Things to Do in Riquewihr, France

Riquewihr is one of the most charming – some might say enchanting – villages in the Alsace region of France. The brightly painted half-timbered houses, vineyard paths, and medieval watchtowers feel like stepping into another century. Although the village is small, it’s packed with character, local Alsatian specialties prepared in the traditional way, and family-run wine estates that have been here for generations.

Because it’s such a popular stop on the Alsace Wine Route, we recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when you can enjoy it at your own pace without the big tour groups. When you explore Alsace by car, this gives you the flexibility to arrive outside of the peak visiting hours. This is why we recommend doing a driving tour of Alsace, which we can plan and tailor to your preferences.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Riquewihr - perfect for a self-guided Alsace road trip.

 1. Walk the Famous Rue du Général de Gaulle

This is the iconic main street often seen on postcards — a narrow, cobbled lane lined with colorful houses, wine shops, restaurants, and artisan boutiques.

For the best photo, stand in front of D’Brendelstub (48 Rue du Général de Gaulle) and look toward the clock tower. This spot gives you that classic view of Riquewihr, with the Dolder Tower rising at the end of the street.

2. Climb the Dolder Tower

The Dolder Tower dates back to the 13th century and once served as the village’s watchtower. Climb its narrow staircase for sweeping views across the rooftops and surrounding vineyards — one of the best panoramas in the region. It’s also home to the Musée du Dolder, which covers the town’s development from the 13th to 17th centuries.

Tip: Opening hours vary outside of peak season, so check times before going.

3. Stock up for a picnic at Kouglopf & Cie

Kouglopf & Cie opens at 7:00 a.m., making it one of the best places to start your day in Riquewihr. Pick up a still-warm pain au chocolat, a traditional kougelhopf, or a simple baguette to enjoy later as a picnic among the vineyards.

It’s one of our favorite bakeries in Alsace, and a stop here has become a France Just For You tradition.

4. Taste Riesling and Gewürztraminer at a Local Winery

Riquewihr is surrounded by vineyards, and like other regions in France, Alsace has a strong winemaking heritage. Many small wineries offer tastings right on the main street or just off it.

Look for producers specialising in Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, three of Alsace’s signature grape varieties.

5. Try the Riquewihrienne — a Dish Found Only Here

To taste something truly unique to Riquewihr, there’s one local specialty dish called the Riquewihrienne. Invented by François Kiener, this sauerkraut dish is similar to choucroute garnie but more aromatic thanks to the addition of fresh chervil, dill, and parsley, and ​​topped with pan-fried meats such as duck, goose or pork. On the menu, it may also be called choucroute verte.

It’s only served in a handful of restaurants in the village, including:

• Au Dolder
• L’Ecurie
• Restaurant Le Médiéval

6. Enjoy the Views Above the Vineyards & Explore the Alsace Wine Route

Just beyond the village walls, a quiet viewpoint offers a beautiful perspective over Riquewihr’s colorful rooftops framed by vineyards.

From Rue du 5 Décembre, walk up the lane that winds into the vines (it isn’t named). At the top, you should find a sign explaining Riquewihr’s winegrowing history, a perfect spot for photos, and a couple of benches — ideal for enjoying a morning picnic from Kouglopf & Cie! 

If you enjoy walking, you can continue walking along the Rue du 5 Décembre, which passes through a forested area and becomes the Rue de Riquewihr until you reach the small village of Hunawihr. From there you can continue walking to Ribeauvillé. It is a beautifully picturesque walk, partly through the forest, and then through the vineyards along the Alsace Wine Route. It takes just over an hour to walk from Riquewihr to Ribeauvillé without any stops, 24 minutes by bike, or just 12 minutes by car (but note that the driving route is different and not as picturesque).

7. Walk Along Riquewihr’s Medieval Ramparts

The medieval walls surrounding Riquewihr give you a peaceful escape from the busy main street. Follow Rue des Remparts to see centuries-old stone fortifications, quieter residential lanes, and beautifully preserved half-timbered houses.

It’s one of the best places to soak up the village’s medieval character away from the crowds.

8. Visit Domaine Dopff au Moulin

If you want to visit a winery in Riquewihr, Dopff au Moulin is a great option. This family-owned estate pioneered Crémant d’Alsace (Alsace’s sparkling wine), and their tastings are some of the best in the region.

9. Experience Riquewihr’s Christmas Market

Alsace is famous for its Christmas markets in December, and Riquewihr’s is wonderfully atmospheric with festive lights, hand-crafted decorations, and mulled wine stands. To avoid the crowds, aim for:

• Weekday mornings
• Evenings after 6pm

If you’re visiting Alsace in December, this is one market not to miss.

10. Visit the Musée de la Tour des Voleurs & Winegrower’s House

The Thieves’ Tower and Winegrower’s House offers a fascinating (and sometimes sobering) look at Riquewihr’s medieval history. Inside the old defensive tower and ramparts, you’ll find:

• A guard room
• A torture chamber
• Old cells
• Exhibits on village life and justice
• A reconstructed 16th-century winegrower’s home, complete with kitchen, bedroom, and cellar

It’s one of the best places in the village to learn about its past beyond the pretty facades.

11. Shop for Local Foods at Au Marché de Riquewihr

Au Marché de Riquewihr is a small specialty shop offers a wonderful selection of Alsatian foods, including:

• Foie gras (including foie gras d’oie, particular to Alsace)
• Choucroute garnie
• Munster and other regional cheeses
• Wines and spirits
• Jams, spices, honey and cookies

Address: 20 Rue du Général de Gaulle. It’s a good place to pick up edible souvenirs or gifts.

12. Try a Sweet Treat (or Three)

Alsace has no shortage of pastries and sweets. Besides kougelhopf, look for:

• Macarons de Riquewihr (small, rustic cookies in assorted flavors)
• Pain d’épices (spiced gingerbread)
• Fruit tarts and seasonal specialties

As mentioned above, we love Kouglopf & Cie bakery.

Where to Stay

We recommend staying in nearby Colmar, which is beautifully located for exploring the villages of the Haut-Rhin region. Colmar has more dining options, excellent museums, and plenty to do throughout the day - and it’s only about 20 minutes from Riquewihr by car.

Where to Eat in Riquewihr

In addition to restaurants serving the Riquewihrienne, here are some favorites:

• D’Brendelstub – A modern take on local cuisine in a contemporary setting
• Restaurant Le Manala – Cozy, French-style meals with Alsatian specialties
• La Grappe d’Or – Traditional Alsatian cuisine in a charming, rustic dining room (arrive early; they don’t take reservations)
• ​​Au Tire-Bouchon – A traditional Alsatian winstub serving hearty regional dishes on Riquewihr’s main street
• L’Arbalétrier – A cozy, rustic restaurant tucked into an old stone building, known for its comforting Alsatian classics and intimate, old-world atmosphere

Final Thoughts

Riquewihr may be small, but it packs a surprising amount into its medieval streets — from wine tasting and local specialties to historic museums and scenic vineyard walks. However long you decide to stay, it’s a village that’s worth exploring slowly beyond the main street.

If you’d like to include Riquewihr as part of a self-guided road trip through Alsace, we’d be delighted to plan a personalized driving itinerary that includes stays in our favorite boutique hotels and B&Bs and insider experiences we’ve tested ourselves and know you’ll enjoy.

Complete our trip-planning form below or email trip-planners Emilie and Laura at travel@france-justforyou.com