Christmas Markets & Great Wines of Alsace:  Discover Alsace at its most magical, as the wine-producing villages at the foothills of the Vosges mountains present their annual Christmas Markets. In a tradition dating back centuries, the best artisans and vendors of the area sell regional handcrafts and goodies of all kinds, from jewelry to specialty foods, wooden toys to fine pottery and much more.  The weather is crisp and there's often a light dusting of snow, just enough to powder the slanted rooftops of the colorful, half-timbered houses and make your stop for a delicious hot spiced wine a welcome break. You'll find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your Christmas list while also indulging in fabulous dining, enjoying tastings at the best wineries of Alsace, and exploring the rich historical and cultural heritage of this fascinating region.

We've been scouting locations in Alsace for years, and we've found the most beautiful villages with the loveliest Christmas Markets for you.  Step back in time as you wander through winding village streets lined with perfectly-restored 15th-century homes, beautifully and authentically decorated for the season.  At Ribeauvillé, townspeople and vendors dress in period costume and re-enact life in medieval times for the wonderful Marché Medieval.  A boar is roasted on an outdoor spit, troubadours entertain, and even the King and Queen and their court make an appearance. Ardent shoppers can join us for an optional trip to the Beauvillé factory outlet store where you can find some of France's most elegant table linens at unbeatable prices. The most amazing and elegant Christmas decoration store in all of Europe is one of the highlights of the Riquewihr Market (you have to see it to believe it - a destination in itself for some folks).  You'll also visit Colmar, which enchants visitors not only with its extensive Christmas Markets, but also with its fairytale-like "Little Venice" where you'll enjoy a guided walking tour.

Our small group of merry-makers will be based in one of the most charming villages, Kaysersberg, surrounded by vineyards.  Your hotel, Le Chambard (located in the center of the village), combines local character with elegant modernity and has a wonderful Michelin 1-star-rated restaurant.  Why not also indulge in a memorable lunch at 2-star Au Crocodile in Strasbourg, one of France's most exciting and innovative restaurants.  Along the way, you'll visit some of the greatest wine producers of Alsace, like Domaines Deiss, Weinbach and Ostertag.  If you love red wines, you can taste the delicate, perfumed Pinot Noir's of Alsace, as well as other great red wines of France at meals.  Include a fun cooking class with a well-known Alsatian chef and a visit to the spectacular 12th century Castle of Haut Koenigsbourg to round out an incredibly memorable time in Alsace.  Return home in time for Christmas with family, or let us arrange for you to spend Christmas afterward in Paris or elsewhere in France.