As I write this post, France and Belgium are now confined to limit the pandemic spread. Spring is starting to appear and we are millions told to respect this compulsory confinement. It may be a sacrifice to my family but it is crucial not to make the country’s health situation even worse. Having said this, nothing is keeping us from travelling from our living-room… while staying safe at home. That’s why I propose to do with this selection of 50 photos of Spring in Alsace, hoping that they will cheer you up!
If this is the case, I invite you to leave a little comment at the bottom of the article… as always I’m happy to read from you! Until then take care and stay safe at home!
My most beautiful photos of Spring in Alsace
This little photographic journey across Alsace is not exhaustive. A big destination missing is Strasbourg. Although I visited the capital of Alsace on many occasions, I never thought bringing my camera with me… In fact, back then I was not into blogging and did not see the point of shooting Strasbourg in the spring… This is on my to-do-list but I’ll have to wait until Spring 2021 to make it happen! ?
>> Discover the region of Alsace on the blog!
Spring in the Alsace Wine Route
The Alsace Wine Route is arguably the most scenic route in all France. It is 170 kms long and crosses 73 villages and towns from Marlenheim (North) to Thann (South).
The touristic route was created in 1953 and criss-crosses the vineyards of Alsace with amazing views on the Rhine Plain and the Black Forest mountains in Germany.
I love driving on the route while discovering charming villages nestled at the foot of the Vosges. Often, a ruined castle dominates the village with a cluster of half-timbered houses.
The following villages will give you an idea of the Spring atmosphere you could find there.
>> Read my article on the Alsace Wine Route
Spring in Kaysersberg
It’s no secret that I’m very fond of Kaysersberg. This typical Alsatian village is one of my favourite places in the region. In 2012 we organised a French intensive course there from our French centre in Sydney, Australia. For two weeks we welcomed around 20 participants from Australia, the UK and the US.
Since then, this place has become something like a pilgrimage site for me. Each time I come to the region of Colmar, I make sure to stop in Kaysersberg.
In the Spring, Kaysersberg is beautifully decorated for Easter. Unfortunately it is highly unlikely that we’ll get to admire the little medieval town this year… for sure we’ll wait until Spring 2021!
Here’s a view to the castle of Kaysersberg:
>> Find out more about Kaysersberg
Spring in Hunawihr
Hunawihr is listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages. It is famous for its picture-postcard view: a fortified church dominates the vineyards.
This is indeed a beautiful setting that I really enjoyed to capture a few springs ago…
>> Discover Hunawihr and its fortified church
Spring in Bergheim
What I like in Bergheim is that it is not a major touristy hotspot like the nearby villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé. It makes the discovery of the fortified village very enjoyable.
Bergheim is worth a visit, if only for walking along the medieval wall.
This is a real flowery village typical of Alsace.
And if the sun is there, the half-timbered houses contrast in colour with the deep blue sky.
Spring in Obernai
I love Obernai.
After the festive season of the Christmas market and a long Winter season, the little Alsatian town is reborn every spring. The Easter season is near and Obernai reveals magnificent floral arrangements to its visitors, in particular on place du Marché.
Walk around the medieval walls:
And if you have time, climb to the Mémorial National des Incorporés de Force. The belvedere offers a stunning panorama over Obernai, the plain of Alsace, Mont Sainte-Odile, and the Black Forest mountains in the distance. In good weather conditions you could see the spire of Strasbourg cathedral!
The view of mont Sainte-Odile in spring from the vineyards:
>> Discover the town of Obernai
Spring in Colmar
In all seasons, Colmar is a favourite destination. After the long winter months, the capital of Alsace Wines prepares itself to celebrate springtime with a superb Easter market, which echoes the Christmas market.
Then you are for a treat! Especially if you are fond of half-timbered houses, romantic waters of the Little Venice, floral arrangements…
In the spring, Colmar is a moveable feast!! And if you can make it for Spring 2021, you won’t be disappointed!
Spring in the Sundgau
I’ve lived in the Sundgau for ten years. This is a rural region to the south of Alsace, on the Swiss border. It’s only in the recent years that I thought I should bring my camera and capture the different seasons of the year.
Spring in the countryside of Heidwiller
The following photos were taken while walking in the countryside of a village named Heidwiller.
Spring in Hirtzbach
A few kilometres from Altkirch is the village of Hirtzbach.
