I Got Lost in a Fairytale Christmas Village in France

I Got Lost in a Fairytale Christmas Village in France

Welcome to Riquewihr, a charming Alsatian village famous for its Christmas markets and historic atmosphere! Riquewihr, in the Alsace region of France, still looks much like it did in the 16th century. Renowned for Riesling and other wines, Riquewihr’s vineyards thrive on nearby Vosges hills. This Christmas market runs daily, unlike others nearby which open mainly on weekends. Riquewihr escaped major WWII damage, preserving its medieval streets as a living time capsule. One notable building is the “Skyscraper,” a 5-story (25m) half-timbered house from 1561. Shops often have cellars for wine tasting; cheese lovers must visit Crèmerie Au Coin Gourmand. Riquewihr is one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages,” home to about 1,228 inhabitants today. The oldest houses date to the 15th century; origins trace back to the 8th century. Richo’s wine-growing estate (Richo villa) eventually gave this place its name: Riquewihr. Still on the Alsace Wine Route, Riquewihr’s vineyards produce renowned wines since medieval times. The Counts of Horbourg fortified Riquewihr in 1291, elevating it to a notable town. Later controlled by Württemberg-Montbéliard, Riquewihr flourished through the prosperous wine trade. Despite hardships during the Thirty Years’ War, Riquewihr’s wine industry eventually revived. After the French Revolution, the town became definitively French in 1796. Half-timbered houses: wooden skeletons filled with mud and straw, built without nails. Curved crosses on timbers indicate importance; St. Andrew crosses symbolize prosperity and protection. Enjoy a warm vin chaud (hot wine) as you stroll these festive streets. The Dolder, a 25m-high 13th-century watchtower, once guarded the town’s entrance. This fountain from 1560 was used for cleaning wine barrels and vats. What’s your favorite Christmas market treat? Comment below and share your festive cravings! Behind the Dolder is the Upper Gate; its wooden portcullis is among Europe’s oldest. Fortifications date from 1291; some corner towers remain, strengthened around 1500. If you’re enjoying this, please LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to support our channel! Witches are symbolic here: legend says Marie Wolf’s eerie wails scared off enemies. Witch figurines now ward off evil, a tradition spread across Alsace’s villages. Steeply sloping roofs help snow slide off; clay tiles shaped like beaver tails. Riquewihr’s wine heritage: first mention in 1094, Winegrowers’ Association by 1520. During the French Revolution, locals embraced the Republic, forging a modern French identity. Alsace’s Christmas traditions include the Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg, dating back to 1570. After Advent, Midnight Mass and regional Christmas customs enrich the festive spirit. Saint Nicolas, Hans Trapp, and Christkindel are key Christmas figures in Alsace. The Christmas tree tradition began in Alsace, recorded in Sélestat in 16th century. Reformation leaders encouraged Christmas trees over Nativity scenes, spreading the custom widely. The tradition reached France after the Franco-Prussian War and England via Prince Albert. Riquewihr’s official Christmas market lies near the Hotel de Ville, a neoclassical monument. Enjoy gingerbread, bretzel, roast chestnuts, and local specialties at festive market stalls. During WWII, Alsace was occupied by Germany, but Riquewihr escaped major damage. Liberated in December 1944, it remains a pristine historical treasure today. Rich history: from 8th-century Frankish roots to prosperous vineyards and medieval fortifications. (This is the actual ~20min mark) Another reminder: If you’re enjoying, please LIKE & SUBSCRIBE. It helps a lot! Cheese lovers: Crèmerie Au Coin Gourmand offers sheep and goat cheese delights. Riquewihr’s layout is dense and preserved, making it feel like traveling back in time. “Richovilla” became “Riquewihr” over centuries, reflecting its wine-growing heritage. The Counts of Horbourg and later Württemberg-Montbéliard shaped its medieval destiny. Its prosperity peaked in the 16th century through renowned wine exported across Europe. The Thirty Years’ War brought devastation, pillaging, famine, and epidemics here. Eventually, Riquewihr became fully French after 1796’s Treaty of Paris. Half-timbered houses use no nails, fitted with wooden plugs and carpentry skill. Wooden crosses on façades signaled nobility or important residents centuries ago. Alsace’s climate and terrain produce superb Riesling and other white wines. The Dolder’s austere design deterred attackers, while offering panoramic views. Old wine presses now serve as charming decorations during Christmas. After finishing half-timber frameworks, walls were plastered with lime in colors. Witches as guardians: Marie Wolf’s legend influences local folklore and souvenirs. Steep roofs, clay tiles, and strategic design adapt to Alsace’s snowy winters. Vin chaud is a must-try, warming hands and hearts in Riquewihr’s lanes. Pork saucisse and salami add savory notes to the market’s culinary scene. The Court of the Nobles hosts Christmas stalls amidst historic grandeur. If you’re enjoying this video, check out our other Christmas market tours as well! A grand 1523 house, 800m², can be rented, blending history with comfort. White or red mulled wine stands reflect centuries-old festive beverage traditions. Riquewihr passed from Horbourg to Württemberg control, forging cultural and political ties. Alliances and marriages linked Riquewihr to Montbéliard, another town with a popular market. Reformation influences arrived in 1534, shaping religious and educational institutions. Strasbourg bishop’s tithes once affected Riquewihr’s economy before secular transformations. St. Erard’s church became a school; education intertwined with local culture. A Renaissance building from 1587, housing a historic Stiehr-Mockers organ, graces this site. This square once held three churches; layers of faith echo in cobblestones. S-shaped timbers indicate nobility, referencing Roman dignitaries’ curule seats. Duke Christophe introduced Lutheran teachings, fostering religious diversity here. Wine prosperity allowed double defensive walls in the 16th century. The Thirty Years’ War brought chaos: pillaging, ransoms, disease, and hunger. Louis XIV’s influence spread, yet Württemberg-Montbéliard retained ownership until 1796. Winemaking references since 1094 highlight centuries of viticultural tradition. A mid-18th-century duke mortgaged vineyards to Voltaire, blending wine and philosophy. Eventually, French authority prevailed, and Riquewihr aligned with the Republic. An oriel window provided extra light and street views, signifying wealth. The Hotel de Ville, neo-classical and listed since 1930, stands proudly. If you’re still enjoying, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to help our channel grow! WWII occupation ended in December 1944, leaving Riquewihr miraculously untouched. Today, it welcomes visitors into a medieval wonderland preserved through centuries. Traditional treats: gingerbread, pretzels, and chestnuts spread festive aromas. Up to 2 million tourists visit yearly, ranking Riquewihr among favorites. In 2022, it was voted one of France’s most welcoming towns. From Frankish landlord Richo to global tourism, this town’s story endures. Have you visited similar markets? Let’s know your favorites in the comments! Historical layers: Roman influences, medieval fortifications, Reformation changes, all visible today. Riquewihr’s identity blends French and Germanic cultures, reflecting Alsace’s unique heritage. Timber patterns symbolize prosperity, families, livestock abundance, and protection from misfortune. What’s your favorite historical fact learned today? Comment below and share your thoughts! Architecture mirrors centuries of adaptation to climate, trade, and cultural shifts. As you explore, imagine craftsmen building these houses centuries ago. Cafés, cellars, and shops invite you to taste local delicacies and wines. The fortified gates recall times when security and commerce coexisted closely. Legends like Marie Wolf highlight human resilience amid war and sorrow. Alsatian traditions from Christmas trees to Midnight Mass enrich holiday experiences. As our tour ends, thank you for joining this festive journey. If you enjoyed, please LIKE, SHARE, and consider exploring our other tours. Merry Christmas! May Riquewihr’s charm inspire your own holiday traditions and memories.

