Top 9 most beautiful monuments in Alsace-Lorraine2026 ranking

Calling all fans of Gothic architecture! The Strasbourg Cathedral is an absolute must-see. I was struck by the richness of the details on the facade and the unusual color of its stones. Definitely do not hesitate to visit the inside too! The stained glass windows are magnificent, the astronomical clock is a sight to see, and for those who take on the climb of nearly 300 steps, the view over the city will not disappoint!

I visited this castle from Strasbourg. Without a car, plan on a good hour for the trip with a transfer at the Sélestat train station. In my opinion, it is a half-day excursion that you should not miss. This magnificent perched castle offers a superb view and really immersed me in the medieval world. I loved the armor and the furniture. Do not miss the famous sculpture of the Graoully, a mythical dragon, hanging in the Lorraine room. The gift shop is also very nice for finding pretty souvenirs.

Murbach Abbey is out in the middle of nature, in the village of the same name. Even though the choir and the transept, the only parts that survived, are in perfect condition, it is hard to imagine that a prestigious Romanesque abbey church used to stand here. Peace and quiet rule here. Once you finish visiting the abbey, I recommend checking out the village and then heading up via the Stations of the Cross to the Notre-Dame de Lorette chapel that overlooks the abbey. The view is just incredible. Sometimes, we continue our walk along the trail that winds through the forest to head back down to the road that leads to Murbach. If you feel like it, go for it. You have already done the hardest part by hiking up to the chapel ;-). You will see how the silence, broken only by the sound of birds singing, is so pleasant and refreshing. As you can tell, we love coming here whenever we are in Alsace.

Whenever we come to Alsace, we rent a cottage in Wuenheim. Wuenheim is at the foot of Vieil-Armand. At nightfall, we can see the illuminated cross of Vieil-Armand from the garden. Even though my daughter and her Alsatian friends take the place for a real playground where it is easy to play hide and seek, the Hartmannswillerkopf owes its fame to the intense fighting that took place there during the First World War, especially in 1915. Various educational hikes are available, some of them athletic because we are at the top of a mountain that peaks at 957 meters. Some shelters are still open, and it is possible to walk through the trenches. A major site of remembrance for the First World War. A small glass of white wine on the Vieil-Armand site is often a must after the visit to recover a bit from your emotions, because thanks to the various information panels, it is easy to imagine the rage of the conflicts that took place here. I sometimes like to do this visit alone.

Mont Sainte-Odile is above all a Vosges mountain that reaches an altitude of 764 meters. You will find the Hohenbourg Abbey there, a convent founded by Saint Odile, the patron saint of the Alsatians. It can be crowded at times, but the visit remains pleasant and relatively quiet. What I like most when I go to this site is the remarkable view of the Alsace plain and the many archaeological and religious points of interest to discover via paths in the forest surrounding the abbey, some of which are quite a workout, like the hike along the Pagan Wall.

The Kaysersberg castle is a must-see, it overlooks the town. Behind the town hall, a path allows the more courageous to reach it, either directly or by going through the vineyard. This castle is in very good condition and offers a remarkable view of the city and the Kaysersberg valley. Reaching the top of the keep is possible via a spiral staircase where it is sometimes difficult to pass one another. Access to the castle and the keep is free.

The Vauban Dam is a real architectural feat and a must-see when you are visiting the Petite France neighborhood in Strasbourg. There is an indoor walkway (free) that lets you cross the building from one bank of the Ill to the other. Drawbridges, statues from the Strasbourg Cathedral, and gargoyles are all on display throughout the walkway. When access is open (also free), I love going up to the panoramic terrace to take in this beautiful part of Strasbourg. At night, the Vauban Dam is beautifully lit up.

This cathedral, dressed in pink, is immense and very beautiful. I love spending some time admiring this sublime facade with its countless figures. You could easily spend hours here. The interior is just as impressive. Taking photos of the many stained glass windows on a sunny day is very enjoyable. I was lucky enough once to hear the organ play, and it was spellbinding. The astronomical clock is a must-see inside the cathedral. The most courageous can climb the 330 steps that lead to the cathedral platform, and the view over Strasbourg is splendid on a clear day. The only negative point for me, as is often the case in touristy places of worship, is the noise visitors make, sometimes forgetti…

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The facade of the Strasbourg Cathedral is stunning, with really fine details. You could spend hours looking at it, but it would be a shame to miss the inside. The stained glass windows and the astronomical clock are also absolute must-sees. The square where the building is located is also very pretty.

While passing through Ribeauvillé, a friend and I had the guts to hike up to the Saint-Ulrich Fortress ruins. Having good shoes is essential to get there, as is being in good physical shape. But the reward is worth it. The ruins are well maintained, and the view over the plain is exceptional. Further on, the ruins of two other castles can keep brave visitors busy. We didn't have enough time, so that will definitely be for next time, though we will be better equipped.