Alsace, your base to explore
Between vineyard and mountain
Orbey sits in the Pays Welche, a characterful corner of the Vosges mountains, just above the vineyards of the Kaysersberg Valley. From Les Écrins, two sides of Alsace are within easy reach: the half-timbered villages of the Alsace Wine Route on one side, the lakes, forests and summits of the Vosges on the other.
A morning among the vines, an afternoon on the mountain trails, and back to the house for the hot tub: here, your days take shape at your own pace, and we are always happy to share our local knowledge to help you plan them.
Thanks to the advice of this lovely, very professional couple, I discovered beautiful Alsatian villages (Eguisheim, Rouffach, Kaysersberg) and stunning lakes nearby (Lac Noir and Lac Blanc). There is still so much more to discover, the region is so rich in activities and heritage…
Translated from French
of Les Écrins
Kaysersberg: about 8 km (5 miles), 10 minutes by car
Lac Blanc: about 10 km (6 miles), 15 minutes by car
Riquewihr: about 20 km (12 miles), 25 minutes by car
Colmar: about 20 km (12 miles), 25 minutes by car
Eguisheim: about 23 km (11 miles), 30 minutes by car
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle: about 40 km (24 miles), 45 minutes by car
The Vosges mountains, from the doorstep
The mountain trails start right around Orbey. Easy walks around the lakes, forest paths or more demanding routes up to the ridges: there is a walk for every pace. Lac Blanc, Lac Noir and Lac du Forlet are the local classics, and the Linge, a moving First World War memorial site, is just above the village.
In the warmer months, the Route des Crêtes follows the high ridges of the Vosges, with sweeping views over the mountains and the Alsace plain. Stop for lunch at a ferme-auberge, a traditional mountain farm inn, for a hearty marcaire meal, Munster cheese and a slice of bilberry tart.
Cyclists will find beautiful roads and mountain passes around Orbey, and the Lac Blanc resort offers a bike park, mountain biking trails and treetop adventure courses in summer.
Colmar, castles and medieval heritage
Colmar reveals another side of Alsace: a fairytale-like destination, with its beautifully preserved old town, the picturesque canals of Petite Venise, and fine museums, including the Unterlinden Museum.
Rising above the Alsace plain on its rocky spur, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle is one of the region’s great landmarks. Beyond it, the ruins of medieval castles dot the Vosges foothills, many of them reachable on beautiful forest walks.
Our favourite local places
Every stay is different, so we love to help you shape yours. A walk suited to your pace, a family wine estate, a restaurant in the village, a market or a cycling route: tell us what you enjoy, and we will share our insider recommendations.
Simply send us a message before your trip for personalised suggestions, or come and chat with us during your stay. We’ll be delighted to share our local favourites, hidden gems and places we love with you.
You can also take a look at our Suggested Itineraries for a little inspiration before you arrive.
Winter in the Vosges
When snow settles on the Vosges, Lac Blanc, just fifteen minutes from the house, is a wonderful place to enjoy the winter landscape, whether cross-country skiing, following one of the marked snowshoe trails, sledging or taking a ride on the Tricky Track alpine coaster. Conditions and activities depend on snowfall.
In December, the villages of the Wine Route light up for Christmas. Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé and Colmar hold some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace, all within easy reach: a morning walk in the mountains, the glow of the markets in the late afternoon, and the warmth of the hot tub to end the day.
The villages of the Wine Route
A short drive down the valley, the vineyards of Alsace begin. Kaysersberg, Ammerschwihr, Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé and Eguisheim are among the loveliest villages of the Wine Route: half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes, flower-filled squares and family wine estates where you can step inside for a tasting.
This is the home of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Wine trails wind through the vineyards on foot, and the Véloroute du Vignoble lets you explore them by bike.
We are happy to suggest a few carefully chosen estates for a tasting.
Tourisme à Orbey et autour des Écrins
Is Les Écrins a good base for exploring Alsace?
Yes. Orbey sits between the Vosges mountains and the Alsace Wine Route. Lac Blanc, the mountain lakes and the Route des Crêtes are close by, as are Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé and the other villages of the Wine Route.
Do I need a car?
A car is the easiest way to explore the region, as many villages, estates and trailheads are best reached by road. You will find all our travel tips on our Getting Here page.
Which Wine Route villages are closest to Orbey?
Kaysersberg, Ammerschwihr, Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé are among the nearest, with half-timbered houses, family wine estates and vineyard walks.
Can I visit Colmar from Orbey?
Yes, Colmar is about 25 minutes away by car. Its old town, the canals of Petite Venise and its museums make a wonderful day out.
Where can I go hiking around Orbey?
Many trails start from Orbey, leading to Lac Blanc, Lac Noir and Lac du Forlet, the Vosges ridges and the surrounding forests, from gentle walks to more challenging hikes.
What is there to do at Lac Blanc?
In summer: hiking, mountain biking, the bike park and treetop courses. In winter: downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledging, depending on snowfall.
Where are the nearest Christmas markets?
Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé and Colmar all hold beautiful Christmas markets, within easy reach of Orbey from late November until Christmas.
Back to the house
After a day among the vineyards or in the mountains, return to the comfort of your room and a private session in the outdoor hot tub, then look forward to a homemade and local breakfast the next morning. At Les Écrins, every detail is considered, from the first welcome to the small thoughtful touches along the way.
