Alsace Wine Trail, France

This gentle, relaxed walking route runs in parallel with the central part of the famous Route du Vin, where practically every colourful village has its own vineyard and eastfacing ruined castle. There are countless opportunities to taste wines along your way. The Alsatian vignerons are so proud of what they produce that they will insist you sample their whole range, while everyone enjoys a good chat. We find them really hospitable and welcoming.

The walks average three hours a day - options to extend on some days - and follow sentiers viticoles (paths via neatly-groomed vineyards) and pleasant forest tracks. And all along your way, you’ll find exquisitely preserved villages, dominated from the heights by their own feudal castles, usually only two or three kilometres apart. Geraniums spill from window boxes and balconies, and the half-timbered buildings can be plastered in pastel colours, bright blue, apricot or red.

All our hotels are family-run and pride themselves on their warm welcome. Your rest stops include the absolutely stunning 16th century Hotel des Deux Clefs and a family-run hotel in former wine grower's house.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive at Turckheim
Here you stay in a friendly Alsatian hotel in the heart of the village. With so many restaurants on your doorstep, we've left you free to choose where to dine this evening.

Day 2 - Turckheim to Kaysersberg 10km/6mi/3hr or 17km/10mi/5hr
It’s time to explore Turckheim's Renaissance church and mediaeval gate where storks still nest. Your walk through the vines takes you past flower-filled Niedermorschwir and Ammerschwihr where you can taste the local vintage, Kaefferkopf, in cosy wine cellars. It's then on to the fortified town of Kaysersberg and our hotel on a quiet cobbled street in the old town.

Day 3 - At Kaysersberg
In the morning why not stroll up to the ruins of the mediaeval castle for a bird's eye view over Kaysersberg's half-timbered houses decked with geraniums along the River Weiss? Afterwards, perhaps follow a valley trail to Kientzheim or visit Colmar (local bus, 30 mins), the 'Venice of Alsace' and a honeycomb of pretty canals and gorgeous pastel-coloured houses.

Day 4 - Kaysersberg to Riquewihr 10km/6mi/3.5hr
The day starts with a gentle climb through oak and beech forest to Chapelle St Alexis hidden in the woods - great auberge for lunch. Your route then descends in and out of pine forest and before long, you get your first glimpses of the showcase of Renaissance houses that earn Riquewihr its nickname - Pearl of the Vineyards.

Day 5 - At Riquewihr
The town of Riquewihr is so enchanting it has been declared an historic monument in its entirety. You'll be bewitched by its cobbled alleys, galleried courtyards, fountains, and colourful signboards.

Day 6 - Riquewihr to Bergheim 10km/6mi/3hr or 17km/10mi/5hr
You pass through the heart of mediaeval Alsace via the Riesling vineyards nestling at the foot of the mountains. Hunawihr has a fortified church and stork sanctuary - you'll also find otters, butterflies and orchids in the reserve there. Three ruined castles of the once powerful counts of Ribeaupierre look down as you walk on through the vines to Bergheim.

Day 7 - At Bergheim
This colourful and ancient market town was a mediaeval refuge where criminals on the run were safe from persecution - unless they were thought to be witches! There are lots of beautiful timber-framed houses and a decorated fountain in the old square. Be sure to take the short taxi ride to the amazing Haut Koenigsbourg Castle - it's a gentle downhill walk back!

Day 8 - Bergheim to Turckheim 11km/7mi/3.5hr
You continue parallel to the Route du Vin to a poignant WW2 German military cemetery - panoramic views over to the famous restored castle at Haut-Koenigsbourg. At St Hippolyte there's a Gothic church and fountain, while the ruined court of mediaeval Kintzheim Castle is the setting for spectacular flying displays by birds of prey including eagles and vultures. We give you a lift back to Turckheim.

Day 9 - Leave Turckheim

Is this holiday for you?
One of France’s best-kept secrets, this journey takes you right off the tourist trail. This is a 1 boot independent walking holiday (See Headwater’s Boot Rating System), which will take you through vineyards, ancient oak forest and totally unspoilt gingerbread villages bedecked with flowers. You have the opportunity to visit romantic castles, gothic churches and exquisite Riquewihr. This holiday is perfect for families with older children, couples and singles.