2026-05-20 Ribeauvillé

 May 20, 2026 

Today is our first day traveling with our friends from England, Mad Chapman and Ron and Chris Cain (who are Scottish, not British, they would tell you). Sister-in-law, Judy Steininger, is still with us for a few days longer. 

Judy, Ron, Chris, Mad, Lynn in Ribeauvillé

We headed north today to the town of Ribeauvillé, for a 2nd visit. And now that Dave has friends to do the vineyard walking tour, that sealed the deal.

26 km from Logelheim to Ribeauvillé

Ribeauvillé has a connection with minstrels. Legend tells that the minstrel's guild was partially responsible for Ribeauvillé's independence in the middle ages. 

Statue of a minstrel along La Grande Rue

We walked La Grande Rue through town to the Butcher's Tower (so-named for the butchers' stalls that once stood here). Dave felt there were more people in town today, but fewer cars. It was cold and threatening rain (again!) So they might have had more sense than us.

painting on the wall of the town hall. the door leads to a little library (Boite a lire)

Mad walking out the Butcher's Tower

Judy, Chris, Mad - looking at something along the street and missing the view of the castle behind them.

Along La Grande Rue, Ron doing some window-shopping

The vineyard walk was worth the effort with views looking over the town and countryside. While the group did the walk, Lynn wandered back through the town doing a bit of window shopping.

Starting the hike meant climbing up to the vineyards - Judy, Mad, Chris, Ron

Chris looking over the vineyards to Ribeauvillé

Ribeauvillé seen from the vineyards

walking back into town via the road - Judy, Chris, Mad, Ron

We had decided to meet at the square by the tourist office for lunch. The same place where we had last been chased away by the rain. Same result. But we finished our lunch before heading back to Logelheim.

Once more eating in the rain - Dave, Judy, Ron, Chris, Mad

Stopping at Huniswihr for a quick tour

Alsace is beautiful no matter what town you're in