Family Travelogue: Driving in the Alsace Wine Route, France to Riquewihr Third (3rd) Stop 31 December 2019

Riquewihr, Alsace, France

Riquewihr is one of the picturesque villages in the Route des Vins (Alsace Wine Road). The town's appearance is almost the same as it was in the 16th century, Riquewihr is one of the places that was not badly damaged during the World War II

The stretch of the Alsace wine route is from Strasbourg to Colmar or the other way. Alsace is an important wine and beer producing region. Vin d'Alsace (Alsace wines), mostly white, produces the famous dry rieslings. For 300 years, from the 30 years European war (1618~1648) to the World War II, Alsace had been disputed by Germany and France.. From 1945, Alsace is officially part of France. The German influence is still strong thought especially in the religion. Alsace has the greatest number of Catholics in France.

Alsace is not only famous for its wines. The region is knows for its picturesque villages with well preserved buildings and houses from the middle ages. We were driving the wine route on the last day of the year 2019. Our first two stops from Strasbourg was covered in my previous blog. The third stop was in Riquewihr. Latter and the village of Ribeauville are both close to Colmar, France.

Getting around the small village of Riquewihr, wander the main street, Rue du Général de Gaulle, from the Town Hall all the way up to the Dolder Belfry (Watch Tower). Latter is also known as the Upper door. The main street is lined with medieval half-timbered buildings houses wine shops, museums, restaurants and cafes, souvenirs and more. Going back, I suggest to walk the street of Rue des Remparts. Riquewihr is just a small village. If you have more time and keen, you view all the houses houses. All of them are equally marvelous built from the 15th to 18th century. Explore the city walls and city gate behind the Belfry. Feel the life in Riquewihr during the middle ages.

Here are some of the lists of the buildings and houses registered historic monuments situated along the main street and near the Rue des Ramparts.

Hôtel de Ville (Riquewihr)/ Town Hall
House No. 12 Maison Dieffenbach
House No. 13
House No. 16 Nid de Cigognes
House No.18
House No. 27 Maison à l'Ours noir
House No.30

House No 33 Maison Zimmer (not yet registered)
House No. 38 Cour de Berckheim / court of the nobles (go inside)
House No. 42 Maison à l'Étoile
House No. 44
House No. 41-43-45
House No. 62 Maison Thalinger
Maison Kiener on 02 rue du Cerf
Dolder Belfry which is now Dolder Museum
Fountain near the Dolder Belfry

Tower museum of the thieves on Rue des juifs near the Dolder

Former castle of the count of Montbéliard-Wurtemberg and the court of the bishop of Strasbourg are well preserved located near the street of Rue des Remparts

You may want to check the video we have taken during our visit to Riquewihr

Riquewihr, France is a member of the most beautiful villages in France. This fairy tale like small town has been an inspiration to Disney movies and the Main Street in the Disneyland Park.

Hôtel de ville (Riquewihr) dated back to 1809

The Mairie de Riquewihr (town hall) or Hôtel de Ville (city hall) is located in the Untertor (lower door) of the Riquewihr castle.

Rue du Général de Gaulle, Riquewihr, France

Maison Dieffenbach at 12, rue du Général-de-Gaulle was the former house of Ambroise Dieffenbach constructed in 1606 by Heinrich Schickhardt. The house was registered in the historic monument in 1996

Former Maison des vignores (winemakers' house) 16 was known as Le Nid de Cigognes (stork's nest). Currently houses the Uncle Hansi museum, dedicated to the famous Alsatian artist, Jean-Jacques Waltz. The building was from the 16th to 17th century and registered historic monument from 1930.

Between the Hansi museum and the house Dieffenbach is the 16th century wine maker house known as Immeuble Le Gratte-Ciel (skyscraper building) on house 14, registered historic monument from 1937

Rue de la Couronne

Kugelhopf

Kugelhopf is the traditional yeast bread served for breakfast by the Alsatian. It was originated though from the German speaking countries.

Rue du Général de Gaulle, Riquewihr, France

Maison de vigneron (wine maker house) on 33 Rue du Général de Gaulle was built in the 16th century. the house is also known as Maison Zimmer.

Cour de Berckheim (Riquewihr), known also as the court of the nobles, was built in 1503 and was registered historic monument from 1930.

House No. 41-43-45, Rue du General de Gaulle

Maison de vigneron (wine maker house) 41-43 on the street of Rue du General de Gaulle were built in the 16th~17th century.

Lovey Christmas decors on the facade of the 17th century House 45, Rue du Général de Gaulle. This house was registered Historic Monument from 1930.

Rue du Général de Gaulle, Riquewihr, France

Colourful timber framed house line on the street of Rue du Général de Gaulle towards the Upper door.

Dolder Belfry (1291), Riquewihr, France

The Dolder Belfry, known also as the Upper door, is part of the castle in Riquewihr. It now houses a museum that tells the history of the rural medieval town of Riquewihr from the 12th to 17th centuries