After touring the most popular Christmas Market in France — Strasbourg, Colmar, and Kaysersberg –, I have to say they were pretty spectacular. Yet there was nothing quite like the magical Christmas markets in the small towns we visited next in Alsace: Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Ribeauville.
3 Magical Christmas Markets
When my friend Paula and I started the Christmas Market Tour in France, we knew we wanted to see Strasbourg, Colmar, and Kaysersberg. Yet, the three market towns we saw next were the most enchanting: Equisheim, Riquewihr, and Ribeauville. Each, in their own way, was a scene out of Santa’s Workshop.
The animation team for Walt Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” thought Eguisheim was pretty special. It was the inspiration for the opening scene of the movie.
Eguisheim’s storybook house “Beauty and the Beast.”
Riquewihr was just as charming. A walk through the walled city proved Riquewihr earns its ranking among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Ribeauville, however, stole the “most favorite Christmas Market” on my list. Perhaps it was because we were lucky enough to land there the last weekend of their Medieval Christmas Market that put it over the top. However, the village itself was colorful and lively.
Here’s a view of the festivities in these three Alsatian towns, all decked out for the season. Enjoy!
Which Christmas Markets in Alsace would you like to visit?
Equisheim, Riquewihr, Ribeauville
I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment.
Categories: Alsace, Around France, Blog, Christmas Markets, Colmar, Eguisheim, Ribeauville
I would love to do this tour. Magical.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
They’re all amazing. Thank you for sharing these videos and pictures. I’d love to see them all. I was really taken in by Equisheim. They really are beautiful.
Carol Luciano
I’d have a hard time choosing between Eguisheim and Ribeauville. I think the Medieval Festival was a big draw to Ribeauville although the village of Eguisheim is more beautiful overall. They definitely deserve another visit. Next time in Spring. The flowers are supposed to be gorgeous all around. Thanks for your note, Carol, and for following the market tour.
Fabulous!
Wasn’t it? Don’t know if you agree with me about Ribeauville, but it was my favorite!