Alsace: Our Top Picks for a Romantic Weekend Getaway

Friday

5:00 p.m. — Settling in at Le Chambard

Located in the ultra-Instagrammable village of Kaysersberg—ranked among the most beautiful in France—and set in a setting that couldn’t be more romantic, Le Chambard hotel took advantage of the forced hiatus in 2020 to get a makeover. This 5-star hotel, run by the Nasti family, now features 33 rooms and 6 suites decorated in light, warm tones, with an emphasis on natural materials. Each has been designed as a refined retreat, where the view of the surrounding hillsides and vineyards invites you to unwind. A jewel in the Relais & Châteaux collection, the hotel is the ideal destination for a romantic weekend in Alsace. Another notable feature is Le Chambard’s superb spa, complete with a heated indoor pool, hammam, sauna, jacuzzi, and herbal tea lounge. A subtle blend of luxury and authenticity, this establishment reflects the care that Patricia and Olivier Nasti take in pampering their guests, both in terms of hospitality and dining.

Olivier Nasti’s cuisine alone is a good reason to make the trip: with two Michelin stars to his credit, the chef—who is also a Meilleur Ouvrier de France—creates bold, meticulously crafted dishes using the finest ingredients from Alsace. “Lightly smoked ‘au vert’ and glazed Rhine eel",“whipped goose foie gras” and “venison from our forests with prestige oscietra caviar” are powerful examples of contemporary regional cuisine taken to new heights. Olivier Nasti embodies great virtuosity, constant exploration, and culinary innovation in the service of flavor. Look no further for the highlight of your romantic weekend—it’s at Olivier Nasti’s restaurant!

Le Chambard - Hotel, Restaurant & Spa
33 rooms, starting at €265 per night.
9-13 Rue du Général de Gaulle, 68240 Kaysersberg
Le Chambard website - Hotel, Restaurant & Spa.

The alternative? 

Spend a night at the Barrière Ribeauvillé Resort

Nestled between the Alsace plain and the blue ridge of the Vosges Mountains, just twenty minutes from Colmar, the Barrière Ribeauvillé Resort showcases its contemporary architecture amid a landscape of vineyards and medieval castles. Designed by architect Dan Munteanu, this 4-star hotel stands out as one of the Barrière Group’s crown jewels in the Grand Est region. Set on a 12-hectare estate, the building’s clean lines let in natural light and open up to the surrounding countryside. The serene lobby sets the tone for a peaceful stay. The 56 rooms and suites—spacious, bright, and mostly featuring a balcony or terrace—blend raw wood, mosaics, and panoramic views of the vineyards in a warm, contemporary atmosphere. Here, every detail matters, from the comfort of the bedding to the serenity of the views of the hills. In the evening, the resort’s brasserie and Le Belvédère restaurant celebrate local ingredients in well-balanced dishes, under the guidance of Chef David Meyer.

But it is undoubtedly its immense 3,600 m² spa area that makes the Barrière Ribeauvillé Resort a truly unique destination. Three pools—the Lac des Sens, the Lac du Silence, and the Lac des Cratères—invite guests to an extraordinary aquatic experience: geysers, massage jets, underwater music, chromotherapy, and outdoor hot tubs heated to 34°C. Add a Finnish sauna, a hammam, a relaxation room, or a spa treatment, and your stay takes on the feel of an enchanted escape. To top it all off, there’s a 1,000-square-meter casino to keep the excitement going late into the night.

While the Barrière Ribeauvillé is a celebration of well-being, it is also a celebration of sustainability. The resort runs on biogas, reducing its energy consumption by 60%. Ten beehives have been installed on the grounds: their honey, served at breakfast, perfectly symbolizes the resort’s philosophy—local, natural, and authentic. The electric bikes provided encourage slow tourism through the flower-filled villages and vineyards of the Alsace Wine Route. This commitment to sustainability complements a comprehensive hotel experience: hydrotherapy, a spa, fine dining, a casino, and a serene atmosphere nestled between vineyards and mountains. 

Barrière Ribeauvillé Resort
56 rooms starting at 205 euros per night
Route départementale 106, 68150 Ribeauvillé

5:30 p.m. – A romantic stroll through the village of Kaysersberg to the castle

Spend the late afternoon wandering through Kaysersberg’s quaint narrow streets, lined with half-timbered houses, historic stone buildings, vineyards, and traditional shops—for an infinitely romantic stroll. If you’re feeling a little peckish, don’t miss the bakery L’Enfariné, which offers delicious pastries, including the must-try Kougelhopf. Then continue through the vineyards of the Schlossberg grand cru to Kaysersberg Castle, which you’ll see on the hillside to the left of the village. There, just a 20-minute walk away, you can climb to the top of the keep to enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire valley. All that’s left is to stroll back to the village, where a sumptuous dinner awaits you.

8:00 p.m. — A romantic dinner at La Table d’Olivier Nasti

At every Michelin Guide ceremony, it’s hard to understand how Olivier Nasti hasn’t already earned that famous third star—the Holy Grail of all chefs. In harmony with the dining room’s enchanting decor—a tribute to Alsatian nature—Olivier Nasti showcases the local terroir through creative and authentic cuisine. With a new seven-course “expression” menu, the chef presents exquisitely crafted dishes, playing with textures and cooking techniques while making full use of the ingredients. A prime example is the Arctic char cooked in beeswax, one of the restaurant’s “signature” dishes, where the raw fish is coated with beeswax heated to 70 degrees. Cooked by residual heat, this most noble of salmonids is served with a warm vinaigrette made with honey from the chef’s own hives.

