Things To Do
in Sélestat
Sélestat is a compact medieval town in the Alsace region of northeastern France, known for its well-preserved half-timbered architecture and cultural heritage. The historic center revolves around the Market Square and the iconic Maison des Têtes, offering a glimpse of Alsatian craftsmanship. The town blends a calm, walkable core with easy access to vineyard landscapes and the Vosges foothills.
Visitors can wander from historic sites to scenic nature and nearby castles, all within a short drive or train ride.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh croissants and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through Sélestat's picturesque streets, admiring the stunning half-timbered houses and charming architecture. Don't miss the iconic Église Saint-Georges, where you can appreciate the intricate stained glass windows.
After lunch at a traditional Alsatian restaurant, visit the Bibliothèque Humaniste, a stunning library housing rare manuscripts and historical documents. Spend some time exploring the surrounding gardens, which provide a serene atmosphere perfect for reflection. As the afternoon sun sets, capture the beauty of Sélestat's historic buildings in the golden light.
For dinner, indulge in local specialties like choucroute garnie at a cozy bistro. After your meal, take a romantic walk along the Ill River, where the reflections of the old buildings create a magical ambiance. End your evening with a visit to a local wine bar, sampling some exceptional Alsatian wines.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out to explore the Alsatian vineyards. Join a guided wine tour that takes you through the scenic vineyards surrounding Sélestat, where you can learn about the grape-growing process. Engage with local winemakers and discover their passion for producing world-renowned wines.
Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amidst the vineyards, paired with a selection of local cheeses and wines. Afterward, continue your wine tasting experience, visiting several wineries to sample different varietals, including Riesling and Gewürztraminer. The stunning views of the rolling hills and vineyards make for perfect photo opportunities.
Return to Sélestat and relax at a charming wine bar, sharing your favorite finds from the day's tastings. Savor a light dinner featuring seasonal ingredients, perhaps at a restaurant with outdoor seating. As the sun sets, relish the tranquility of the Alsatian countryside.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 💧Bottle of water (0.33L) | $1-2 |
| 🚌Public transport ticket (single ride) | $2-3 |
| 🍺Beer in a bar | $5-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Historic town center with preserved architecture
- Easy access to Alsace wine route and nature
- Walkable compact core and good dining options
- Good value relative to larger cities in the region
- Friendly locals and bilingual character (French/German influence)
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Parking can be challenging in peak season
- Some sights require a short drive or train ride
- Smaller-scale shopping compared with Strasbourg or Colmar
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare?" - Where is the train station?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Sélestat
Visit one of these nice places.
An iconic 16th-century building with carved busts and a distinctive façade—perfect for architectural detail shots.
A Gothic church with a prominent tower and striking exterior; great for silhouetted compositions during golden hour.
Cobblestone squares framed by bright half-timbered houses; ideal for street photography and reflections in morning light.
Tranquil riverside paths offering calm reflections and flora along the water.
Food in Sélestat
Sélestat Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sauerkraut with sausages, potatoes, and sometimes smoked meats—a iconic Alsatian staple.
Must-Try!
Thin, crisp pastry topped with onions, lardons, and crème fraîche; widely available in winstubs and bistros.
Meat and vegetable stew slow-cooked in a stone pot, often served with potatoes and bread.
Egg noodles baked with cheese and onions, a comforting cheese-forward dish.
A savory onion tart, perfect for a light lunch or snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering local cheeses, breads, produce, and ready-to-eat treats.
On market days, you can sample flammekueche, pretzels and crepes from vibrant stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use Bonjour or Bonsoir; address people as Monsieur or Madame, especially in formal settings.
Punctuality is appreciated; keep noise levels considerate in residential areas and places of worship.
Safety
Tipping in Sélestat
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charge is often included in restaurants; if not, a tip of 5-10% is customary for good service.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy for smaller shops and markets; contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blossoming vineyards; great for walking tours and market visits.
Warm days and long evenings; enjoy outdoor dining, wine terraces, and scenic day trips.
Harvest time in vineyards; wine tastings and fall foliage create ideal photography and stroll opportunities.
Cold weather with festive markets and cozy winstubs; shorter days but a warm, seasonal atmosphere.
Sélestat at Night
Hiking in Sélestat
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible loop around the Illwald reserve with birdwatching and flat paths.
Forest trails with varying grades in the nearby Vosges foothills.
Scenic trails leading to the medieval castle with panoramic views over Alsace.
Airports
How to reach Sélestat by plane.
Major regional airport with connections to France and Europe, about 1 hour away by road or rail from Sélestat.
International airport serving Basel, Mulhouse and Freiburg, about 1.5–2 hours away by car.
Smaller airfield closer to Colmar for charter and general aviation; limited commercial service.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Strong family presence; good schools and parks.
Calm, scenic town appealing to retirees; bilingual heritage.
Several local schools and a share of residents commuting to larger cities for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local clubs and matches are common; sports facilities around the region.
Popular on the Alsace plains and along vineyard routes; road and mountain biking in the nearby Vosges.
Nearby Vosges resorts offer winter activities within a short drive.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sélestat.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes can be adapted; opt for kasspatzle or flammekueche without meat, and ask for cheese-based or mushroom-friendly options.