Holiday rentals Haut Rhin

Three iconic places to discover in the Haut-Rhin

The Haut-Rhin is home to a wealth of heritage and natural beauty that embody the spirit of Alsace. From historic towns to majestic fortresses and the valleys of the Vosges, these three destinations offer plenty of reasons to leave your holiday let and explore the region. Each one showcases a different facet of this multifaceted region.

1. Colmar

Colmar is like a veritable open-air gallery. As you wander through its cobbled streets, you’ll discover brightly painted half-timbered façades, bridges spanning tranquil canals and scenes that seem frozen in a prosperous past. The Petite Venise district, where the water winds its way between historic houses, is well worth a whole day’s stroll. Its restaurants and cafés lining the banks invite you to take a moment to sit and soak up the atmosphere. The Unterlinden Museum, housed in a former convent, is home to remarkable collections, including Grünewald’s famous Issenheim Altarpiece, a major work of the Rhenish Renaissance which alone is worth the detour.

2. Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle

Perched at an altitude of 757 metres on the slopes of the Vosges, this medieval fortress has dominated Alsace for centuries. Its imposing silhouette can be seen from afar, and the climb up to it reveals increasingly sweeping landscapes. Restored in the early 20th century, it offers a tangible insight into medieval defensive architecture. The terraces and galleries provide a 360-degree view of the Alsace plain, the distant Rhine and the Vosges ridges. Children love exploring the halls, staircases and towers, whilst adults appreciate the museum inside and the exceptional photographic views.

3. Munster

Nestled in the Fecht Valley, Munster exudes an authentic Alsatian mountain atmosphere. This small town has built its reputation around its iconic cheese, the AOP Munster, whose distinctive aroma can be detected in the local cheese shops. The Vosges mountains that surround it are perfect for summer hikes across the ‘chaumes’, those high-altitude pastures dotted with gentians. The signposted trails lead to breathtaking panoramic views and mountain huts where you can enjoy a convivial moment. It is an ideal starting point for lovers of nature and rural flavours.

These three stages form the backbone of a rich holiday: exploring Colmar’s urban and heritage sites, experiencing the historical grandeur of Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle, and hiking in the Vosges around Munster combine to create a complete experience of the Haut-Rhin.

The ideal season to book a holiday let in the Haut-Rhin

Each season transforms the landscape of the Haut-Rhin and reshapes the holiday experience. This Alsatian department offers radically different atmospheres depending on the time of year, and a holiday let allows you to tailor your stay to suit you best.

Spring arrives with a gradual warmth. The orchards are blanketed in white and pink blossoms, the valley meadows turn green, and the temperatures, still cool, are perfect for walks without the sweltering heat. It’s the ideal time to explore the small Alsatian villages on foot or by bike, before the summer crowds arrive. A holiday rental allows you to get up early, make the most of these bright mornings and return to rest at lunchtime.

Summer transforms the Haut-Rhin into a sun-drenched destination. The days grow longer, temperatures rise, and the mountain lakes become accessible. Music festivals bring the towns and villages to life. A holiday let gives you the freedom to set your own pace: mountain walks in the morning, a quiet afternoon back at your accommodation, and a barbecue on the terrace in the evening. It’s also the season when children enjoy the lakes and outdoor activities.

Autumn paints the department in warm hues. The forests of the Vosges change from green to russet, yellow and orange. The grape harvest brings the roads of the Alsatian vineyards to life. The air turns cooler and the days grow shorter, creating the perfect atmosphere for leisurely walks and culinary discoveries. A holiday let allows you to enjoy local markets and prepare your own meals using seasonal produce.

Winter blankets the Haut-Rhin with snow in the mountains and creates a magical atmosphere in the lowlands. Christmas markets light up the villages, the ski slopes come alive with skiers, and the spa resorts offer relaxation and wellbeing. A holiday let with a fireplace or central heating becomes your cosy retreat, ideal for families who want to slow down and enjoy some privacy.

Beyond these seasonal preferences, a holiday let remains the most flexible option. It adapts to your wishes, your schedule and your needs, whatever the season. It is this flexibility that makes it such a major asset in the Haut-Rhin.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in the Haut-Rhin

Your stay in the Haut-Rhin offers much more than just the comfort of a holiday let. The region invites you to discover experiences that will leave a lasting impression: from vineyard landscapes to the peaks of the Vosges, via charming family-friendly attractions. Here are three unmissable experiences to include in your itinerary.

