Open above through Alsace
Alsace is a region perfectly suited for a convertible tour. Gentle vineyards, winding mountain passes in the Vosges, idyllic half-timbered villages, and vibrant cities alternate to offer an unparalleled mix of nature, culture, and driving pleasure. Being on the road in a convertible means experiencing the landscape, the scent of the vines, and the wind in your hair in an intense way – here, you feel every curve, every hill, and every view directly. The tour starts in Haguenau, proceeds through Strasbourg, Obernai, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Colmar, Mulhouse, Gérardmer, and Saarburg, and ends back in Haguenau. It is a circular route that compactly presents the diversity of the region while making every stage an experience.
A circular route full of variety
The route can ideally be divided into three major stages. Each stage represents a specific section of Alsace, combining landscape, culture, and driving pleasure. From the northern plains with Strasbourg through the famous wine route to the Vosges in the south, you will experience every facet of the region on the convertible tour. Being on the road in a convertible or roadster means not just driving but truly feeling the places, landscapes, and panoramas around you. Every curve, every viewpoint, and every stop contribute to making this tour a real convertible road trip.
First stage: Haguenau through Strasbourg to Obernai
The starting point of the tour is in Haguenau, a charming small town with a historic marketplace, half-timbered houses, and a lively town center. The city is an ideal starting point for the convertible tour, as it embodies the typical elements of northern Alsace: gentle fields, small forests, and idyllic villages. With the roof down and the scent of spring and grapevines in tow, you begin your journey towards Strasbourg.
Strasbourg is a city full of contrasts: historic old town, imposing cathedral, canals of “La Petite France,” and modern urban lifestyle. Driving in a convertible here means experiencing the city without losing the flexibility to drive out into the green whenever you wish. After the urban experience, the route continues through gentle hills and the first vineyards until you reach Obernai. This medieval town captivates with its half-timbered houses, winding alleys, and inviting marketplace. It’s worth taking a longer break here to quietly enjoy the flair of Alsace and consciously let the first stage come to a close.
Second stage: Obernai through Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr to Colmar
The second stage is the heart section of the wine route that has made Alsace world-famous. From Obernai, the route leads through picturesque wine villages like Ribeauvillé, which delights with its castle ruins, colorful half-timbered houses, and vibrant alleys. Being on the road in a convertible here means fully enjoying the varied roads, gentle hills, and panoramas. Small viewpoints invite spontaneous stops where you can take in the landscape.
Next is Riquewihr, a village regarded as one of the most beautiful in France. The medieval city wall, the narrow streets, and the colorful houses create a fairy-tale backdrop. Driving with the roof down is particularly delightful here, as the winding roads and picturesque surroundings evoke a sense of freedom and driving joy.
The destination of this stage is Colmar, one of the most attractive cities in Alsace. Canals, the charming "Little Venice," and the colorful houses make the city look like something out of a fairy tale. Here, you should definitely plan for a longer stay to explore the city on foot. While you can drive through Colmar in a convertible, the beauty of the old town is best appreciated by strolling through the alleys, along the small canals and squares.
Third stage: Colmar through Mulhouse, Gérardmer, and Saarburg back to Haguenau
The third stage leads south into the Vosges, the heart of Alsace’s nature. From Colmar, the route first goes to Mulhouse. The road winds through fields, small forests, and gentle hills, with views of the foothills of the Vosges appearing repeatedly. Mulhouse surprises with technical museums such as the Automobile and Railway Museum – an ideal stop to connect culture and technology on a convertible journey.
From Mulhouse, the route continues into the Vosges to Gérardmer. Winding roads, dense forests, and clear mountain lakes accompany you on this segment. Being on the road in a convertible enhances the feeling of freedom, as every curve offers new panoramas and the opportunity to spontaneously detour to a lake or viewpoint.
Next, you travel through southern Alsace to Saarburg. The way there alternates between open fields, small villages, and forests. Saarburg itself is an idyllic place showcasing typical Alsatian architecture: half-timbered houses, historic squares, and a tranquil ambiance. Here, one last pause is recommended before heading back to Haguenau over gentle hills and vineyards. This final stage rounds off the circular tour and reflects the entire diversity of Alsace – from vineyards, villages, and towns to the Vosges.
Tips for the convertible tour through Alsace
Make sure to plan enough time for breaks in the villages along the route – half-timbered houses, squares, and small cafés invite you to linger. The Vosges passes can also be cool in summer, so suitable clothing is advisable. Culinary highlights to try include flammekueche, choucroute, Munster cheese, and Alsatian wines. The most beautiful panoramas can often be reached via small detours off the main road. The wine towns along the wine route also offer short, charming diversions that enhance the experience.
Conclusion: Freedom, driving pleasure, and culture
“Driving open-top through Alsace” is a convertible tour that showcases nature, culture, and driving pleasure in perfect combination. From Haguenau through Strasbourg, Obernai, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Colmar, Mulhouse, Gérardmer, and Saarburg back to Haguenau, you will experience the full diversity of Alsace. Being on the road in a convertible means intensely enjoying every stage, feeling the landscapes, towns, and panoramas up close while experiencing the incomparable feeling of freedom on the winding roads.
