parking: Avenue Méquillet, close to Place des Services.
Motorcycle parking: Avenue Méquillet, close to Parking du vignoble.
Bus and motorhome parking: Place Jean Monnet.
Car park: Parking du vignoble (170 parking spaces), Avenue Méquillet, Place des Charpentiers, Parking du Steckgraben, Place Fernand Zeyer.
👉 Electric charging stations : Place des Charpentiers and Avenue Méquillet (close to Place des Services).
Free parking close to Riquewihr town center:
Public parking lots (except parking du vignoble): Free parking from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. every day.
Place Fernand Zeyer: Free parking limited to 1 hour.
How much time do you need in Riquewihr?
Don’t have much time to spend visiting Riquewihr? The fortified town isn’t large. Half an hour will be enough to stroll along the main street (Rue du Général de Gaulle) and to marvel at the half-timbered facades with their shimmering colours. Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, the emblem of Riquewihr since 1291!
But if you want to capture the charm of Riquewihr, I recommend you to dedicate at least half a day for visiting it. You’ll have plenty of time to take a detour through the streets and dead ends perpendicular to the main street. Take the opportunity to spend some time in the museums of Riquewihr:👉I discover the Dolder Museum and the Thieves Tower.
Spending the day in Riquewihr? This gives you time to get some more perspective. You can admire the medieval town from Schoenenbourg Hill, one of the most beautiful views Riquewihr has to offer!
What is the best way for visiting Riquewihr?
The main street is on a slope (7% on average) with a difference in altitude of almost 30 meters between the bottom and the top of the town. This is why I advise you to visit Riquewihr by starting from the Town Hall « to go up » to the Dolder (the ultimate highlight of your visit).
If you start your visit from the Porte Haute of Riquewihr, you won’t get the wow effect of the Dolder, since you’ll be turning your back on the half-timbered facade that makes it famous. So don’t miss out on this experience, and visit Riquewihr « by going up the town »!
What is the best time for visiting Riquewihr, France?
The tourist season in Riquewihr runs from Palm Sunday weekend until New Year’s Day. During this long period, the cobblestone streets of the town of the Dukes of Württemberg are packed, and the numbers are staggering.
Every year in Riquewihr,
there are 1 800 times more tourists than inhabitants.
1 000
Inhabitants in Riquewihr
1 800 000
Tourists in Riquewihr
What is the best time of year for visiting Riquewihr?
Riquewihr welcomes you in all seasons, with events all year round.
🌸Visiting Riquewihr in spring:
Spring marks the reopening of businesses, while Easter decorations adorn the old town. On this occasion, discover the giant Easter egg that weighs more than 115 kg!
😎 Visiting Riquewihr in summer:
During the summer, Riquewihr reveals its picture-postcard image: In addition to the emerald vineyards surrounding the town, the flowers adorn its facades and fountains. The town has been awarded with « 2 Flowers » label and encourages the flowering of private properties through an annual competition for flower-bedecked houses. Numerous events punctuate the summer in Riquewihr.
🍂 Visiting Riquewihr in autumn:
Enjoy the autumnal colors of the Riquewihr forest and its golden vineyard.
Experience the frenzy of the grape harvest in this mecca of Alsatian viticulture. Breathe in the strong aroma wafting from the narrow streets: the scent of grapes fermenting in the secret of the cellars.
❄️ Visiting Riquewihr in winter:
Christmas in Alsace is so famous, that Riquewihr is overcrowded during the Christmas market.
During the rest of the winter in Riquewihr, frost and snow cover the bareness of the vineyard. This is the season for pruning vines. Riquewihr regains its serenity in this very unique moment of the year.
What is the best time of day for visiting Riquewihr?
During the tourist season (except for the Christmas market), it is more convenient to come early in the morning or in the evening to enjoy the peace and quiet of Riquewihr.
Weather tip for your walk: Can you clearly see the Black Forest mountain? It’s amazing, but it’s a sign of rain to come! So make the most of your visit to Riquewihr before you have to get out your umbrellas.
