Highlights
Alsace Essentielle is all about the seasons!
In the spring
Renaissance, traditions & the first rays of sunshine
In Alsace, we makeOsterputza major spring clean-up that allows us to enter the summer months with a lighter spirit. The villages also celebrate the arrival of spring by adorning themselves with colorful, cheerful decorations, which accompany the Easter and spring markets. These markets are an opportunity to unearth pretty objects and enjoy the first sunny days of the year as you stroll through the streets of our villages.
Once the sun has set, the Colmar region comes alive, as it did in Kaysersberg for the Role Play Festival in early May! In this life-size game, everyone takes on the role of a character and helps move the story forward. For ages 3 to 103!
Of course, the cows are also enjoying the fine weather.
During the Spring Transhumance, the herds climb to the summits to enjoy the fresh grass on the heights. This event is celebrated in the Marcaire tradition, usually in May.
In summer
Festivals, summits & flavours under the Alsace sky
The geraniums are in bloom and summer is in full swing! Summer is all about music, with the Festival International de Colmar bringing classical music to some of the city’s most emblematic venues. At the Koïfhus, the Théâtre Municipal or under the vaulted ceiling of the Église Saint-Matthieu, music lovers will be able to enjoy the classics of classical music.
Summer can also be spent outdoors, climbing mountain passes by bike on the Col’Attitude event: the road is reserved for cyclists, so everyone can climb at their own pace! Whether at Petit Ballon or Lac Blanc, the scenery will blow your mind.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Fête de la tarte aux myrtilles in Metzeral, in mid-August, will awaken your taste buds. The star of the day is this must-have dessert of the Marcaire meal! This little red fruit is featured in the drinks and dishes offered at this not-to-be-missed event in the valley.
To round off the summer in style, Ribeauvillé’s associations pull out all the stops for the Fête des Ménétriers, or Pfifferdaj in Alsatian, on the first Sunday in September. The floats parade through the town with some 1,500 costumed extras. It’s the oldest festival in Alsace!
In autumn
Golden harvest & heritage treasures
When the Alsatian vineyards turn golden, the winemakers are busy harvesting the precious grapes. Enjoy an unforgettable experience on the Alsace Wine Route as you spend a day with them during the harvest, discovering their craft and know-how!
Heritage enthusiasts will be delighted on the third weekend of September, when the European Heritage Days open their doors to visitors to hidden sites such as the Vogelgrun hydroelectric power station.
In winter
Lights, legends & white enchantment
In Alsace, the arrival of winter is synonymous with enchantment: the villages come alive and light up for the Christmas markets! Whether they’re rooted in the past, as in Neuf-Brisach, in an imaginary world, as in Turckheim, or in Alsatian tradition, they’re sure to fill you with wonder.
To contrast with the dreariness we sometimes experience in winter, we’ve come up with a colorful solution: carnival, or Fasnacht in dialect. Traditionally, carnival festivities mark the transition from late winter to early spring, and are accompanied by cavalcades with themed floats and bands.
When the snow starts to fall, our mid-mountain resorts become a veritable white paradise! Ski slopes, tobogganing, snowshoeing… winter landscapes will surprise you with the delicacy of this white gold.