12 Most Beautiful Towns in Eastern France To Visit on a Road Trip
Eastern France is the nicest part of the country to explore, with beautiful towns, villages, vibrant cities, world-class vineyards, fairy-tale castles, and Gothic churches. And, of course, feasting on French and international dishes and fine wines from the Alsace area is all part of the magical experience of driving through this beautiful part of France.
If you are considering a road trip through Eastern France, the international town of Strasbourg is a great place to start.
The driving route will pass through the charming towns and villages of the Alsace region, the vineyards of Burgundy, and the Alps, including the world-renowned ski resort of Chamonix.
Eastern France borders Switzerland, Germany and Italy, so it is easy to continue to one of these other amazing countries on your European Road Trip. If you prefer to loop back to Strasbourg via France, then Lyon and Metz are two more great French towns to visit in north-eastern France.
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Helpful Information For Visiting Eastern France
The Best Way To Get To Strasbourg
The flight time from the UK to Strasbourg via Amsterdam is approximately 4 hours.
A Eurotunnel trip from the UK to Coquelles near Calais takes 55 minutes.
A car ferry crossing from the UK to Calais takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The driving time from Calais to Strasbourg is 6 hours.
Foot passengers can hire a car in France from Calais or Strasbourg upon arrival by air, train, or ferry.
The Best Towns To Stay In Eastern France
Strasbourg for 1 or 2 nights
Colmar or Eguisham for two or three nights - use one of these as your base and then drive out each day to the surrounding towns in Alsace.
Beaune for two nights
Grenoble for one night
Annecy for one night
Chamonix 1 or 2 nights
Top Tips for Driving Through France
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
Toll Roads: You will have to pass through several toll roads on the way down south, so to save time at the booths, use an Emovis Tag (Telepeage) to drive straight through the "t" lanes.
Essential Gear: Don’t forget that French law requires a UK sticker on your car (replacing the old GB ones), a warning triangle, and a reflective hi-vis jacket for every passenger inside the vehicle (not in the boot!).
The Crit’Air Rule: If your road trip includes major cities like Lyon, Paris, or a detour into Paris, you must display a Crit’Air sticker (Air Quality Certificate) on your windscreen. These cost about €4.61 and must be ordered online in advance—don't risk the €68 fine!
Navigation Hack: While GPS apps that show where a speed camera is coming up are great, remember that it is illegal in France for sat-navs to show the exact location of speed cameras. Ensure your "Speed Camera Alerts" are disabled to avoid a potential €1,500 fine.
Tolls: Tolls must be paid on certain roads in France. Ensure you have cash or a prepaid toll card to pay tolls. You can find more information here on driving through France.
ZTL Zones
ZTL - Zone à Trafic Limité (Limited Traffic Zone): In 2026, ZTLs will be in use nationwide in France. ZTLs are restricted no-through-traffic zones, and you can only enter if you have a valid reason for being there. ZTLs are designed to keep city centres for residents and pedestrians only.
In a ZTL, it doesn't matter if you are just "cutting through" to get to the other side of town; you are breaking the law. You are only allowed to enter if you have a "destination" within the zone.
As a tourist, you can legally enter a ZTL if you are:
- Staying at a hotel inside the zone (the hotel will usually register your plate).
- Visiting a specific business (like a restaurant, shop, or cinema).
- A person with reduced mobility (displaying a valid badge).
If you enter a ZTL zone without prior authority, you can be caught by plate recognition cameras and fined a hefty €135.
It’s not worth the risk, so look out for the white circle-with-red-border street signs with the words Zone à Trafic Limite or Voies à accès réservé written underneath.
The Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Eastern France (complete with driving times)
With the help of fellow travel bloggers who agree that Eastern France is a fabulous destination, I have compiled a road trip itinerary highlighting 11 unmissable towns in Eastern France that you must visit on a road trip through France.
I think you will agree that there are some spectacular towns and villages for travellers to explore.
Eastern France Road Trip Map
Metz
Metz is located in northeastern France's Lorraine region, near the borders of Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. It is a delightful town sometimes known as the Bride of France, or the Gateway to Europe. We visited Metz as part of a road trip from Paris through the Loire Valley to Strasbourg, and it was a definite highlight.
Perhaps best known for its Gothic cathedral, Metz offers many historic sites to explore. From the Gare de Metz-Ville, built to transport Kaiser Wilhelm II's soldiers during World War I, to the landmark Place Saint-Louis, whose architecture dates back to the 14th century.
The Porte des Allemands towers date back to medieval times and are open to the public. The Église Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains, the oldest church in France, dates back to the 4th century.
