Christmas market magic in Riquewihr, one of the nicest villages in Alsace and in France - see the movie
Enjoy the Christmas markets on weekdays and as soon as end of November: no crowds, more pleasure. Last year we took some nice pictures on several Christmas markets and events related to Christmas in Alsace. Most of them will happen again this year. Have a look at our dedicated blog: http://best-of-upper-rhine.com/category/christmas/.
Stay in one of our 15 wonderful holiday apartments and experience an unforgettable Christmas atmosphere.
Click here to access all availabilities and book online.

Here are some pictures of the Christmas market in Riquewihr. The stalls of the plaza near the City Hall are open daily. But on weekends, there are other stands in the main street of Riquewihr and even in some side streets.
Christmas market, a magical atmosphere in the streets of Riquewihr...
Click to watch the video.

 
Christmas and Winter atmosphere in our romantic holiday apartments in the medieval village of Riquewihr in Alsace!

Our self catering gites in Riquewihr are wonderful places to stay in Winter. In The Dove's Nest holiday home (4 persons), a unique electrical tile stove sits in the Alsatian dining room (stub). In the lounge of the Dove's Nest as well as in the Alsatian Hart (4 persons) and the White Stork (2 persons) you will have a pellet fireplace.

During the Christmas markets period (end of November to January), all our romantic apartments are decorated with a beautiful Christmas decoration.

We have guests coming from all over the world especially for the Christmas markets period. Availabilities in our holiday apartments are vanishing rapidly.
For even more fun, make your explorations during weekdays. The Christmas markets will be less crowded.
Book one of our romantic gites as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Click here to see all availabilities!

 
The sitting room of our Le Colombier apartment in Winter
Christmas atmosphere in Le Colombier apartment - Le Colombier is the French name for the house of doves...

The sitting room of our Le Colombier apartment in Winter

Christmas atmosphere in Le Colombier apartment - Le Colombier is the French name for the house of doves...

 
Stay in Riquewihr during the Winter and the Christmas market period

CHRISTMAS celebrations and Christmas markets in ALSACE and RIQUEWIHR
The Christmas markets and celebrations in Alsace start every year with the first Sunday of Advent.
Usually, festivities start on the last weekend of November.

This Christmas markets atmosphere will last until beginning of January. By booking one of our charming apartments in Riquewihr you will be ideally located to discover the Christmas markets all over Alsace and even nearby Germany.

From Riquewihr you are only minutes away from the beautiful Christmas markets of the city of Colmar. The nearby little towns of Kaysersberg and Ribeauvillé are 5 minutes away and organise every year beautiful Christmas markets.

Strasbourg and Obernai are well known for their Christmas markets and are less than 1 hour by car. But to visit and enjoy all these Christmas markets you do not even need to drive: in Riquewihr you can catch a bus (every hour) for an easy ride to Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg and Colmar. The bus stops at Colmar train station where you will find many trains for Strasbourg (approx half an hour trip) and even Basel in Switzerland. All Christmas markets are within walking distance from the train or bus stations. Why bother with driving and finding parking for the car? Use our (efficient) public transport means and taste as much Glühwein (warm, sweet and spicy wine prepared in Winter) as you like! 

And of course in Riquewihr itself you will be able to taste and enjoy that very specific fairy tale atmosphere!

For more Christmas events in Alsace and nearby Germany and Switzerland, read and follow our blog.

 
In Riquewihr and in whole Alsace: a long lasting Christmas fairy tale for young and less young visitors

Riquewihr and the small towns and surrounding villages as Ribeauvillé and Kaysersberg are a genuine delight during the festivities and Christmas markets. The Christmas markets time extends from late November to Christmas and even into the New Year (Colmar). The streets are decorated with many small trees and lights: delightful decorations so that the magic of Christmas is everywhere. Everywhere, on each christmas market, you will have the opportunity to sample specialties from Alsace directly in the street like that traditional sweets prepared at home or Glühwein (warm wine prepared with spices).

 
Main street of Riquewihr on Christmas market weekends
Even in some Riquewihr side streets, the Christmas magic is there!

Main street of Riquewihr on Christmas market weekends

Even in some Riquewihr side streets, the Christmas magic is there!

 
 
The Christmas market in Riquewihr is open every day from end of November until short before Christmas
On the Christmas market of Riquewihr the magic starts by sunset

The Christmas market in Riquewihr is open every day from end of November until short before Christmas

On the Christmas market of Riquewihr the magic starts by sunset

 
For more Christmas events in Alsace and nearby Germany and Switzerland, read and follow our blog.
 
