What to do in Alsace in Autumn? 9 Things to Do Around Colmar and Eguisheim in Fall
Alsace is worth visiting in every season. In this charming region, autumn is a magical time when you can still enjoy plenty of sunny days. The vineyards turn golden, the forests take on shades of red and ochre, the air becomes crisp… and you can explore the region at your own pace, without the crowds of tourists who tend to visit in summer. Colmar and its surroundings are full of activities to help you make the most of the lingering fine weather or enjoy the cooler days.
Whether you enjoy sports, food and cultural experiences, or simply relaxing, here are 9 ideas for things to do around Colmar and Eguisheim in autumn.
1. Explore the Alsace vineyards by gravel bike in autumn
Autumn is undoubtedly the best season for cycling in Alsace. The Alsace vineyards transform into a landscape of beautiful warm colours, while temperatures are milder after a scorching summer. Cycling along the Alsace Wine Route becomes a real pleasure. From Colmar, hop on a gravel bike and set off on an adventure between Rouffach, Eguisheim and Turckheim.
The vineyard and forest trails provide the perfect playground for fans of mixed-terrain cycling. With a gravel bike, you can easily switch from roads to trails, climb up to the Three Castles or Hohlandsbourg Castle for a more challenging ride, and then descend through the vineyards bathed in sunlight.
Cycling trips can be enjoyed alone, as a couple, with family or, why not, as a group with your colleagues during a corporate cycling outing, for example.
Rent your bike from Alsace Gravel Bike, adjust your helmet, and set off to explore the autumn colours at your own pace.
Check out our guide to Alsace by bike to make the most of your cycling adventures in the region.
2. Go hiking in the Vosges forests
The Vosges Mountains are just a short distance from Colmar, and autumn reveals all their beauty. The trails in the Munster Valley, around Lac Blanc and Petit Ballon are between 45 minutes and one hour by car from Colmar and are perfect for hiking. Whether you want to set off for a full day or just a half-day, you are sure to find a trail you will enjoy among the hundreds of options near Colmar and Eguisheim.
You don't have to go far to enjoy beautiful walks. Above Eguisheim, park at the Three Castles, then take the Squirrel Trail (6.4 km round trip) to Hohlandsbourg Castle. Just 15–20 minutes by car from Colmar, you can also hike around Notre-Dame du Schauenberg in Pfaffenheim or the Marbach Abbey in Obermorschwihr.
At this time of year, the views are spectacular and the trails are less busy. Feeling hungry? Stop for a bite to eat at a ferme-auberge or in one of the villages along the Alsace wine route. This is an ideal autumn activity to recharge your batteries.
3. Try your hand at golf at Golf Links Alsace in Rouffach
Looking for an outdoor sport without necessarily working up a sweat? Head to Golf Links Alsace in Rouffach, around 15 kilometres from Colmar. The setting is idyllic: located on the Alsace plain, the 18-hole course offers spectacular views over the Alsace vineyards, the Vosges Mountains and the castles. It is the perfect place to practise your swing or get introduced to the sport for free during a two-hour session with a professional (Tous au golf: check with the local tourist office or on the golf course's website).
Whether you're an experienced golfer or simply curious to give it a try, the practice range is open to everyone. You can learn the basics, improve your swing or simply enjoy a peaceful moment surrounded by nature and the beautiful colours of autumn.
4. Take a food tour in Eguisheim with Alsace Food Tours
Looking for an original activity to enjoy in Alsace in autumn? If this is your first stay in the region, why not start with a food tour to discover Alsatian cuisine? That's exactly what Alsace Food Tours offers.
In a small group and accompanied by a guide, you'll stroll through the charming cobbled streets of Eguisheim, one of the most beautiful villages in France, while tasting iconic Alsatian dishes at several food stops. Historical and culinary anecdotes punctuate this tour of more than three hours, making for a friendly and delicious experience. A lovely way to enjoy an autumn day in Alsace!
