Colmar ★★★★★
I. ARRIVAL
BASEL → COLMAR
From the Swiss border to the heart of Alsace
Our journey began at Basel airport, where our driver was waiting for us — punctual, smiling and professional, just as he would be throughout the following days. Stepping into his comfortable car quickly became a small pleasure each time: no worries about transfers, no GPS to check. Just looking out the window.
The drive to Colmar passed gently: the border between Switzerland and France is almost tangible, as the landscape opens onto the vineyards of Alsace and the bell towers of small villages begin to appear among the hills.
After checking into the hotel, we headed straight into the old town — and the impact was overwhelming. La Petite Venise, with its canals, pastel-colored timber-framed houses and Christmas decorations on every window, welcomed us as if we had stepped into a postcard. Craft beers, Alsatian wines, and local specialties from the covered market along the Lauch river made for an unforgettable evening.
✦ Petite Venise ✦ Covered Market on the Lauch ✦ Alsatian wines
II. FAIRYTALES
KAYSERSBERG · RIQUEWIHR
The village of cinnamon and the fairytale town.
Just 15 minutes from Colmar lies Kaysersberg, and even its name evokes something special. Cobblestone streets filled with the scent of cinnamon, mulled wine and spiced biscuits. The Christmas markets here are refined and authentic, far from the crowds of big cities: a Christmas made of soft lights, choral music and a timeless atmosphere. We simply couldn’t resist the stalls.
✦ Riquewihr is nicknamed “the fairytale village” — it is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Walking through it, we truly believed it.
In the afternoon, our driver took us to Riquewihr, one of the most enchanting gem villages in all of Alsace. Narrow streets, bubbling fountains, medieval towers, patisseries glowing through their windows, and markets that feel like they belong in a storybook.
✦ Authentic Kaysersberg market ✦ Artisanal mulled wine ✦ Medieval Riquewihr
III. FAIRYTALES
EGUISHEIM · RIBEAUVILLÉ · STRASBOURG
The circular village and the Capital of Christmas
Eguisheim is truly unique: its timber-framed houses form a concentric pattern around the main square, as if the entire village had been drawn with a compass. Walking along the Wine Route with children, surrounded by such an intimate Christmas atmosphere, was one of the most magical moments of the trip.
In the afternoon we stopped in Ribeauvillé, where the medieval Christmas market was simply unmissable — mulled wine and local products along the way, with the old town coming alive at sunset.
Then came the grand surprise: Strasbourg, the “Capital of Christmas.” Elegant and cultural, with one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe. The majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral — with its Gothic astronomical clock — and the Petite France district, with its canals and timber-framed houses reflected in the water, left us speechless.
✦ Eguisheim — circular village ✦ Strasbourg Capital of Christmas ✦ Notre-Dame Cathedral ✦ Petite France
IV. Farewell
BASEL
Chocolate, the Rhine and a warm goodbye.
The final day was dedicated to Basel — and once again, our Stylist had thought of everything: luggage stored in a strategically booked location the day before allowed us to explore freely and lightly for hours.
We wandered through the old town, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved in Europe, walked along the Rhine and enjoyed Swiss chocolate as it should be. The city has a quiet refinement that reveals itself slowly.
In the early afternoon, our driver took us to the airport. We thanked him warmly — the way you thank someone who, in just a few days, has become part of the journey itself.
✦ Basel Old Town ✦ Walk along the Rhine ✦ Swiss chocolate
★★★★★ (Irene, Biagio e la Principessina Noemi.)
A worry-free journey. Exactly what we needed.
Travelling with a three-year-old child is never simple. And yet this trip flowed smoothly and peacefully from start to finish — and it was no coincidence. It was the result of impeccable organization, a Stylist attentive to every detail, and a reliable driver always present at the right moment.
Alsace at Christmas is breathtaking. Its villages seem to come out of an illustrated book, its markets are filled with the scent of spices and tradition, and its cuisine warms the soul. But a journey like this — seamless, rich, free of unexpected issues — is built with care. And that care was truly felt.
We will be in touch soon for our next journey together.
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