The upper gate in the ramparts of Riquewihr - near to our apartments - during the Christmas period.
Every shop and almost every house displays Christmas decoration

The upper gate in the ramparts of Riquewihr - near to our apartments - during the Christmas period.

Every shop and almost every house displays Christmas decoration

 
Experience the Christmas markets 2013 in Alsace and stay in one of our outstanding holiday apartments
New luxury holiday gites in the medieval rampart facing the vineyards in Riquewihr, Alsace France
Our new property with 6 luxury gites is facing a famous vineyard in Riquewihr
New luxury holiday gites with a historical touch and modern comfort in Riquewihr, Alsace France
6 luxury holiday homes in a beautifully renovated medieval winery
New luxury holiday gites with balcony or terrace in Riquewihr, Alsace France
Winter garden and balconies with spectacular timber
Each guest get a warm personal welcome and presentation of the holiday gite apartment he rented.
Our welcome lounge is located in the old winery, beside the big wooden wine press

We are proud to present our collection of new outstanding luxury holiday homes in Riquewihr, Alsace: 4 holiday apartments are located in a big Renaissance house which was a former winery built in 1580 on the first belt of the ramparts (built 3 centuries earlier in the year 1291). The property is facing the famous Schoenenbourg Grand Cru vineyard producing some of the best wines in Alsace; 2 other holiday apartments are located in a 17th Century nearby house. The houses are surrounding a small garden. The whole renovation project took almost 4 years of hard work. The result is a gem!
Click here to discover our latest holiday gites in the old defense wall of 1291 facing the Schoenenbourg vineyard.
 
Christmas markets in the neighbour towns of Colmar, Ribeauvillé and Kaysersberg
The Christmas markets in the neighbour towns of Colmar, Ribeauvillé and Kaysersberg are only minutes away from Riquewihr.
We took some nice pictures on several Christmas markets and events related to Christmas in Alsace. Most of them happen every year. Have a look at our dedicated blog: http://best-of-upper-rhine.com/category/christmas/.
 
Christmas market in Colmar. Colmar is a beautiful city with famous Christmas markets.
The magic of Christmas operates in Colmar at any time of the day but especially at night.

Christmas market in Colmar. Colmar is a beautiful city with famous Christmas markets.

The magic of Christmas operates in Colmar at any time of the day but especially at night.

 
 
One of the 7 Christmas markets of Colmar - only minutes away from Riquewihr and our apartments.
Christmas market atmosphere in Colmar. Colmar is within an easy reach by bus from Riquewihr. No need to take your car and bother for parking!

One of the 7 Christmas markets of Colmar - only minutes away from Riquewihr and our apartments.

Christmas market atmosphere in Colmar. Colmar is within an easy reach by bus from Riquewihr. No need to take your car and bother for parking!

 
Christmas market in Kaysersberg and Ribeauvillé
 
In Kaysersberg, charming little city near Riquewihr, Christmas markets are famous and crowds are filling the streets every weekend in December.
When the weather is chilly, Glühwein is the best medication to warm up hands, mouth and heart!

In Kaysersberg, charming little city near Riquewihr, Christmas markets are famous and crowds are filling the streets every weekend in December.

When the weather is chilly, Glühwein is the best medication to warm up hands, mouth and heart!

 

Ribeauvillé has a long history. Medieval times are surviving through the architecture but also through festivals all over the year, included the Christmas time. In Ribeauvillé, Christmas markets are... medieval.


 
The medieval castle of st Ulrich is overlooking Ribeauvillé
A friendly medieval bear is part of the attraction!

The medieval castle of st Ulrich is overlooking Ribeauvillé

A friendly medieval bear is part of the attraction!

 
 
Crowds are searching their way through the narrow streets of Ribeauvillé during the Christmas market.
Medieval monks were well known for their gourmet palate...

Crowds are searching their way through the narrow streets of Ribeauvillé during the Christmas market.

Medieval monks were well known for their gourmet palate...

