Travel // Alsace Region, France


Baby Friendly Itineraries, Europe, France, Travel, Travel / Sunday, June 3rd, 2018

Summer is right around the corner and with sunny days and warmer temps, it’s the perfect time to visit the Alsace Region of France.

At a short 1.5-2 hour drive from Stuttgart (and a super quick train from Paris), Strasbourg, Colmar, and the charming French towns dotted in between, are the perfect place to escape for a weekend away.  We’ve explored the region a handful of times since we arrived in Germany, and I’ve compiled our favorite spots and tips for a fabulous french getaway!

Colmar

To Eat // Dinner at L’Epicurien  Though the staff was a bit weary of us at first (Americans toting a large stroller and a very young baby…), the food was delicious and the staff warmed up throughout the course of the night.  Olivia was a champ and slept through most of the meal, and our Uppababy Vista is far more compact than it looks!  The scallops were beyond amazing, and the salmon appetizer was a surprise favorite! The crème brûlée was not the best, however we also ordered (and devoured!) the chocolate mouse.


To Do // Shop at Le Comptoir de Matilde, taste macaroons (not macaron — check out this article to tell the difference!) at Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie (get a variety pack, with a super cute signature tin), and wander the Marche Couvert, picking up supplies to prepare your own charcuterie board!  Walk along the river through Petite Venice (and even catch a gondola ride!), or enjoy strolling through charming local shops as well as chain stores like Sephora.

To Stay // We loved the location, price, and accessibility of our Airbnb.  Earn $36 in travel credit by signing up with Airbnb –> Here!

Ribeauvillé

To Eat // Cafe de la Poste  We had plans to dine at another local (highly rated) restaurant, but when we arrived for our reservation they did not allow us in as we had mentioned we had a baby, but not a stroller (a small travel stroller).  When the staff was quite rude (to the point where I was holding back tears), we were left to wander and find an open restaurant for dinner at peak dining time, with 4 adults and one baby with stroller.  Cafe de la Poste was busy, but they were able to fit us in right away.  The decor is definitely rustic, and can best be described as the french version of a diner, but the food was absolutely incredible!  I had an amazing cheesy potato dish (similar to potatoes au gratin), the goat cheese salad was great, as was the tarte flambe!  This is our diamond in the rough pick for Alsace!

To Do // We loved taking our time and wandering through the cobblestone streets of Ribeauvillé.  There are plenty of Alsatian shops, bakeries, and wine cellars.  If you’re in the area and find yourself in the mood to do a bit of wine tasting, start at Cave de Ribeauvillé and work your way back through the village.  Louis Sipp is a great cozy pop-in tasting as well.  Though there is a small tasting fee at LS, however their wine knowledge, funky vintage 70’s decor, and delicious (and affordable) wines make this a must see.  If you spend the weekend, be sure to hike up to the hilltop chateau.




To Stay // Caveau de l’Ami Fritz  Another spot we stumbled upon, such a great find for our group of 4 adults and 1 little babe.  They had a perfect two bedroom loft available (at a fabulous price!) and the breakfast was absolutely perfect!  Located in the center of town, everything we wanted to enjoy in Ribeauvillé was literally steps from our door.

Strasbourg

To Stay // Hotel Hannong : After an issue with our Airbnb left us looking for a hotel last minute, we landed on this hotel based on reviews, availability, and price.  Ya’ll, this place was a saving grace!  The staff was so wonderful and accommodating, and the breakfast (included!) was AMAZING!  We had breakfast delivered to the room rather than packing up the babe and bringing her downstairs, and from now on, this will be my jam — SO much easier!  Perfectly located in the center of Petite France, we were within walking distance to everything.  I would absolutely stay here again (with or without baby in tow!)

To Eat // While my Mom was visiting last Fall, we spent the day in Strasbourg and popped into Jeannette et les Cycleux for lunch.  *My Mom’s full name is Jeanette, a family name, so this spot was a no brainer!  She loved the quiche, I ate more calories than I care to admit with one of their tapas plates.  The wine was fabulous, but their cocktail menu is something I’ll absolutely return for!

To Do // Visit Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg, wander the streets of “La Petite France”, and if visiting during the holidays be sure to schedule around their fabulous Christmas Market.

Have you explored the Alsace region?  Share your top spots below!

8 Replies to “Travel // Alsace Region, France”

  1. Your pictures are great. A walk along the canal sounds so relaxing. Sounds like you had some good meals too, but not the goat cheese. Ergh! If it is anything like in Central Asia, then nooope. Thanks for sharing! You have certainly inspired me to look more into this region i have never heard of.

  2. I’m loving this article. Not too much, not too little. We just moved to Germany and each trip requires a lot of recon and logistics…it can be overwhelming. You provided the perfect amount to get a first-timer started and off on her own adventures without having to reinvent the wheel. Photos are gorgeous. Thank you!

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