Between the crest of the Vosges mountains and the Alsace Valley, the mediaeval city of Riquewihr is located in the middle of the well-known Alsacian vineyard. Walking through this magnificient citadel, classified amongst the « Most beautiful villages of France », one is surprised to find such a wealth of archaeology and architecture.
With the unique harmony of its beautiful old buildings, with the charm of the rolling hills surrounding it, with its mild climate helping to produce the best wines in all of Alsace, Riquewihr well deserves to be called the “Pearl of Alsace”.
Starting at the bottom of the city with the Town-hall built in 1808 and going up to the « Dolder » former belfry built in 1291, you will walk through centuries of history, visiting the former « Castle of Würtemberg » built by the Duke in the 16th century, hosting nowadays the postal museum or else « the Thieves’ Tower » the former prison of the town. Going through the main street or by strolling through the narrow side streets you will discover a variety of very old houses with timbering for the most entirely restored. You will be surprised by the number of centuries’ old portals, the beautiful carved woodworks or else the historical stones. By walking along the well preserved ramparts all around the mediaeval city, you will inevitabely reach the « Maisons des Balcons ».