Good to know for visiting Riquewihr!
The places where you can find Automated External Defibrillators :
Where can I find a defibrillator in Riquewihr town centre? On the façade of the Town Hall (1 Place Voltaire, next to the fountain), under the porch of the Tourist Office (2 Rue de la 1ère Armée), at the Porte Haute (64 Rue du Général de Gaulle, close to the public toilets).
Public benches:
Have a break while visiting Riquewihr? You’ll find public benches mainly around the Town Hall, on the ramparts, at the intersection of Main Street and Rue de la Couronne, and at the Dolder Tower.
Two remarkable benches are also available to you in Riquewihr: The bench which encircles the Tree of Liberty (a venerable lime tree planted in 1792), and « the Empress’s resting bench » in front of the Town Hall (a historic bench made in Vosges Sandstone dating from 1854).
"La Place des Services" of Riquewihr:
👉 Looking for a Post Office or ATM? Discover La Place des Services: A postal and hyper local service. Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Place des Services is located next to Riquewihr town hall and opposite to bus stop.
Market days in Riquewihr:
👉 Weekly market in Riquewihr: Friday morning, Place Fernand Zeyer.
👉« Summer Tuesdays »: During the summer, on Tuesday evenings at the ramparts (starting at 6 p.m), a local farmers market is taking place, with option to grill on site.
👉 Riquewihr Christmas Market 2026: From Friday, November 27th, 2026 to Sunday, December 20th, 2026. Chalets open every day, on the ramparts.
By the way, how do you pronounce Riquewihr and where does the name come from?
Riquewihr is said to have taken its name from « Richo, » after the Frankish owner who operated a wine estate there during the Gallo-Roman era, hence the name « Richovilla » which became « Riquewihr » over the centuries. The town of Riquewihr was also called « Reichenweiher/Reichenweier » in its Germanic form. In Alsatian, it is called « Richawir ». How do you pronounce Riquewihr in French? Riquewihr is pronounced « Reekveer ».
Riquewihr Christmas market 2026: Practical informations by a Native
The Christmas market of Riquewihr attracts 450 000 tourists in 4 weeks, for a small town of only 1 000 inhabitants.
Opening hours of the Christmas market:
In 2026, the Riquewihr Christmas market is open from Friday, November 27 to Sunday, December 20. It will be the 41st edition of the Christmas market.
The chalets are open Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where does the Christmas market take place?
The traditional Riquewihr Christmas market is located in the historic town center, richly decorated and illuminated by festive lights: At the ramparts, and on Place Fernand Zeyer.
What's new at the Riquewihr Christmas market ?
👉 You can find a photo spot in the heart of the Christmas market to immortalize your moment spent in Riquewihr.
👉 You now have the opportunity to buy a souvenir medal specialy engraved with the image of the Riquewihr Christmas market.
The must-do activity during your visit to the Riquewihr Christmas market:
Do you want to escape the crowds at the Christmas market for a moment? Go to the Dolder Museum, which is open every weekend during the Christmas market. Climb to the fourth floor of this 25-meter-high tower and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Christmas magic in Riquewihr.
Traffic during the Christmas market period:
During the Christmas market a one-way traffic bypasses the old town of Riquewihr.
Where to park at the Riquewihr Christmas market?
Car parking on Saturday and Sunday: Park-and-ride at the Parc des cigognes / Naturoparc in HUNAWIHR (Route de Ribeauvillé) with a capacity of 220 spaces. 10 euros per vehicle. No reservation. Shuttles every 30 minutes from 9:45 am to 6:30 pm.
Parking area for motorhomes and vans on weekends: At the Riquewihr campsite and at the Riquewihr football stadium (Route des Vins).
Parking is prohibited on the Route des Vins (RD 1 bis), Route de Colmar (RD 300), and Route de Ribeauvillé (RD3 II).
I wish you an unforgettable moment, visiting Riquewihr on the Alsace Wine Route!
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Discover my top 6 best Instagram spots of Riquewihr and its pretigious vineyard
(in English)
