Location: Riquewihr, Alsace, France, Europe (Colmar 10 miles, Basel and Strasbourg airports 50 miles) View Map
Accommodations: Apartment, 1 Bedroom + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
Keywords: Romantic and outstanding holiday apartment in Riquewihr, one of the prettiest villages in France, ideally located on the Alsace Wine Route. The apartment is in a 16th Century Alsatian house beautifully renovated and decorated.
Welcome to an authentic 17th Century timber framed house listed with the French National Heritage! The Sentinel**** is a romantic and lovely apartment (50+ sqm) in Riquewihr, Alsace, one of the prettiest villages of Europe. The apartment came out of complete restoration works and is welcoming its guests with an official 4 star comfort and decoration rating from the French Ministry of Tourism. Careful restoration and decoration works offer ideal self catering accommodation for 2 persons with great value for money. A romantic and elegant living space spreads over the first floor: lounge, kitchen and Alsatian 'stub' (dining area). Bed room and bathroom are on the upper floor.
This romantic flat is organised in a medieval house listed as a national heritage building (Monument Historique). It is embedded in the medieval rampart (defence wall built 1500) of Riquewihr. On the mountainside, the medieval city wall is the western wall of the house. On the street side, it is an Alsatian traditional half-timber framed house. Decorated with great care and especially equipped for 1 couple looking for holiday accommodation on the Alsace wine route, at the foot of the Vosges and a few minutes by car to Colmar.
Some (steep but very practicable) steps take you up from the street to the first floor, at the same level as the former covered defence way of the ramparts, where the medieval soldiers used to watch out for enemies, invaders or thiefs (therefore the name Sentinel)! The restoration works largely made use of the traditional techniques with organic and healthy materials (untreated wood, natural paintings with lime wash, no chemicals, etc). Authentic polychrome pieces of furniture and fabrics in Alsatian kelsch contribute to make this small house a real jewel. As we recently achieved it in the neighbour house this new flat combines charm and comfort and will be able to satisfy - Summer as Winter - travelers who appreciate refined and authentic places… The fully equipped kitchen makes it possible to be perfectly autonomous. But do not forget that the many ones and excellent restaurants of the village (some of them being listed in the Michelin Red Guide) - with excellent quality-prices ratio - are within walking distance.
->>> Riquewihr, a medieval city between mountain and vineyards
Alsace is in eastern France on the Rhine River border with Germany. It is unquestionably spectacularly beautiful. A very special combination of history, culture, scenery, and especially food and wine makes it one of the most delightful places to visit in all of Europe. - John Egan, American journalist.
Riquewihr is the jewel in the crown - famous for the Riesling and other great wines produced here - and looks today exactly as it did in the 16th Century. Riquewihr is a wonderful little medieval city hidden between mountain and vineyards. Although in a very preserved area, Riquewihr is only 7 miles from Colmar and minutes from other famous alsatian villages like Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr, Eguisheim or Kaysersberg.
Simply walk out of the house and go for beautiful walks in the forest and mountain or through some of the most famous vineyards in the world, the choice is yours!
->>> Riquewihr, the most beautiful and spectacular medieval city on the Alsace wine route...
"If there’s a more delightful prospect anywhere in Europe than the Alsace wine route, I’d like to hear about it. I mean, consider: we have, first, the Vosges mountains — rounded, forested and with just enough drama to give matters an edge. Up top, castles look out from craggy summits, their sting now drawn. Down below, vineyards unfurl right to the gates of villages whose half-timbered streets tell tales stretching back to the middle ages. " -
James Preston, Sunday Times.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided : Linens and towels are provided. Bed ready upon arrival.
- Washer : In the laundry (shared).
- Dryer : In the laundry (shared).
- Off Street Parking : Secluded locked parking available nearby upon request.
- Beds
- King Bed : 180x200 cm. Can also be prepared as 2 twinbeds of 90x200 cm upon request.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : CNN + some other English speaking channels available + all German channels, some Dutch, Spanish and Italian.
- DVD
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- View/Location
- Mountain View : View on the Vosges mountains, forest and vineyards.
- Monument View : Our apartment is part of the medieval city defense wall.
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Long distance calls with Skype if you bring your computer
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Not Suitable for Children : Babies not yet in the age of walking are welcome free of charge. No extra bed possible for children.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Antiquing
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Museums
Rate Details (In Euros)
€60 fee (Approx $73) for our housekeeper
This includes bed-linen, towels and cleaning at the end of the stay.
For accurate online quotation and availability, please follow link to our website
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Romantic & Luxury Apartment for 2 in Lovely Medieval City
Year Purchased: 2007
Why the Owner Chose Riquewihr
Alsace is Jean-Paul's grand parent's home region. Although it has still to be discovered by many travelers, Alsace is also one of the most beautiful and distinctive regions of France. The Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2010 has picked Alsace as one of the hot regions in the world to visit. Alsace is one of the most beautiful and distinctive regions of France and is famous for its wine, gastronomy and wine tourism facilities. Riquewihr is the jewel in the crown - famous for the Riesling and other great Alsace wines produced here - and looks today exactly as it did in the 16th Century. Riquewihr is a wonderful and romantic little medieval city hidden between the Vosges mountains and some of the most famous vineyards in Alsace.