Enjoy the beautiful Christmas Markets of Riquewihr, France 🧑‍🎄🎄✨

📌 Location: Riquewihr, France
⛅ Weather: 1 °C | 33.8 °F

Step into Riquewihr at Christmas, where pastel half timbered houses lean over cobbled lanes and every doorway glows with festive lights. In this cosy walking tour you will wander along the old wine growers street, pass timber framed facades dressed with garlands and baubles, and browse stalls filled with bredele biscuits, gingerbread and handmade ornaments. Riquewihr is a perfectly preserved medieval village surrounded by vineyards, and in December it feels like a fairytale set, with twinkling windows and decorated balconies on more than a hundred colourful houses.

From the Dolder gate tower at the top of the main street to the tiny courtyards off Rue du General de Gaulle, the whole village becomes a charming Christmas scene where lights, scents and music wrap around the old stone and wood. 🎄✨

Tips for your visit
• Arrive before sunset to see the colours of the houses, then stay as the lanterns and window displays light up the village.
• Dress warmly with hat and gloves. The narrow streets and nearby vineyards can feel very cold once evening mist and winter wind arrive.
• Bring some cash for tastings and small purchases, since not every stall or small shop takes cards, especially for low value items.
• If you stay in Colmar, check the Christmas shuttle buses that connect Riquewihr with Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg and other villages. It is an easy way to visit without worrying about driving or parking.

About this video
• Real time walking, no talking, natural village sounds for full immersion
• Filmed in 4K for crisp detail and colour
• Best viewed on a larger screen with sound on

#walkingtour #christmas #christmasmarket #riquewihr

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