Take a guided walking tour of Metz to discover its hidden gems.
Beautiful views from Temple Neuf
You can't miss strolling along the river, admiring the charming architecture along its banks, and visiting the Esplanade Park. Don't miss the view of the picturesque Temple Neuf on the small Île du Petit-Saulcy in the middle of the river.
Metz is an eminently walkable city, with green spaces, walking paths, and numerous narrow cobblestone streets. If you prefer biking, Metz has recently reinvented itself as a biking hub, which we enjoyed while there.
If you want to spend more than one day in Metz, La Citadelle Metz MGallery is a luxurious hotel in the city centre.
Be sure to grab a bite to eat at the Covered Market between Tuesday and Saturday. You'll find a splendid variety of stalls selling bread, cheese, charcuterie, and other local specialities. Visit small cafes and eateries serving Lorraine's regional specialities and international options, including pizza and sandwiches. Metz is also a great place to try Quiche Lorraine, the region's best-known dish.
Where to Stay in Metz
Rates and Availability for Accommodation in Metz
Angie's Top Tip: Don't miss the 'Sentiers des Lanternes' if you visit in late November or December. The light displays through the historic centre make Metz one of the most underrated Christmas destinations in France.
| Driving Time and Distance from Metz to Strasbourg - 1 hour 49 minutes / 166 kilometres |
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is the capital of the charming Alsace region in eastern France, just a short distance from Switzerland and Germany. It is packed with fun things to do and see.
Strasbourg's beautiful cobbled streets, flower-laden buildings, and picturesque canals are a taster of the delights to be discovered in other towns in Alsace, such as Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Colmar.
With its 12th-century Gothic towers and impressive astronomical clock, Strasbourg Cathedral is the city's centrepiece and well worth visiting. Strasbourg is also one of the best destinations in France for foodies, so you can enjoy refreshments in one of the many traditional restaurants surrounding Cathedral Square.
Cruise along the canals and learn more about this historical city and why it is known as "Petite France." Afterwards, stroll to the Place de la Republique, the German imperial district known as the Neustadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Strasbourg is also the seat of the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights. Because of its blend of German and French cultures, it is known as the "Capital of Europe."
Has Strasbourg sparked your interest? Find out what to do in Strasbourg in one day.
Recommended Strasbourg Tours
| Private City Sightseeing Boat Tour. |
| Bike Tour Of Strasbourg With A Guide. |
| Traditional Food Walking Tour With Tastings. |
Where To Stay In Strasbourg
Rates and Availability for Accommodation in Strasbourg
Angie's Top Tip: Strasbourg at Christmas is magical. A visit to see the festive markets and the decorated town is a must.
| Driving Time and Distance from Strasbourg to Ribeauville - 45 minutes / 65.2 kilometres |
Ribeauville
Ribeauville is one of the small, picturesque French villages on the Alsace Wine Route. With a population of just under 5,000, it is a highly popular destination for travellers exploring the Alsace Region.
Located only 16 kilometres from Colmar and 65 kilometres from Strasbourg, it is a perfect place to stop, explore and spend the night before continuing on the road to visit some of the other unmissable towns in Eastern France.
You must visit "Grand Rue", Ribeauville's main street, lined with restaurants, bakeries, cellar doors and pretty buildings dating back to the 15th and 18th centuries.
Wander along its medieval cobblestones and discover squares adorned with Renaissance-style fountains. Experience Ribeauville like a local by heading off the main street to find local establishments such as Bar Gourman for refreshments.
From the town centre, there are several popular Ribeauville walking trails that take in historical sites, vineyards and longer walks to neighbouring villages.
Where To Stay In Ribeauville
Rates and Availability for Accommodation in Ribeauville
Angie's Top Tip: On the hill directly behind the town, you will find three castles. Saint-Ulrich castle, Girsberg castle, and Haut-Ribeaupierre castle. You can enjoy the panoramic views across the city's rooftops from here.
| Driving Time and Distance from Ribeauville to Riquewihr - 10 minutes / 5 kilometres |
Riquewihr
The village of Riquewihr in France's Alsace region is truly charming and one of the unmissable places to visit in Eastern France.
The walled town centre is filled with traditional half-timbered houses painted in rainbow colours.
In spring and summer, they are covered in wisteria and other vines, and it’s such a romantic place to sit and enjoy the small-town atmosphere.
Riquewihr is nestled amongst vineyards, and tasting the local wines can be done right on the main street. There’s also plenty of locally produced food. Look out for delicious bakeries, cheese shops and small goods.