The Unique Benefits at this Apartment
We wanted to offer our guests, not only a roof, a bed and a chair, but much more than what they would usually find in a self catering flat. I am sure that if we speak about restaurants, everybody would understand the difference between a fast food and a Michelin star restaurant. Both of them are providing meals. But... different meals! We think that - especially for a rather long stay (most of our guests are staying 7 nights and +) - it is not enough to sleep well during the night but it is necessary to enjoy the stay in a place which is somehow of the same level as the historical surroundings, the landscape, the mountain and the vineyards: beautiful. A place where you like to have a rest and enjoy some time, not only a place for sleeping. We cared for the health of our guests, using only organic products. We paid respect to the history of the place and the local traditions. All furniture are genuine antiques. And finally, we added all the modern touch and comfort: quality and natural materials, air conditioning, large TV in the lounge (a 122 cm screen in the Dove's Nest house) + one in each room, free internet in all apartments and even a computer in the largest one (Dove's Nest), Nespresso coffee maker, etc.
Owner's Map of Riquewihr
We renovated several old historical houses. Our private home as well as some of the newly renovated medieval houses in Alsace were featured in well-known French TV broadcasts. We speak English and would be pleased to answer your questions. Do not hesitate to call us. Or send us your phone number. We will call you
Property Photos
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- A comfortable lounge furnished with genuine Alsatian antiques. - France Accommodation
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- The apartment is carefully decorated. - France Accommodation
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- Bedroom with 180x200 bed (possibility of twin bed configuration upon request) - France Accommodation
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- Bathroom with shower over the bath. Cork on the floor: your feet will love it!
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- Kitchen: traditional style with all modern equipment.
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- Every year, from end Nov to mid January, we have a Christmas tree in the apartmt
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- Kitchen (with microwave, not TV :)
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- View from the bedroom reaches the famous vineyards of Riquewihr
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- The apartment is part of the picturesque medieval defence wall
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- Living room
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- Private wine tour with a world famous winemaker of our friends
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- Main street of Riquewihr. Riquewihr is a small village with 1350 inhabitants
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- The picturesque street of our apartment. No car trafic.
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- One of the numerous typical restaurants in Riquewihr
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- Riquewihr, a wonderful location, a practical base to visit all of Alsace
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- Haut-Koenigsgbourg castle, one of the most spectacular in France. Near Riquewihr
Traveler Reviews (6)
Vacation Perfection in Riquewihr, France!
Guest: Neil and Claire
(Grantham, New Hampshire/New England, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/01/10
Review Submitted: 08/27/10
The Alsace region, the town of Riquewihr, the Sentinel apartment, and Jean-Paul and Martine provided us with an outstanding vacation experience - one that has stolen our hearts! The apartment is as charming in person as it is online. It’s lovely, well maintained, well equipped with everything you need, and warm and inviting - the perfect home away from home. If you are in need of anything, a simple phone call to Valerie is immediately answered. Jean-Paul and Martine provided brochures and other information about the region which was extremely helpful in planning and getting the most out of our vacation days. With its location between the Vosges mountains and the vineyards, Riquewihr’s ambience is positively enchanting. The wines produced in the region are superb and the food is spectacular. We loved every restaurant we visited in Riquewihr. We would especially recommend Le Sarment d’Or for the food and experience and the outstanding wines of Maison Zimmer (Au Tire Bouchon Winstub). Plan on spending a substantial amount of time exploring Riquewihr and all it has to offer (like the open market on Friday!) and also venture out to Colmar, Ribeauville, and Strasbourg, as well as just about any other nearby town or city - each is unique, beautiful and rewarding. If you get the chance, meet the artist Christian Schwob, who created the artwork in the Sentinel, and perhaps purchase one of his pieces to memorialize your vacation. A highlight of our vacation in Riquewihr was the kindness and thoughtfulness of Jean-Paul and Martine. For a truly unforgettable vacation make your reservation in Riquewihr with the Krebs! Don’t wait another minute or you’ll miss the opportunity - their apartments book up quickly for a reason!
Owner response:Dear Claire and Neil, Many thanks for taking the time to write this nice review. It is a great help for us to receive feedbacks from our renters. It is not always possible for us to welcome our guests personally since we are not living in Riquewihr. But Valérie, our housekeeper in Riquewihr is always ready to do her best for a warm welcome and help when necessary. And when, from time to time we manage to be there ourselves, it is always a great pleasure to share some time with our guests. As one can imagine, bringing back to life such old houses need a lot of efforts, - not only money - but ideas and some strengh and will to overcome all the obstacles. Our aim was always to provide, not only a comfortable accommodation but a place with a spirit. And make the stay in Riquewihr and the Alsace region a real and deeper personal experience, as close as possible from the local traditions and culture. Many thanks again for staying with us. Martine and Jean-Paul, owners
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing.
