A Day Trip to Alsace from Paris – Best Options?

Alsace is one of the most picturesque regions in France. But if you’re based in Paris, is it realistic to squeeze it into a day trip?

The short answer: yes, but only if you keep your plans simple. Here’s what to know before hopping on a train or renting a car.

Option 1: Strasbourg Only

Strasbourg is the most straightforward choice for a day trip.

The TGV from Paris to Strasbourg takes just under 2 hours. Once you arrive, the historic center is walkable from the station. No car needed. The main sights, Petite France, the cathedral, canals, are all close together.

You’ll avoid the hassle of driving, parking, and navigating unfamiliar roads. Strasbourg also has excellent public transport and plenty of English speakers, which makes things easier.

If you’re short on time or just want a relaxing day with minimal logistics, this is your best bet.

Option 2: Colmar Only

Colmar is smaller and slower-paced than Strasbourg, but just as charming.

There are direct trains from Paris to Colmar, though less frequent than the Strasbourg route. Expect about 2 hours 20 minutes if you get a direct train.

Once in Colmar, you can walk around the old town on foot. If you’re feeling active, Eguisheim is about a 25-minute bike ride away, or you can try to catch a local bus.

It’s doable as a day trip, but you’ll need to time your return train carefully and check schedules in advance.

Option 3: Strasbourg to Colmar with a Rental Car

Some travelers take the train from Paris to Strasbourg, then rent a car in Strasbourg or Colmar to visit nearby villages like Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle.

It sounds tempting but this plan is too ambitious for one day. Between picking up the car, driving between towns, parking, and sightseeing, you’ll be rushed and stressed.

Still, if you’re determined:

• Strasbourg to Colmar by train: 30 minutes
• Driving from Colmar to each village: ~25–30 minutes
• Rental cars with automatic transmission are available, but limited. Book early.
• Parking is generally well marked in the villages. The castle has free parking, but the road is steep and winding.

For non-French speakers, Google Translate can help with signs and parking instructions. Using Google Maps to find parking lots in advance also makes things easier.

Option 4: Multi-Day Trip

If you want to see Strasbourg, Colmar, Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and the castle, a multi-day trip is the way to go.

Some travelers recommend using Strasbourg or Colmar as a base, staying for 2–3 nights, and exploring the region from there.

That way, you can take your time in each village, avoid long backtracking, and mix in trains, buses, bikes, or a rental car depending on the day. Most importantly, you get to enjoy the atmosphere without rushing through quick photo stops.

Public Transport Tips

Public transportation in Alsace is better than many people expect:

• Trains connect Strasbourg, Colmar, and Sélestat
• From Sélestat, you can take a bus up to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
• Buses link Colmar to nearby villages, including Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr
• You can even rent bikes in Colmar and cycle to Eguisheim

This approach takes more planning, but it works. And you won’t need to worry about driving, parking, or dealing with local traffic rules.

Final Thoughts

If you’re only in Paris for a short time, don’t try to see all of Alsace in one day. It’s not realistic.

For a quick escape, pick Strasbourg or Colmar, and enjoy the pace, the food, and the views. If you have extra time, spend a few nights in the region! Alsace rewards slow travel. If that’s something you’d consider, here’s a sample itinerary for one night in Alsace.

Sample Itinerary: 1 Night in Alsace from Paris

This itinerary suggestion balances sightseeing with a manageable pace. You’ll visit Strasbourg, Colmar, and a nearby village, without rushing.

Day 1: Paris → Strasbourg → Colmar

Morning

• Take an early TGV from Paris to Strasbourg (around 7:00–8:00 AM). Travel time: ~1h50.
• Walk from the station into the historic center: visit the Cathedral, explore Petite France, and grab lunch at one of the traditional winstubs.

Afternoon

• Around 2:00–3:00 PM, take a train from Strasbourg to Colmar (30 minutes).
• Check into your hotel or Airbnb in Colmar.
• Spend the late afternoon strolling through La Petite Venise and the old town streets.

Evening

• Dinner in Colmar – there are lots of cute restaurants with Alsatian specialties.
• Optional: short walk or night photography session in the quiet streets.

Day 2: Colmar → Eguisheim (by bike or bus) → Paris

Morning

• Rent bikes in Colmar or take a local bus to Eguisheim (~25 min).
• Spend the morning exploring the circular village streets and enjoying the quiet setting.
• Head back to Colmar around midday.

Afternoon

• Have lunch in Colmar.
• Catch a direct train back to Paris in the early afternoon (around 2:00-3:00 PM), arriving in Paris before evening.

Optional Tweaks:

• If you’d rather see Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, take a train from Colmar to Sélestat, then a bus up to the castle in the morning of Day 2.
• If your train back to Paris is later, you can squeeze in Riquewihr by bus from Colmar in the morning instead of Eguisheim.

This itinerary gives you a taste of Alsace without turning your trip into a race.