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Touring the Alsace Wine Route by motorhome gives you the freedom to stop at the foot of the vineyards, wander through half-timbered villages and take your time with the children. Here are our tips for planning a family motorhome trip: an itinerary, stops that will delight young and old alike, and useful rules for driving and parking stress-free.
The Alsace Wine Route in a nutshell
Created in 1953, the Alsace Wine Route is one of the oldest wine tourism routes in France. It winds for around 170 km between Marlenheim, west of Strasbourg, and Thann in the south, at the foot of the Vosges, passing through dozens of wine villages. Seven main grape varieties are grown here: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir, the only red variety, which is also used for rosés. Not forgetting Crémant d’Alsace, the region’s sparkling wine.
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A 4- to 5-day family itinerary
Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr
Start in Ribeauvillé, overlooked by its three ruined castles (Saint-Ulrich, Girsberg and Haut-Ribeaupierre), reached by a lovely forest trail. A few kilometres away, Riquewihr enchants children with its ramparts, its Dolder tower and its cobbled lanes. Further north, don’t miss Haut-Koenigsbourg castle and, in Kintzheim, Monkey Mountain (Montagne des Singes) and the Volerie des Aigles eagle park.
Kaysersberg, Colmar and Turckheim
In Kaysersberg, climb up to the castle for the view over the valley. In Colmar, stroll through Little Venice and the Tanners’ quarter; children love the boat rides on the Lauch. Then stop off in Turckheim, a small fortified town whose hillside produces the Brand grand cru.
Eguisheim and the southern part of the route
Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Eguisheim is laid out in concentric circles around its castle, birthplace of Pope Leo IX. Above the village, the Eichberg and Pfersigberg grands crus and the three castles of Haut-Eguisheim make for a pleasant walk. Carry on south to Thann, where the Wine Route ends. For more ideas, see our selection of the most beautiful villages in Alsace.
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Many winegrowers welcome visitors to their cellars for tastings and direct sales. Check opening days in advance and let them know you’re coming if you’re in a group. The motorhome driver needs to stay sensible: in France, the legal blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.5 g/l. Use the spittoon, or save tasting for once the vehicle is parked for the night. To choose your bottles, see our guide to Alsace white wines and our page on Alsace wine.
Picnics and local specialities
A motorhome is perfect for picnics between villages. Stock up on local produce from shops and markets: pretzels, Munster cheese, kougelhopf, charcuterie, orchard fruit. To go further, discover our Alsatian recipes and specialities. Keep the vineyards and paths clean: they are the winegrowers’ workplace.
By bike or on foot from the motorhome
Once the vehicle is parked, the Véloroute du Vignoble (Vineyard Cycle Route), part of EuroVelo 5, runs alongside the Wine Route for more than 130 km between Marlenheim and Thann. Many waymarked vineyard trails also set off from the villages, letting you explore the hillsides on foot with the children.
Driving and parking a motorhome in Alsace
- Licence: a category B driving licence lets you drive a motorhome with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3.5 tonnes; above that, a C1 licence is normally required. A change to this limit is under way at European level, so check the rules in force at the time of your trip.
- Old town centres: the lanes of the wine villages are narrow and often pedestrianised. Park in the car parks or motorhome areas signposted at the village entrances and continue on foot.
- Overnight stays: many towns and villages set aside pitches or service areas for motorhomes, and campsites offer facilities for the whole family. Respect local by-laws banning parking outside these areas.
- Season: late spring and September are pleasant; during the grape harvest (generally late August to October) and the Christmas markets, it gets very busy, so book your pitches.
For more ideas for travelling with children, see our family holiday destinations.
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose the right size of motorhome for a family?
First check the number of registered travel seats (seats approved for use while driving) and the number of berths, which are not always the same. On the Wine Route, a compact model is easier to park and manoeuvre near the villages.
What licence do you need to drive a motorhome?
A category B licence is enough for a motorhome with a maximum authorised mass of 3.5 tonnes. Above that, a C1 licence is normally required. Check the rules in force, as a change is under way at European level.
Where can you sleep in a motorhome on the Alsace Wine Route?
At campsites or in the motorhome areas and pitches provided by local councils. Parking is often prohibited in old town centres: follow the local signs.
Are there any restrictions to be aware of?
Yes: respect height and weight limits, the villages’ pedestrian streets and local parking by-laws. The driver must not exceed 0.5 g/l of alcohol in the blood, so remember to use the spittoon at tastings.
Enzo
Hi, I'm Enzo! I'm the guy who loves lacing up his hiking boots to explore the rugged trails of the Vosges. Passionate about nature and photography, I take you along through articles that capture the scent of fir forests and the charm of mountain lakes. I live for those moments when the sun rises over the Haut-Koenigsbourg or when I stumble upon an authentic inn along the way. My goal? To inspire you to get out, breathe in the fresh Alsatian air, and always have a great spot for a tarte flambée to share at the end of the day.