Riquewihr, in the heart of Alsace and close to the German border, tells tales of knights in arms and prosperous merchants and has a long tradition of wine production. When you visit Riquewihr, medieval magic and more are definitely on offer.
Riquewihr was once a thriving trading hub on the renowned ‘Wine Road’ which connected the Alsace region to other parts of Europe. This beautiful town has carefully preserving its medieval architecture and stories of its history. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time and immersed yourself in Riquewihr’s past.
There’s almost everything a 21st century visitor would want, too. Oh, and then there’s the excellent wine ….
A little history
Riquewihr’s name had its origins about 800 CE, when a Frankish landowner ran an estate that came to be known as ‘Richovilla’.
By about 1100, the village was already heavily involved in growing grapes.
By 1300, it was owned by the Counts of Horbourg and surrounded by walls and a moat. In 1324, it was sold to Count Ulrich X of Württemberg. Late in the 15th century, Riquewihr became the capital of the Württemberg lands.
The local Winegrowers’ Association was established early in the 16th century. The town’s strong winemaking reputation soon saw Riquewihr growers and merchants become very prosperous.
The Thirty Years War brought an end to peace and prosperity. Riquewihr was attacked and occupied several times by Imperial and French troops.
Following the Treaty of Westphalia in the 17th century, Riquewihr became French, although still subject to German law. A century later, one of the last Dukes of Württemberg, heavily in debt, was forced to relinquish all his family’s possessions on the left bank of the Rhine; Riquewihr became indisputably French.
In 1870, a German victory in the Franco-Prussian War saw France effectively abandon Alsace and the Germans filled the power vacuum. After WWI, Germany lost control of the region but regained it during WWII. The area was liberated by the Allies in 1944.
Riquewihr was once again French.
Riquewihr attractions
Riquewihr has many must-see attractions. They are quite close together, which makes it easy to see a lot in a day trip.
The architecture is significant. The great wealth of Riquewihr’s merchants and winemakers allowed them to build substantial stone houses, many of which have been preserved. Some are now restaurants or shops. You’ll find many of these along the main street, Rue du General de Gaulle.
The Dolder Belltower is a landmark. It was built at the end of the 13th century, as part of the town’s defensive walls. It stands 25 metres in height and offers an ideal vantage point to see the surrounding landscapes.The museum in the Tower has exhibits on the history of medieval Riquewihr during its growth from the 13th to the 17th century.
The Thieves’ Tower is also part of the fortifications, in the northwest corner. It was converted into a prison during the 15th century, and still has an underground cell – the oubliette, where prisoners were left and ‘forgotten’ – and an 18th century strappado, a torture device used to suspend prisoners on a rope tied around their hands. Today the tower houses the Thieves’ Museum.
On the upper floor is the old prison Guardroom, which is joined to a Winemaker’s House, built in 1563 and furnished in the style of the period.
A more recent addition, and probably the most photographed statue in Riquewihr is La Dame du Parc ( Lady of the Park), a bronze work by French sculptor Josepha. You’ll find it by the ramparts (the town walls).
You can visit all these attractions and get a taste of Riquewihr’s history.
Gastronomy and wine
Many Riquewihr restaurants source ingredients from local producers. They offer regional specialties like sauerkraut, bacon and onion tartes flambées, pork knuckles, and potato rösti.
Visit one of Riquewihr’s winstubs, which have been traditional Alsatian meeting and eating places for generations. They serve comforting bäckeoffe (meat and potato casserole), grumbeerekiechle (potato pancakes) or choucroute. Try them with house-brewed wines.
Signature desserts include sweet kougel hopf cakes, flamed tarte tatin, and gingerbread.
We absolutely recommend you taste Riquewihr’s famous bretzels (pretzels). They’re crispy outside, soft inside and come in various flavours. Look around. They’re sold in several places, and are best eaten warm from the oven.
The Alsace Wine Route stretches for more than 170 kilometres (106 miles) north to south. Riquewihr, and other villages on the route, are home to many superb wine producers. The famous grape varieties Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer are all grown in Riquewihr, as are less well known varietals – Sylvaner, Auxerrois and Pinot Blanc (all white wines).
Some of our favourite domaines are Hugel & Fils, Frédéric Engel, and Maison Zimmer.
You can take a vineyard tour that will let you discover the art of winemaking and give you an opportunity to sample the very best Alsatian wines.
There are also hiking and cycling trails that take you through the vineyards to the cellar doors. Two ways to enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way.
Riquewihr events
Riquewihr is a year-round destination and whatever the season when you visit, you’ll love it.
In Spring there are brightly coloured flowers and beautiful vineyards; summer offers pleasant weather that’s ideal for exploring and outdoor dining. The autumn leaves are spectacular, and photographers will find something to capture around every corner. It’s also an ideal time for wine lovers to taste the best of season. Winter transforms Riquewihr into a wonderland.
Riquewihr also has plenty of cultural festivities and traditions for you to enjoy
Renaissance Festival
Every summer, Riquewihr enters a time portal and is whisked back to the 16th century.
For three days in July, costumed villagers, knights, jesters and musicians recreate scenes from the past. There’s medieval crafts, cooking and village markets. You’ll see staged combat and battle re-enactments, interactive skits, dances and shows.
You can go inside the town’s stone defences and join the villagers, in period dress, as they wait for the Armagnacs army to ‘attack’.
Whether you’re interested in history or just like having fun, you’ll love this glimpse of how life in Riquewihr was 400 years ago.
Medieval Christmas Market
Every December, Riquewihr gets ready for the festive season.
The timber-framed houses are dressed up in holiday decorations and twinkling lights. In the central marketplace, more than 100 artisan vendors sell ornate glass ornaments, collector wines, bredele cookies and other Alsatian crafts. You can sip hot Gluhwein (mulled wine) and nibble tartes flambées or roasted chestnuts, while you listen to regional music performers and choirs. The historic setting will make your Christmas shopping trip one you won’t forget.
And if you aren’t in Riquewihr in December, look for the Christmas shop that’s open throughout the year….
Shopping in Riquewihr
The town is listed as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’. Just walking through the streets of Riquewihr is a pleasure. There are shops and boutiques, too, of course. You might shop for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and of course, wine to take home.
Riquewihr has a traditional weekly market, held along the esplanade beside the ramparts of the town.
Further afield
Although Riquewihr might steal the spotlight, there’s also plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas.
Why not visit nearby villages of Ribeauville (4 km) and Kaysersberg (4 km)? Or major towns such as Colmar (15 km) and Strasbourg (70 km)?
Each one offers new insights into the rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance of the Alsace region.
You can also read our articles to find out more:
Things That Make Colmar Special
See more Francy That! suggestions for Places To Go.
Information
LOCATION: Alsace – Grand Est.
DISTANCE FROM PARIS: Approximately 450 km (280 miles) to the east.
POPULATION: 1,200+
NEAREST AIRPORT: EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg – 90 km (56 miles) to the south; Strasbourg Airport – 75 km (47 miles) to the north.
NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Colmar, about 15 km (9 miles) to the southwest; reach it by bus or taxi to connect with trains to major cities, such as Paris and Strasbourg.
TOURIST INFORMATION: 2 Rue de la Premiere Armée
MARKETS: Weekly, beside the ramparts.
MUST SEE: The medieval architecture; the museums; wine shops and bakeries.
