When to go — Alsace

Alsace has a semi-continental climate: hot summers (can reach 35 °C in the plain), cold winters (often -5 °C to 5 °C, snow possible), relatively low precipitation (650 mm/year in Strasbourg, one of France's driest plains). Four well-differentiated seasons, each with its charm.

Spring (April-June) is ideal: gentle temperatures (12-22 °C), cherry blossoms in April, vines budding in May, lengthening days. Strasbourg and Colmar are at their most beautiful in the gardens. Food markets (Thursday/Saturday in Colmar, Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday in Strasbourg) overflow with seasonal products (Munster asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb).

Summer (July-August) is the high tourist season: 22-30 °C, maximum animation, festivals (Colmar International Festival in July, Strasbourg Classical Music Festival). Wine Route villages are in full activity, estate tastings open, winstub terraces overflowing. Heat can be punishing in peak summer (35 °C possible in plain), but the Vosges stay cool (15-20 °C at altitude).

Autumn (September-October) is the most magical season for the Wine Route: harvest in all wine villages, flamboyant vine colours (gold, red, brown), peaceful atmosphere after summer tourists depart. The Sauerkraut Festival in Krautergersheim (September) celebrates Alsatian cabbage. Mid-October: first morning fogs appear in the plain.

The month of December is unique in the world: Alsace Christmas markets are the most beautiful in Europe. Strasbourg ("Capital of Christmas since 1570") opens the last Saturday of November and welcomes 3 million visitors over 5 weeks. Colmar, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Mulhouse also have their markets. Giant 30 m tree on Place Kléber in Strasbourg. Mulled wine, bredele, kougelhopf, Christmas snails. Mandatory hotel booking 6 months in advance — prices triple.

The rest of winter (January-February) is calm, cold (often -5 °C to 5 °C, frequent snow). Ski season in the Vosges (Gérardmer, La Bresse, Le Bonhomme — family resorts). Mulhouse Carnival in February-March (very festive).