A full Alsace itinerary for 2 days – explore the best places
The Alsace – a beautiful region in the North of France and directly at the boarder to Germany and Switzerland. While the rest of France is famous for the beautiful coastal landscapes or exciting cities like Paris or Marseille, the Alsace is a more quiet and traditional area. But its exactly those factors that attract countless tourists each year to the North of France. This guide is all about exploring your perfect Alsace itinerary for 2 days without missing out on anything.
But what makes the Alsace so special and what attractions should not be missed when you are travelling the region? Most travellers decide to visit the Alsace as a day trip or two-day-trip from Germany, Switzerland or other regions in France.
And yes, it is totally possible to get the best of the area in just two days. You will be experiencing each and every highlight the Alsace has to offer and those two days are enough to prove that this region is one of the prettiest in France. In this guide, you can prepare yourself for the trip to Alsace in 2 days – let´s go!
How to get to Alsace
There are different ways to reach the region of Alsace, depending on where you are starting. There are two international airports in close distance to the main hotspots. The first one is the international airport of Strassbourg, the capital of the region. And a bit further south, you will find the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg.
Those airports are the ideal way to get to Alsace if you live in further distance. If you are already close to Alsace and just wish to extend your route, take the train or the car. The main cities and attractions can be reached easily by car and the roads between Switzerland and France or Germany and France are in the best possible condition.
Where to stay during your trip
One option is to base yourself in one location for two or three nights and visit all the spots from one point. If you choose this option, it is best to book an accommodation close to Strasbourg or Colmar. These are considered to be the main areas in Alsace. Another and more convenient option is to book two different hotels while exploring Alsace.
Spend one night in the North around the city of Strasbourg and for your second night, book a hotel in the region of Colmar.
What you need to see in Alsace
The Alsace is mainly known for the picturesque small villages. The typical style takes the travellers into a different time and while strolling through the streets it is hard not to get lost in the beauty. But which spots should be on your list for your two-day-itinerary?
Colmar
You cannot visit Alsace without exploring the cute city of Colmar. For some travellers this is by far the most beautiful city in the region and even in the entire North of France. Colmar is one of the three largest communes in Alsace and therefore one of the main areas.
But what makes Colmar so special for travellers like you?
The city has this special French romantic flair and yet the vibe in Colmar is totally unique. It is mostly characterized by the special French and German architecture which you will mostly see in the city center.
Another highlight of Colmar is the Petite Venise de Colmar, the most stunning part of the city. The small canals remind travellers of the famous Italian city Venice. Stroll over the cute bridges, smell at the flowers or take a trip on the small boats through the canals. There are as well many restaurants directly by the water or in between the historic buildings which invite you for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Do not forget to taste the classic French wine! It will be worth it!
The best way to explore and experience Colmar is to simply stroll around. You will be busy looking at the small streets and beautiful houses. There are many traditional shops and markets which make your day in Colmar just perfect – a reason why Colmar cannot be missing in an Alsace itinerary for 2 days
Strasbourg
Of course, when coming to Alsace, a visit to the main city Strasbourg cannot be missed. On your Alsace itinerary in 2 days, this needs to be on top of your list.
Strasbourg is the largest city in the area and somehow the capital of Alsace. While the city is great for sightseeing and digging deeper into the Northeastern French culture, it is mainly known for another reason: politics.
Strasbourg is the home of the European Parliament. For the politic fans amongst the travellers: this is the ideal destination. Strasbourg allows you to both get to known France and Alsace better and get a deep insight in the European politic capital. Strasbourg has quite a lot attractions and due to its size it is best to spend an entire day in the city.
Visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame, have a dinner by the canal or rent a bike to explore the city. Just as Colmar, the city has this special architecture. One of the prettiest sight in the city is the Petite France, a small area directly by the river. There are plenty of restaurants that invite you to some Alsace cheese and wine while watching the locals go by.
For those interested, there are tours to the European Parliament or countless museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art. Strasbourg is therefore a destination for any traveller, offering attractions from art to culture to shopping and photo spots. For the ultimate view of Strasbourg, book an entry ticket for the Cathedral and enjoy the view from above!
Check out: 10 things to not miss on a weekend trip to Strasbourg
Other villages for your list
Most travellers decide to limit the sightseeing to Colmar and Strasbourg and explore the surrounding areas of the cities. But even in the alsace itinerary for 2 days you can see much more. There are some great tracks for hiking or walking just outside the cities and it is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the nature of Alsace. If you prefer to see more of the cute historic villages, don´t worry: we got you covered.
Another gem for your Alsace itinerary in 2 days is the city Sélestat. Sélestat is another important and beautiful destination in Alsace. Most tourists come for the architecture, as the city is considered to be the richest in traditional architecture in the region. The best way to know more about the buildings and the history is to take a tour through Sélestat. Boring? You´ll be surprised, this is actually quite interesting and will widen your knowledge about Alsace and the life in this part of France.
If you just can´t get enough of the vibe in Alsace, you should pay the town of Thann a visit. Compared to Colmar or Strasbourg the city is fairly small but still offering you a new perspective. The highlight of Thann is the beautiful sight of the houses with the mountains in the background. Some travellers see a similarity to villages further South. And yes, Thann is more traditional French than Colmar or Strasbourg which are highly influenced by German architecture. Visit the church of Thann and stroll through the beautiful streets – it is another highlight of Alsace that you can put on your list.
Short but sweet
Of course, you are more then welcome to spend more than just the alsace itinerary in 2 days. The itinerary for the two days should simply give you an insight what to do if you are short on time. If you have more time or spend an entire vacation in Alsace, you can add up more places to your list. The Alsace offers many possibilities to spend an unforgettable time. Travellers who love to hike and be out in nature will have a blast in the region as there are many treks and small villages in the hills. But if you decide to make your stay short and sweet, make sure to tick off the most important places.
Alsace might not be the number one region in France which travellers are seeking. But it is exactly this point which makes Alsace such a unique travel destination. The region is a mixture between history and culture. Between sightseeing and adventure. From Strasbourg to Colmar and all the beautiful villages around – the Alsace only waits for you to explore it.
Plus, it is ideally to combine your trip with a visit in Germany, Switzerland or other parts of France.
