When planning a family vacation to France, most families think of iconic destinations like Paris or the French Riviera. However, one of the most family-friendly regions in France is Alsace. Located in northeastern France, the Grand Est region, which now encompasses the former areas of Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine, offers a unique blend of French and German culture. With its picturesque towns, rich history, and delicious cuisine, Alsace is an ideal destination for families. Our family has explored several charming towns in this region, and we can’t recommend it enough for a family-friendly European vacation.

Planning Your Trip to Alsace

When traveling in France, reliable travel information can enhance your experience. I’ve been using Rick Steves’ travel guides for over 15 years, and they’ve been invaluable in helping us navigate European destinations. For this trip, I used the Rick Steves France Travel Guide, which helped us find the best sights and hidden gems in Alsace. I highly recommend his latest France guide to help you plan your family trip.

Strasbourg: A Family-Friendly City with Stunning Views

Strasbourg, the largest city in Alsace, offers an incredible combination of family-friendly attractions and rich history. The city’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring colorful half-timbered houses that transport you to a fairytale setting. Families can easily explore Strasbourg on foot or by using the efficient tram system. The city itself can be accessed via rail and car, and we have traveled here via both modes of transportation. Strasbourg, with its many rail connections, also makes for a great centralized location to stay when exploring this area of France.

Family-Friendly Vacation Rental in Strasbourg: Convenient and Comfortable Stay Near Old Town

During our family trip to Strasbourg, we stayed in a wonderful vacation rental apartment that was ideally located for exploring the city. Just a 5-minute walk to Strasbourg’s Old Town and a 20-minute stroll to the picturesque Petite France district, it offered the perfect base for our adventures. The apartment features:

• Three bedrooms which was spacious enough to comfortably accommodate our family
• A fully equipped kitchen – ideal for preparing meals during our stay
• A parking spot, which is a rare and valuable find in this central area of Strasbourg

The property owner was incredibly welcoming and accommodating, especially when it came to our kids, making our stay even more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a family-friendly rental in Strasbourg that combines comfort, convenience, and excellent service, this is the perfect choice. Click here for pictures and details on the property’s VRBO listing.

Must-See Sights and TOURs

The iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral dominates the city’s skyline with its stunning Gothic architecture. It is unique in its appearance as it only has 1 bell tower but appears to have been built to house two of them. Our kids really enjoyed the famous astronomical clock, which puts on a show every day at noon. This is where you can see a procession of the apostles and other figurines around the outside of the clock. I recommend to arrive early to avoid crowds and catch the clock in action.

I recommend to also check out the nearby Tourist Office. While we were visiting they had a city-centre discovery-trail quiz for kids (free of charge) which helped to engage our children in our sightseeing and learn more about the history of the city.

Petite France District: This charming area, with its picturesque canals and medieval buildings, is perfect for a stroll. It’s also home to Barrage Vauban, where families can climb to the top for panoramic views of Strasbourg.

There are also plenty of playgrounds, such as the Aire de Jeux Louise Weiss and Square des Moulins, where kids can burn off some energy.

Fun Tours: While perusing the old town, you can also check out the Petite Train Strasbourg which offers two different tours. The 40-45 minutes guided tours consist of visiting either the Petite France area or traveling from the Grande Île to the Neustadt district. This is a fun way to experience the sights of the city while also gaining insight into its history.

We opted to enjoy a boat tour with Batorama. On the 45 minute Strasbourg Grande Île guided tour, we were able to view the sights of the city from the water which provided us with a unique perspective. The tour was the perfect length to keep our kids engaged and it was a nice break from the crowds near the city center.

Local Cuisine not to miss

Don’t miss trying Alsatian specialties like Bretzels (pretzels) and tarte flambée (a French-German version of pizza). You can enjoy these dishes at local cafes. We couldn’t resist eating at the La Cigogne creperie as it had amazing views of the cathedral. In the area, there are also many cafes/shops to stop and take an afternoon break for a much deserved glass of Alsatian white wine or an ice cream cone.