There are magnificent trees in full bloom around the village: apple-trees, pear-trees and cherry-trees.
Sometimes it looks a bit like being in Normandy!
Details of an apple-tree in blossom:
Spring in Ferrette
The little town of Ferrette is set in the foothills of the Jura mountains. This area is called Jura alsacien (Alsatian Jura). Ferrette is a historical town dominated by the ruins of two medieval castles.
One should always takes his or her umbrella. A rainfall can happen at any time!
A little climb up to the castle!
The entrance to the castle:
The view from the castle over the village surrounded by greenery:
>> Discover the Sundgau to the South of Alsace
Spring in the Vosges
Finally, here’s a snapshot of springtime in the Vosges mountains.
In the mountain, spring comes much later than in the plain. However, when May comes, the Vosges offer some amazing landscapes with various shades of green. Here’s a few bucolic photos…
The last photo shows the Vosges’ highest peak – Grand-Ballon seen from the plain of Alsace:
>> Find out more about the Vosges mountains
Find out more about Spring in Alsace
Read my articles on Alsace :
- discover the historic and cultural region of Alsace
- why you should spend Easter in Alsace!
- top 10 things to see in Alsace
- find out more about Spring in France
- read this post IN FRENCH! ??
And also
- the official site of Visit Alsace
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Pierre, your photos are stunning! I can smell the wonderful flowers and blossoms on the trees. Thank you so much for posting these. Like you, I’m a devoted francophile. My daughter and I spent four unforgettable days this past fall exploring Alsace. We used beautiful Riquewihr as our base and drove north or south every day. I’m taking the liberty of offering the link to the post I wrote, but now I want to return in the spring to experience it as it wakes up from winter! https://www.twoboomersabroad.com/post/a-magical-four-days-on-the-route-des-vins-in-alsace-france
Thank you very much Ellen for your kind comment. I do miss Alsace in the spring (hence the article) and hope to be there as soon as this is over.
Take care and à bientôt !
Merci beaucorp Pierre! thank you so much! Alsace is beautiful in spring. I never had the chance to visit France yet; I was looking forward to visit the French Alps in May but had to cancel due to Covid-19 pandemic. Would you be able to provide pictures of Alsace and other beautiful regions of France in Autumn? Hopefully, Covid-19 is eradicated by then and I am coming! Thank you so much again Pierre!
Merci beaucoup for the feedback! I don’t have a specific post about autumn in Alsace (but that’s an idea!). However I posted a little while ago a post on Autumn in France https://frenchmoments.eu/autumn-in-france/ and there are a few pic taken in Alsace. Have a great day and take care!
KT LIM,
My daughter and I spent a wonderful four days in Alsace last October. You might want to look at this post. https://www.twoboomersabroad.com/post/a-magical-four-days-on-the-route-des-vins-in-alsace-france
Bonjour ♥ ….Im from Sri Lanka and i like these French moments very much… photography is amazing and i enjoyed them well …. Sooo Thank you for sharing these types of things for your spectators …..
And also don’t forget to be careful ….
Au revoir…. ?
You’re very welcome! Have a nice day in Sri Lanka! ?
Merci! En France Decembre – Paris et Monmatre. Alsace – soon. Will need to brush up on French before I go.
Sorry to hear of France and also Spain now affected. We in the US are next. Am warning friends to stay in, however they don’t get it. As a nurse I do.
Stay safe and inside.
The pictures are lovely.
Thank you Kathleen! Yes it’s important for people to stay safe at home, we’ll keep trying to convince as many as possible 🙂
Thank you so much Pierre for you beautiful photographs. Your posts on France are always a welcome addition to my e-mail inbox. You have brought me many pleasant moments and stirred my memories of my own travels in France. I am in Vancouver in Canada and we are now in lockdown mode as well so you contributions are a welcome way to move about in my mind. In the meantime, stay safe. Thanks again for you beautiful and informative posts.
Merci beaucoup ! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the photos – and the newsletter! Have a nice day and keep safe too in beautiful Vancouver! ?
Thank you so much for these wonderful photos of beautiful Alsace. It’s clear that you love this place – and who wouldn’t! The images brightened my day as Australia is about to head into the southern hemisphere winter of Covid-19.
May you and those you love stay well in this difficult time.
Thank you Karen for your kind message… take care in Oz! Eventually we’ll get through this!