1. Explore the Alsace Wine Route amongst vineyards and flower-filled villages

The Alsace Wine Route winds its way through picture-postcard landscapes where traditional grape varieties thrive on the hillsides. This legendary route connects villages whose charm remains unspoilt, with half-timbered houses adorned with geraniums and petunias. As you make your way between the wine estates, you can stop to sample local wines and savour Alsatian culinary specialities. Each stop reveals a new aspect of rural life and the region’s wine-growing culture, far from the beaten tourist track.

Address: Alsace Wine Route, 68000 Colmar.

2. Hike to the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges at 1,424 m

For lovers of mountain walking, the Grand Ballon offers an accessible climb and breathtaking panoramic views. From the summit, you can take in the Vosges ridges, the Alsace plain and, on a clear day, even the Black Forest in Germany. Marked trails allow you to climb this Vosges giant in a few hours, with rest areas where you can catch your breath and admire the horizon. The experience is suitable for both regular walkers and families looking for a gentle, gradual climb.

Address: Grand Ballon, 68760 Goldbach-Altenbach.

3. Visit Mulhouse Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in France

Founded in the 19th century, this zoo brings together several generations to observe wildlife from around the world. The enclosures replicate natural habitats, allowing visitors to encounter big cats, primates, reptiles and exotic birds. It is a wonderful place for children to discover biodiversity in complete safety, and for adults to enjoy the lush green surroundings and themed trails. The zoo combines an educational mission with family fun in a well-maintained environment.

Address: 51 Rue du Jardin Zoologique, 68100 Mulhouse.

Our travellers’ favourite facilities when booking a holiday let in the Haut-Rhin

When choosing a holiday let in the Haut-Rhin, the comfort of the accommodation is just as important as its proximity to places of interest. Travellers staying with family, as a couple or with friends look for facilities that make everyday life easier and turn a few days or two weeks into a truly relaxing break. Here are the facilities that visitors rate most highly.

• Fully equipped kitchen: cooking your own meals saves money and allows you to enjoy a relaxing break between outings. It’s also a chance to sample local produce from the market.
• Efficient heating: in the Haut-Rhin, particularly in winter and at higher altitudes, a reliable heating system ensures comfortable nights and days free from the cold.
• Private bathroom: essential for a family or a group, one or more bathrooms prevent queues in the morning and ensure everyone’s privacy.
• Washing machine: during longer stays, having access to a washing machine makes everyday life much easier and reduces the amount of luggage you need to bring.
• Wi-Fi: even on holiday, staying connected allows you to check your emails, share your photos or plan the next day’s outings.
• Television: essential on days when the weather is bad or at the end of the day to relax before dinner.
• Private or nearby car park: exploring the Haut-Rhin by car is common, and having a secure parking space gives visitors peace of mind.
• Terrace or garden: an outdoor space lets you enjoy the fresh air, have breakfast outside or let the children play in complete safety.
• Leisure facilities: board games, books or toys for children make for enjoyable family evenings.
• Air conditioning or ventilation: on sunny days, being able to cool down your accommodation makes your stay more pleasant, especially for young children.

Choosing a well-equipped holiday rental ensures that your stay in the Haut-Rhin suits your pace, the number of people travelling with you and your expectations. Good accommodation is the sort you forget you’re in, leaving you free to explore and enjoy shared moments.

What is the average price of a holiday let in the Haut-Rhin?

Prices for holiday lets in the Haut-Rhin vary depending on the size and standard of the accommodation. For a small studio or a one-bedroom flat, you can generally expect to pay between 50 and 100 euros per night. Family-sized properties, such as two-bedroom flats or houses with three to four bedrooms, tend to cost between 100 and 200 euros per night. More spacious or upmarket properties, particularly those offering luxury facilities or stunning views of the Vosges, can cost 250 euros per night or more.

Several factors influence these prices. Proximity to major tourist attractions such as Colmar, Eguisheim or the wine routes tends to drive up rates. The length of stay also plays a part: weekly rates, which are discounted, often allow you to save 10 to 20 per cent compared to a nightly booking. The time of year you visit makes a big difference. The high season – particularly September and October, during the grape harvest and with autumnal weather – sees the highest prices. Winter and early spring generally offer more affordable rates.

To make the most of your budget, compare the available offers and check reviews from previous guests, which reflect the true value for money. Booking in advance, a few weeks before you set off, will give you access to a wider choice and often more affordable prices. Last-minute deals are also available, but they are less predictable than booking in advance.