Colmar: A Fairytale Town

Colmar, often described as a “fairytale town,” is one of the most charming places in Alsace. The picturesque streets are filled with colorful houses and canals, making it perfect for family photos and strolls. Colmar is easily accessible by car or train and can be undertaken as a day trip while staying in Strasbourg.

Must-See Sights and Museums

• Petite Venise: This “Little Venice” district is a must-see. Wander along the Lauch River, explore the half-timbered houses, and take in the scenic views. Other sights to visit include the Marche Couvert Colmar, which is a covered market that sells a wide variety of local produce, cheeses and meats.
• Family-Friendly Museums: Don’t miss the Musée du Jouet (Toy Museum), featuring toys from the 19th century to today. It’s a fun stop for kids and offers special pricing for families. Other museums in Colmar include the Museum of Natural History and Ethnography, where your family can see fossils of prehistoric animals, and the Unterlinden Museum, featuring Alsatian and international artworks dating from ancient to modern times. This museum has free admission for kids under 12.
• Playgrounds and Picnics: After exploring Colmar, enjoy a picnic by the river or visit the Aire de Jeux playground on Rue de la Montagne Verte for some family downtime.
• Alsatian Markets: Colmar is famous for its Christmas markets, most of which run from the end of November to the end of December. There are a handful of these markets spread throughout in town, including in the Place Jeanne D’Arc, Place des Dominicains and Place de l’Ancienne Douane. There is even a Children’s Market in Petite Venise which especially fun for little ones.

Kaysersberg: A Hidden Gem

Located just northwest of Colmar, Kaysersberg is a hidden gem perfect for a family stop. This small town is known for its half-timbered houses, beautiful vineyards, and historic castle ruins. Our family has made this town a stop on our way from Luxembourg down to Switzerland as it was a nice halfway point to get out and stretch our legs. The town is easiest to access by car but can also be reached via bus. If you are driving, there is a large parking lot that is centrally located in the city, placing you right near the historic center.

Must-See Sights

Exploring the Old Town: Kaysersberg is a delightful town to walk around for a few hours. The Weiss River runs through the heart of the old town which adds to its charm and scenic beauty. Families can explore the main street (Rue du Général de Gaulle), for local souvenirs and to try traditional Alsatian cuisine.

Hiking to Château du Schlossberg: Take a short hike to the Château du Schlossberg, a castle offering stunning views of the town and surrounding vineyards. It’s a fun and educational activity for families with older kids.

Eguisheim: A Storybook Village

Another Alsatian village worth visiting is Eguisheim, located southwest of Colmar. Known for its circular layout, cobblestone streets, and colorful medieval buildings, this town is a must-see. It can be accessed via car and bus (from Colmar). There is a large parking lot just outside the old town and all the sights are within walking distance.

Charming Streets and Local Goods

The town has a unique storybook-like layout as its winding streets run in a circular fashion around the central Saint-Leon Square and nearby Chapelle Saint-Léon IX.

Make sure to stroll the winding streets to visit local shops selling cheeses, breads, and meats. Eguisheim feels like stepping into a storybook, reminiscent of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast village. Although the roads can be bumpy, it’s a perfect place for a family walk to explore the charming shops and enjoy the village’s peaceful atmosphere.

Conclusion: The Magic of Alsace for Families

The Alsace region of France—with its family-friendly attractions, rich history, and charming towns like Strasbourg, Colmar, Kaysersberg, and Eguisheim—offers an unforgettable experience for families. Whether you’re exploring Strasbourg’s majestic cathedral, cruising through Colmar’s canals, or hiking to Kaysersberg’s castle ruins, there’s no shortage of adventure and beauty in this part of France.

Start planning your family-friendly Alsace trip today and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Have you visited the Alsace area of France before? If so, what are your favorite towns to visit there? Let me know in the comments below!