STILL ON DAY 3 OF 19
After the just-as-stressful-back-down-the-mountain-drive and another 20 minutes drive through vine-covered valleys, we arrived in lovely Ribeauvillé. Why have I not heard of this gorgeous town before? The main street, Grand'rue, is one of the most beautiful streets I’ve ever seen! Le village est un must de la région!
YOU'VE GOTTA SEE...
OLD TOWN
The Old Town is street after picturesque street, all lined with colourful houses accented with bright flower boxes, giving way to enchanting squares enhanced by Renaissance fountains and even more flowers. Start your walk at the Tour des Bouchers, stroll through the Quartier Pittoresque and end at Place de la République. Want more pretty-ness? From here, you can hike up to the 3 châteaus surrounding Ribeauvillé: Haut-Ribeaupierre, Saint-Ulrich and Girsberg.
PFIFFERDAJ
Don’t ask me how to pronounce it. It means “Fiddler’s Festival”. As if the town isn’t gorgeous enough, every year in August, the town starts preparing for this medieval festival that takes place on the first Sunday in September. Even more flowers begin to adorn the houses, stores and restaurants to welcome the thousands of visitors that flock here for the festival that consists of a parade with themed decorated floats, marching bands, performers in medieval costumes, numerous food stalls and local artisans. Since we were here in mid-August, we didn’t actually get to attend Pfifferdaj, but it’s on my list for the next trip!
Ribeauvillé Grand Rue, with Château Saint-Ulrich up on the hill in the back
Place de la Sinn
Top: Alsatian beer | The Pfifferhüss or in French, Auberge des Ménétriers, in English, Minstrels Inn || Bottom: Tour des Bouchers (Butcher's Tower) | Beautiful, coloured houses decked out with flower boxes
Market finds
Streets and vibe of beautiful Ribeauvillé
PRACTICAL INFO
It’s about 17 km from Colmar, easy to find parking, but be ready to pay close to the Old Town. Park further away for free, and enjoy the stroll.