 
Saint Nicholas visits the Christmas market in Selestat near Riquewihr
 
Winter pictures and atmosphere

Winter is the season of traditional Alsace. Mid November, January and February offer plenty of discoveries for those who know how to look and approach closer. Riquewihr is your base for exploring the vineyard and the mountains of Vosges and Alsace!
In the aftermath of the Epiphany, the Feast of the Magi, 6 January, when the celebrations of Christmas fade in our memories, when the lanterns have been removed and the new year has begun its march towards Easter, then another Alsace unfolds. Some find it more authentic, far from the tumult of the crowds of the beautiful days.

In Winter, the winemaker has got more time for you to let you taste the wonderful wines of his cellar and introduce you to the mysteries of the wine from Alsace. The restaurants, inns and taverns that are open in winter are those frequented by Alsatians themselves, a guarantee of quality and authenticity. In winter, the treasures of medieval architecture, the picturesque streets of Riquewihr, the crown jewels of the museums in Colmar belong to those who know how to choose a different approach for their stay in Alsace.
And even if the snow is not present every year in Riquewihr, those who want to take a walk in snowshoes or cross-country skiing should find their happiness with a day out a little higher in the Vosges, a half an hour's drive barely (station du Lac Blanc). Finally, do not be worried by any wintry road conditions: of course caution on the road is always up, but in Alsace and in the Vosges, snow is not an unknown phenomenon and there is appropriate equipment available (and know how) to quickly clean the roads in case of snowfall ...

 
Vineyards of the Alsace grand cru Schoenenburg overlooking Riquewihr
Snow is not present every year but when it is, it gives a very special atmosphere to the village of Riquewihr and to the Vosges mountains.

Vineyards of the Alsace grand cru Schoenenburg overlooking Riquewihr

Snow is not present every year but when it is, it gives a very special atmosphere to the village of Riquewihr and to the Vosges mountains.

 
Book your accommodation for the Christmas markets 2013 in Alsace as soon as possible!
In 2013, most of the Christmas markets are already starting end of November.

Our gites in one glimpse, sorted by size and level of comfort.

From the studio to the large luxury apartment: our 15 romantic gites in Alsace (14 in the historical city of Riquewihr) provide some of the best self catering accommodation in Alsace. Select yours!

2 studios + 1 duplex apartment in the heart of Riquewihr: low rates, maxi charm
4 luxury gites for 2 people
4 larger apartments for 4 people + 1 apartment for up to 8 people
Charm and comfort at budget rates!
 
For 2 people
 
Romantic Studio, In the ramparts: our smallest place but quite comfortable. For 2 persons.
Sylvaner Studio, Larger Studio in the heart of Riquewihr. For 2 persons.
 
3 up to 5 people
 
Klevner Duplex, Charming duplex apartment in the heart of Riquewihr. For 2 + 1 persons.
Muscat family apartment, Ideal for 2 adults + up to 3 children.
 
In the mountain village of La Vancelle

The Mountain Hiker, in a residential village north of Riquewihr. Calm & nature in a strategic place to visit all of Alsace.

Certainly among the finest gites in Alsace!
 
Luxury for 2 people.

The Sentinel, Absolutely romantic. Airconditioned. For 2 persons.
The Little Wolf, With a small balcony. Airconditioned. For 2 persons.
The Little Bear, comfortable apartment for 2. Street level, ideal for people having problems to walk or with stairs.
The Fox and the Grapes, Stunning views on the famous Schoenenbourg vineyard. Aircon not necessary. For 2 persons.
The White Stork, Stunning views + sunny terrace. Airconditioned. Definitely the best of what we have to offer for 2 persons (couple).

Need space?
 
Comfort for 4-8 people

Riesling apartment, 2 beautiful bedrooms, 1 bathroom. For 4 people.
Marco Polo apartment, our largest place. 3 bedrooms, 2,5 bathrooms. Sleeps up to 6 adults + 2 children.

Luxury for 4-6 people

Dove's Nest house, Absolutely romantic. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Airconditioned. For 4 people maximum.
Alsatian Hart apartment, Stunning views, balcony. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one with walk in shower, the other with jacuzzi). Airconditioned. For 4 people maximum.
The Lucky Dragon, spacious gite spreading over 3 levels. Independant entrance from the garden. Terrace. 4+2 people.

 
Les Remparts de Riquewihr****
15 Gîtes d'exception en Alsace - 15 Elegant vacation rentals in Alsace - 15 Traum Ferienwohnungen im Elsass

9 Rue des Cordiers 68340 RIQUEWIHR, Alsace - France
Tel : +33 608033752 - Fax : - - -