Saturday

10 a.m.— Romantic getaway to Ribeauvillé and the Metté Distillery

About fifteen kilometers from the hotel, Ribeauvillé is one of the prettiest stops along the Alsace Wine Route. Stretching out in a long, narrow strip, this quaint village with its colorful facades is overlooked by three medieval castles, all accessible via a hiking trail along the mountainside. Ribeauvillé is also home to the Metté Distillery, whose brandies are renowned throughout France. This distillery combines traditional methods with a meticulous selection of fruits and flowers to produce eaux-de-vie of exceptional finesse, chosen by many renowned chefs, such as Alain Ducasse. Once again, a perfectly romantic setting for the weekend and a gourmet experience not to be missed!

12:00 p.m. – Lunch at the Winstub at Le Chambard

The Winstub, Le Chambard’s second restaurant, embodies the spirit of a traditional Alsatian inn. Checkered tablecloths, large communal tables, and carved chairs set the scene at this establishment, where the chef passionately puts a modern spin on traditional Alsatian dishes. Alsatian-style snails in their shells, goose foie gras or house-made game terrine, trout in matelote sauce or fish sauerkraut, grilled calf’s head, Alsatian-style beackaoffa or royal sauerkraut, warm Munster cheese flambéed with Gewürztraminer… these are just a few examples of classic dishes reimagined with a top chef’s touch, which you can enjoy at the Winstub at Le Chambard.

2:00 p.m. – Take a romantic stroll around Lac Blanc and Lac Noir

To help your meal settle, take the road to Orbey and drive about 20 kilometers to Lac Noir and Lac Blanc. Nestled in the heart of the Vosges Mountains, these forest-surrounded lakes offer the perfect break to unwind and take in breathtaking scenery. You can hike the “Balcons du Lac Blanc” trail on foot (about 2 hours); a free guidebook with a map and route description is available for download at this link. Be sure to bring hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a bottle of water, as well as a fleece or light sweater for the mountains. During the season, many other activities are available, such as mountain biking.

6:00 p.m. — Take a break at the Spa du Chambard

After a nice hike, enjoy the hotel’s superb spa to unwind before dinner. Many treatments are available, some of which use local products, such as the plum body ritual. Give it a try to spice up your romantic weekend in Alsace.

8:00 p.m. — Enjoy Olivier Nasti’s cuisine once again

When you love something, you don’t count the cost! Why not savor Olivier Nasti’s delicious cuisine once again—à la carte or from a different menu this time? Try “L’Histoire,” for example, a four-course gastronomic journey through Alsace. Another special option for a “romantic weekend in Alsace” is to try Le Chambard’s room service for an evening… spent half under the covers!

Sunday

10 a.m. – Take a stroll through Colmar and visit the Unterlinden Museum

Continue your romantic getaway in Alsace with a visit to the enchanting city of Colmar, about 20 minutes away. The wine capital of Alsace, Colmar is crisscrossed by charming canals that wind through its narrow streets. With its traditional houses and flower-adorned facades, the city is the prettiest in the region. In winter, its famous Christmas market offers the chance to sample many local specialties. For a cultural break, head to the Unterlinden Museum, housed in a former convent. There, you’ll explore nearly 7,000 years of art history, from prehistory to the 20th century.

12:30 p.m. – Lunch at Aux Deux Clefs

Head back out on the road for about 30 minutes to sample one of the region’s lesser-known specialties: Ried-style matelote. The restaurant Aux Deux Clefs, in Ebersmunster, has made this its specialty. This traditional Alsatian dish, which is becoming increasingly rare to find, consists of several types of freshwater fish cooked in a white wine sauce and served with noodles. A real treat!

Aux Deux Clefs
23 Rue du Général Leclerc, 67600 Ebersmunster
Website: restaurantauxdeuxclefs.fr

2:00 p.m. — Take a barefoot walk through the Ried and visit Ebersmunster Abbey

While you’re in Ebersmunster, be sure to check out the abbey, a true architectural gem. This 18th-century Baroque church will surprise you with its rich decoration and its monumental organ, a masterpiece by André Silbermann. It will be the architectural highlight of your romantic weekend in Alsace. An ideal place to declare your love…

Next, head out to explore the Ried for a unique barefoot stroll along a marked trail in Muttersholtz (link here), about a ten-minute drive away. This 1.5-km walk, accessible to everyone, offers a sensory experience, along with plenty of information about the region’s flora and fauna. It’s a unique and perfect activity to enjoy as a couple while learning more about this little corner of Alsace!

4:30 p.m. — Have tea at the Jardins de Gaïa

If you still have a little time left, stop by La Maison de Thé des Jardins de Gaïa, a 10-minute drive away, which specializes in organic and fair-trade teas. Tea lovers will be delighted—there’s a generous selection! The lovely shaded terrace lets you sip your drink in a serene and relaxing setting, surrounded by an authentic Japanese garden. Once again, it’s an exotic and eminently romantic spot to wrap up your romantic weekend in Alsace.

Les Jardins de Gaïa
6 Rue de l'Écluse, 67820 Wittisheim
Les Jardins de Gaïa website.