Riquewihr

Situated between the peaks of the Vosges mountains and the Plain of Alsace, Riquewihr is a medieval town right in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards, classified among the «Most Beautiful Villages in France».

For centuries this magnificent town has managed to combine the quality of its architecture with the quality of its world-famous wines, from where it gets its nickname «The Gem of the Alsace Vineyards».

Riquewihr, not to be missed when visiting Alsace, is an «open-air museum» .It has managed to preserve its authentic character behind its city walls, which are now besieged only by the vines.

Riquewihr, a very old town, is made up (among other things) of:

• half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th - 18th centuries, built very close together,
• the Dolder (a 13th century defensive gate),

which make up an exceptional architectural whole.

The Alsatian house type reaches in Riquewihr its most accomplished expression in offering all the possible declinations of sculpted half-timbering, oriel windows, inner courtyards embellished by old wells and fountains.

Museums will enable you to discover the historical and cultural heritage of the Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr Region:

• the Thieves' Tower (former prison of Riquewihr),
• the Winemaker's House, which dates from the 16th century,
• the Dolder Tower (former defensive gateway from the 13th century)
• The Alsace's Museum of Communication that rettraces the history of the Postal Service and Telecommunications in particular in Alsace

Admirably decorated with flowers in the spring and in the summer, the town takes on the colors of Christmas during the Advent period, in a unique atmosphere that combines the magic of Christmas with the Alsatian traditions.

You can explore the cityn of Riquewihr by taking an historic walk (information available at the Tourist Office).

See the map of this village

Download the brochure