If you're thinking Alsace...you must stay here!
Guest: Bonnie and Shel
(Owings Mills, MD. USA)
Date of Stay: 05/16/10
Review Submitted: 05/29/10
We have just returned home after spending 8 fabulous days in Riquewihr. The stay was nothing short of perfect ...well maybe, the emergency visit to the dentist doesn't quality. Our hosts, Jean Paul and Martine Krebs, didn't fail to deliver. Our accomodation was immaculately clean, well supplied, and very tastefully decorated. Being in the short term/relocation business in the US, I am extremely critical of furnished accomodations and could find absolutely nothing short of perfection in our apartment. The maps and information left for us were invaluable. The photos accurately portrayed the apartment and Valerie (a true gem) met us where and when we planned. Valerie gave us a brief overview of Riquewihr (where to buy croissants each AM, restaurants, and most importantly on how to use the European washer/dryer). She came to the rescue we had an emergency dental situation. (Great dentist in neighboring town-Ribeauville...only 22.50 E for treatment!) We're telling everyone that Alsace is a hidden gem....go now and book a unit with Jean Paul. Bonnie and Shel
Recommended for:Girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Lynn E. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Date of Stay: 05/15/09
Review Submitted: 04/10/10
This charming apartment is the ideal base from which to enjoy the medieval town of Riquewihr as well as explore the nearby towns and villages via the local "wine route." We travelled by local bus or on foot -- a car is not necessary. Riquewihr itself is very popular with tourists but mostly these are day-trippers, leaving the evenings for those of us lucky enough to be staying there. The description of the property and the photos were very accurate, though nothing could prepare a visitor for the charming views or the care and attention with which the apartment has been decorated. Customer service was excellent -- we were contacted by telephone within a few hours, even though our initial inquiry was made over the Christmas holiday period. We would absolutely recommend this apartment and have already done so. Nearby attractions include the town of Hunawihr, with its butterfly garden and nature preserve and, of course, there are lots of vineyards and caves for wine-tasting. Recommended restaurants in Riquewihr include the Dolder and Le Sarment d'or. All in all, a real gem and highly recommended.
Recommended for:
Guest: Roma & Ian Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Date of Stay: 06/01/09
Review Submitted: 04/10/10
Our Riquewihr Idyll... Comment published by guests on HomeAway 13. September 2009 We had a wonderful holiday in Riquewihr in June this year. The Sentinel was our home for four weeks. The apartment was everything we expected from our study of the excellent website and could have asked for nothing more. It is ideal for two people. A pleasant ambience was created with simple but comfortable furniture in keeping with the character and age of the building. Modern appliances kept us in the 21st century and the standard of cleanliness was excellent. Riquewihr is an artist's paradise. My husband had a wonderful time with his sketchbooks and pastel pencils. To enter the town was like walking onto the set of the opera 'The Meistersingers of Nuremberg.' The length of our stay gave us ample time to savour the delights of Riquewihr and build up a rapport with the local shopkeepers. It also enabled us to explore other villages long the wine route as well as the attractive 'easy to drive in' Vosges Mountains without having to travel excessive distances. The assistance given to us on our arrival by the owner and the housekeeper throughout our stay was greatly appreciated. Nothing was too much trouble. We enjoyed the restaurants, Le Sarment D'Or, Le Tire Bouchon and Le Brendel Stub and supported L'Epicerie and Boulangerie. We would certainly come again, health and age permitting.
Recommended for:
Guest: Jim and Lorraine, N.Ireland
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Date of Stay: 08/08/08
Review Submitted: 04/10/10
Just to say thank you so sincerely for a wonderful stay. Not only is the setting of Riquewihr enchanting but also how you have made the accommodation so comfortable with every amenity possible. A real gem! We have stayed in many places around the world but it must be said that your hospitality is first class, one of the best ever. Thank you for the personal tour, your recommendations on restaurants and wineries were superbe - this personal touch DOES make a difference. We will return for sure. Thanks again for everything
Recommended for:
Guest: Pamela and David
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Date of Stay: 12/31/08
Review Submitted: 04/10/10
Happy New Year Jean-Paul, We wanted to thank you for the opportunity to stay in your apartment in Riquewihr. What a treat! It was perfect! We felt so at home and my gosh, what a fabulous location. We enjoyed the Christmas celebrations despite the sea of people. But, there were plenty of side streets to explore without the crowds and after everyone left, it was delightful to walk around and feel the mystical life of medieval times. The apartment was wonderful-- so many quality details --cute as could be. How old is this house? And, we have to say that Valerie was so sweet and professional. We hope that your Christmas was great and we wish you a wonderful New Year Eve celebration along with best wishes for the New Year. Cheers,
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #181770
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