After all that delicious food, walk up into the vineyards behind the town for great views of the rooftops and the valley beyond.
You must visit a small museum called the “Museum of Thieves”. Visitors can access one section of the medieval walls to explore, but just wandering the streets is captivating enough for a relaxed visit.
If you stay overnight, look for the nightly light show projected onto the town's upper gate.
Food from the Alsace region has a German twist. To try some, have dinner at La Grappe d’Or, where you will likely forget you are in France.
Riquewihr is on the Grand Crus Alsace wine trail, so it is an excellent location for a hike or bike ride if you want a more active visit.
Riquewihr is less than one hour from Strasbourg or twenty minutes from Colmar, so it is a perfect day trip from either of these larger cities.
Where To Stay In Riquewihr
Rates and Availability for Accommodation in Riquewihr
| Driving Time and Distance from Riquewihr to Kaysersburg - 23 minutes / 10.9 kilometres |
Kaysersberg
One of the most beautiful French villages lies just east of the Rhine River beneath a simple castle fortress.
It’s surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills with a medieval town centre and picturesque cobblestone streets. The village is called Kaysersberg, and it’s a must-see road trip stop on the French Alsace's wine route.
Kaysersberg is quintessential Alsatian, with half-timber houses painted in pastel colours and provincial buildings housing boutiques, bakeries, and wine houses.
In the village of Kaysersberg, you should make time to get lost in the ribbons of winding streets.
Stroll over stone bridges traversing the stream that once powered the town’s mills.
Of course, you should also visit the wine shops for tastings and purchase a bottle of Alsatian white wine to enjoy at home; this is one of France's best wine regions!
The city has a complicated past: it was once a free city-state and, during the war, was absorbed by both France and Germany.
There are memorials to the residents who were forced to serve in the German military during World War II and those who perished defending the town before the Germans captured it.
The town of Kaysersberg is a real gem in eastern France and should not be missed when exploring Alsace.
Consider a stay at Hotel KLE, a boutique hotel and spa where you can pamper yourself while enjoying the beauty of Kaysersberg and the town's brilliant wine culture.
Where To Stay In Kayersberg
Rates and Availability for Accommodation in Kaysersberg
| Driving Time and Distance from Kaysersberg to Colmar - 21 minutes / 11 kilometres |
Colmar
Gorgeous Colmar, in France's Alsace region, is close to the German border and offers a fantastic mix of French and Germanic culture.
The Old Town has beautiful half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, a great mix of historic landmarks, cute restaurants, and excellent bakeries serving the regional speciality Kugelhopf cakes.
You'll also find plenty of wine shops selling the regional Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines from the local Alsatian wine route.
The most famous part of the Old Town is the Little Venice area - La Petite Venise - where colourful half-timbered houses sit alongside Colmar's canal network.
This area used to be home to butchers, tanners, and fishmongers, but thankfully, it's stench-free now!
It's the perfect spot to try one of the local wines, sit on a restaurant balcony overlooking the canal, and watch the boats travel along.
The beautiful St Martin's church dominates the Old Town and is well worth visiting to admire the Gothic architecture.
The Unterlinden Museum is a great place to get a culture fix. It houses an extensive collection of local and international artworks.
While in Colmar, you must try a slice of delicious "Tarte Flambee" or "Flammkuchen" - a thin pizza-like base topped with lardons (bacon), onions and cheese.
You can get it at many restaurants in Colmar, and it's also available "à emporter" (to take away).
Recommended Tours In Colmar
| Colmar Two-Hour Segway Tour. |
| 45-Minute Chocolate Making Workshop. |
| Express Walk With A Local In 60 Minutes. |
Where To Stay In Colmar
Rates and Availability for Accommodation in Colmar
| Driving Time and Distance from Colmar to Eguisheim - 14 minutes / 6.8 kilometres |
Eguisheim
The small commune of Eguisheim on the Alsatian wine trail is only a leisurely 30-minute bicycle ride from Colmar and a fantastic starting point on any wine-tasting adventure.
You will instantly be transported to a place right out of a fairytale, including medieval half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and a church with nesting storks on top.
Eguisheim is a stunning place to visit; the entire town centre is within the castle's old walls, once surrounded by a moat.
This incredibly charming commune has won several awards for its flowers and has been honoured as one of France's most beautiful villages - Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
This small town is home to 33 wine producers, two of which hold the highly esteemed Grand Cru designation: Pfersigberg and Eichberg.
Although the Alsatian wine region is known for its Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris, the show's star is Crémant d’Alsace. This sparkling wine is produced in white and rosѐ versions and must not be missed.