5. Things to do in Colmar in autumn when it rains: visit Colmar's museums
When the weather turns wet in autumn, Colmar has plenty of cultural attractions where you can take shelter. Depending on your interests, here are several museums worth visiting:
The Unterlinden Museum, housed in a former convent, is home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of 16th-century art. Alongside this treasure, the museum features an impressive collection of ancient and modern art, from Picasso to Dubuffet.
The Bartholdi Museum is located in the birthplace of Auguste Bartholdi. Here, you can admire sculptures, paintings, drawings and photographs showcasing the work of the renowned sculptor. You can also learn how Auguste Bartholdi created the Lion of Belfort and the famous Statue of Liberty.
The Toy Museum Musée du Jouet is perfect for a family outing. Discover toys from yesterday and today, from model trains to Playmobil, in a warm and nostalgic atmosphere.
Choco-Story, the chocolate museum, is sure to delight anyone with a sweet tooth. Immerse yourself in an interactive, fun and immersive experience and become a cocoa expert. Tastings, encounters and workshops are on the programme for both children and adults.
These museums offer a lovely cultural escape on rainy autumn days in Alsace.
6. Get your adrenaline pumping with indoor climbing
On rainy days, there's nothing like an indoor sporting activity to let off some steam. North of Colmar, Les Frères Mawem climbing centre offers climbing facilities for all levels: a bouldering room, a lead climbing room, a training zone, two speed-climbing walls and a relaxation area. The centre also offers courses during school holidays for everyone aged 6 and over.
Climbing is a complete sport that develops strength, concentration and balance. What's more, the atmosphere is friendly: you climb, exchange tips, laugh… and completely forget about the grey weather outside. An ideal sport to enjoy in autumn and winter.
7. Have fun with colleagues or friends playing badminton
Climbing is not your thing? If you're looking for a more accessible indoor sporting activity, head to SPORT N DOOR to play padel, badminton, squash, 5-a-side football and jorkyball (2-on-2 indoor football). With family, friends or colleagues, these indoor sports are perfect for autumn, accessible to everyone and a great way to get active while having fun. And after all that exercise, why not reward yourselves by sharing a delicious Alsatian meal at a local restaurant?
8. Discover autumn markets and wine cellars
In Alsace, the grape harvest generally takes place between late August and late September. This is followed by new wine festivals, such as the one in Eguisheim (the last weekend of September and the first weekend of October), as well as autumn markets and fairs, Halloween celebrations and more. In short, there is always an event to attend when visiting Colmar and the surrounding area in autumn.
Enjoy a stroll through the nearby villages – Eguisheim, Gueberschwihr, Rouffach and Turckheim – to visit a wine cellar, taste a Crémant or Pinot Gris, and discover local products such as honey, mountain cheeses, jams and Alsatian cured meats.
Some wineries even organise food walks, perfect for combining culture, food and sharing. You can even spend a day as a grape harvester during les vendanges and discover what the job is really like.
9. Relax and unwind after an active day
After a day of hiking, gravel biking or sightseeing, it's time to recover! If you'd like to be pampered, several wellness centres around Colmar offer hammams, spas and massages. These include Esquisse Hôtel et Spa in Colmar, which offers a range of Day Spa packages; Hôtel Spa Husseren Collections in Husseren-les-Châteaux; and the Balnéo wellness area at Resort Barrière Ribeauvillé. You can relax in an elegant setting surrounded by forests and vineyards.
There's nothing like a little cocooning time to round off a busy autumn day.
Autumn: one of the best seasons to enjoy Alsace
With its vibrant nature, warm atmosphere and slower pace, autumn in Alsace is sure to charm you. Whether you're sporty or prefer a more leisurely pace, a wine lover or a history and heritage enthusiast, you'll find an activity to suit you.
If you want to experience this season close to nature, gravel biking is an excellent way to explore Alsace. At Alsace Gravel Bike, we offer quality gravel bikes in sizes from XS to XL, routes suited to your level and advice to help you make the most of the region's most beautiful roads and trails.
So, are you ready to discover Alsace in autumn?
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