If you want a sweet treat to fuel your pedal back to your accommodation, visit one of the many amazing little patisseries, including Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie, for some macarons or a kugelhopf, a cake (often with raisins), traditionally baked in a distinctive circular shape.
Where To Stay In Eguisheim
Rates and Availability for Accommodation in Eguisheim
| Driving Time and Distance from Eguisheim to Dijon - 2 hours 28 minutes / 245 kilometres (this route has tolls) |
Dijon
Dijon is a small, perfectly formed medieval city in eastern France. It is a perfect destination and base for food and wine lovers.
Deep in the heart of historic Burgundy and surrounded by the vineyards of the Côte d’Or, the region is home to over 3,000 winemakers and has vines as old as 600 AD.
The off-the-beaten-track French city of Dijon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, laden with medieval half-timbered houses and elegant Renaissance buildings, and it reminds you that this city was once home to the Duchy of Burgundy, a significant power in Europe.
You’ll find Dijon's excellent restaurants and a buzzing street scene in the pedestrian-friendly city centre.
Make sure to visit the bustling Les Halles market, where the best local and regional foods are sold every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, beneath the steel beams and glass ceiling designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Although most Dijon mustard is now manufactured in Canada, it’s worth visiting one of the mustard shops in the centre to try some traditional and more modern versions of this historic French accompaniment.
Follow the Parcours de la Chouette (Owl Route), which takes in the top 22 places of interest within the old city.
If you don’t fancy walking the route, you can do it on a Segway or bike. Ensure you see the original owl carved on the side of the Église Notre Dame. Local tradition says if you rub the owl with your left hand and make a wish, your wish will come true.
Recommended Tours In Dijon
| Cheese And Burgundy Wine Tasting Workshop. |
| Masterclass Pinot Noir Wine Tasting in Dijon. |
| Burgundy Luxury Half Day Cote De Nuits Vineyards Tour. |
Where To Stay In Dijon
Rates and Availability for Accommodation in Dijon
| Driving Time and Distance from Dijon to Beaune - 40 minutes / 44.6 kilometres (this route has tolls) |
Beaune
At first glance, Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, seems like a sleepy French village; however, scratch its surface, and you will uncover that it's a town full of history and culture.
At its historical centre is the Hospices de Beaune. Once the home of the Dukes of Burgundy and a medieval hospital for the poor, it is now an excellent interactive museum that tells the property's story through reconstructions of the central ward and apothecary.
Don't write it off—it is fascinating. The property still owns several vineyards in the area that produce world-renowned wines.
Of course, being the wine capital of Burgundy, sampling wine from the region will undoubtedly be on your list of things to do in Beaune.
From wine tastings and cellar tours in town to guided tours of the 10 Grand Cru vineyards in the surrounding area. Or why not hire a bike from Beaune and pedal through the beautiful countryside to discover all it has to offer?
The centre of Beaune is the perfect place to stock up on provisions for your onward journey.
Shops selling wine, cheese, pate, bread and pastries line the narrow streets vying for your attention, while beautiful fine dining restaurants tempt you inside with their extravagant menus and wine lists.
If you love fine dining, Beaune is undoubtedly the place to be, with several Michelin-star restaurants for you to try!
Recommended Beaune Wine Tours
| Meursault Tour Of Vineyards On A Motorbike With Sidecar. |
| Beaune Wine Tasting At Chateau De Pommard. |
| Sparkling Wine Tasting Tour In Montagny Les Beaune. |
Where To Stay In Beaune
Rates and Availability for Accommodation in Beaune
| Driving Time and Distance from Beaune to Grenoble- 2 hours 35 minutes / 270 kilometres ( this route has tolls) |
Grenoble
Grenoble, the self-designated "Capital of the Alps", has abundant natural and cultural assets. As one of Europe’s most important research and technology centres, it is no stranger to innovation and has reinvented itself many times over the last two hundred years.
Its historic centre is perfect for strolling through centuries-old buildings with Renaissance and Gothic facades. Don’t miss the charming Saint-André square with its terraced restaurants, Place Grenette or the covered market of Place Aux Herbes.
Grenoble’s most famous destination is La Bastille Fort, built in the early 19th century and 475 metres above the city. The fort is accessible on foot for more active visitors, but most take the cable car, with its iconic bubble gondola.
Home to Art Exhibitions and a Military Museum, the most prominent attraction is the splendid panoramic view of the city and the surrounding region.
From here, the vistas of the Chartreuse, Vercors and Belledonne mountain ranges are jaw-dropping. You may even see Mont Blanc, which is 150 km to the northwest of the city.
Other Grenoble attractions include the hugely impressive Domaine de Vizille, with its beautiful landscaped gardens, and the only museum in France dedicated to the French Revolution.
Less than 10 km from the city centre, the tiny village of Sassenage offers visitors a trip to a fabulous cave network and the splendid Dauphinois Chateau.
Recommended Tours In Grenoble
| Grenoble Best Sights And Highlights Walking Tour. |
| Canyoning in the Vercors Massif. |
| Discovery Of Terneze Canyon. |
Where To Stay In Grenoble
Rates and Availability for Accommodation in Grenoble
| Driving Time and Distance from Grenoble to Annecy - 1 hour 21 minutes / 107 kilometres ( this route has tolls) |
Annecy
A quintessentially charming little French town, Annecy checks all the boxes for a relaxing, scenic weekend destination.
Situated on Lake Annecy, with the stunning Alps looming in the background, it is full of tranquil canals lined with quaint old buildings and plenty of decorative flower arrangements.
Photographers could (and do) spend days here, enjoying the picturesque spots around every corner. The lake is a water-sports hot spot in the summer, offering motorboat and pedalboat rentals, fantastic beaches, and even waterslides.
Active types can enjoy water skiing and wakeboarding, hiking trails around the lake, or taking a circular bike ride around the entire city.
The truly adventurous can tackle the world-famous Tour du Mont Blanc trek, which starts just 2 hours away in Chamonix, a gorgeous little town in its own right.
Annecy has many beautiful hotels and a wide range of terrific restaurants throughout the old town. Le Munich is a particular favourite for its outstanding German cuisine and excellent location on the canal.
It has photogenic canals, lake and mountain views, old-town charm and enough food options to keep you busy for months. Annecy is one of the best places to visit in France and a hidden gem of eastern France.
Recommended Tours In Annecy
| Traditional Food Group Walking Tour. |
| One-Hour Segway Discovery Tour. |
| Express 60-Minute Walk With A Local Guide. |
Where To Stay In Annecy
Rates and Availability for Accommodation in Annecy
| Driving Time and Distance from Annecy to Chamonix - 1 hour 17 minutes / 101 kilometres ( this route has tolls) |
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the world-famous ski resort in Eastern France, is much more than a winter destination.
Visit Chamonix in the summer, and you will discover a charming town adorned with flowers and eclipsed by Mont Blanc, the second-highest mountain in Europe.
Chamonix offers a wealth of outdoor pursuits for all ages and fitness levels, from hiking trails through the most beautiful scenery in the French Alps to parasailing, helicopter rides, glacier hikes, bungee jumping and mountain biking.
All year round, cable cars take visitors to nearby peaks with panoramic views, including the most famous Aiguille du Midi.
Once at the top, head to the highest gourmet restaurant in town, step inside "The Void" - a glass box overhanging the mountain's side or take a trip to Italy via the mountains.
Start on the Aiguille du Midi Cable car in France, head across on the panoramic gondola to the Italian side and descend into Courmayeur, the hidden gem in Northern Italy's Aosta Valley, via Skyway Monte Bianco Cable car. Then make your way back from Courmayeur to Chamonix by bus or taxi via the Mont Blanc tunnel.
If you prefer something more sedate, visit one of the charming cafes or restaurants in town and watch the world go by or relax in your outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi at Hotel Mont Blanc, the most luxurious hotel in Chamonix. Whatever you choose to do, Chamonix is the perfect place to add to your road trip itinerary.
Recommended Tours In Chamonix
| Chamonix Paragliding Tandem Flight. |
| Discover the valley of Chamonix by electric bike. |
| Private Food Tour In Chamonix. |
Where To Stay In Chamonix
Rates and Availability for Accommodation in Chamonix
| Why not continue your road trip to the South of France? Here's my post on 16 Sensational Towns And Villages In the South of France |
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Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.
I'm so glad I came across this post. A commendable effort putting so much information together about Eastern France. Keep it up!
I lived with a host family near Strasbourg as a teenager and hung out in Strasbourg all the time. Great region and beautiful area. Loved the tarte flambee and muenster cheese!
What a great blog...so much information! It breaks my heart I can't travel right now. I am saving this to refer to later...thank you for all your research and your photos are amazing.
This post has me drooling. I would LOVE to do this. I've been to France several times but have not really seen much of it outside of Paris. So! One day! A leisurely Eastern France road trip. Thanks for the inspiration.
What a great post. Unfortunately I live in Mexico right now so can't get back to France easily but I grew up exploring this region. I love France so much and this made me so homesick. Awesome photos, btw.