At the heart of the Alsace vineyards is a village known throughout the world. It is believed to be one of the finest villages in a region where there is no shortage of marvels. Every year, over a million visitors are drawn to this place, which is Riquewihr, a fortified village dating from the early Middle Ages. Riquewihr is a small gem which has been able to conserve its heritage in a way which forces the admiration of the most blasé. Stone houses from the Renaissance, burghers’ houses with wooden sections, towers, doors and medieval walls, century-old paving stones, stately houses, popular museums, charming restaurants and hotels and an ideal location nestling among hillsides covered in vineyards make Riquewihr one of the finest sights of traditional Alsace. Of course, one must not forget winemaking, which was introduced here 2000 years ago and which continues to account for a good part of the wealth of the village. The other major source of revenue is tourism.
 

At the heart of the Alsace vineyards is Riquewihr-la-belle. Within the walls of the ancient village, at the dead end of an extraordinarily picturesque alley is Trotthus, which will be much appreciated by the curious, lovers of old constructions, romantics, poets and those who want to put some distance between themselves and the crowded main streets. The restaurant got its name from an Alsatian word meaning wine press, because one of the three rooms of this charming establishment is built around ancient machinery which was used in the past to extract grape juice – a magnificent wine press that is so evocative of the wine harvests of yore.
 

Trotthus offers local specialities and very good value for money. Few restaurants of southern Alsace can withstand a comparison with Trotthus for the excellence of its tarte flambée. Above all, few inns in Alsace have such a charming and diversified setting as Trotthus in Riquewihr. We are proud of our three pretty dining rooms and particularly our ancient cellar, one of the walls of which is the — necessarily thick — city wall built in 1291 by the Sire of Horbourg, lord of Riquewihr. Our cellar is exquisite, naturally air-conditioned, and is particularly suitable for groups of 30 to 50 who are looking for a cool, friendly and discreet setting for their reunion. The acoustics are superb too, and the place is ideal for candle-lit banquets. Historical musical shows can be organised around the droll aspects of daily life in the Middle Ages.


Within a stone’s throw of the Cour des Juifs and the entrance to the Tour des Voleurs, Trotthus can be seem from afar because of its wrought iron sign. When you stand facing the Dolder, the most famous building in Riquewihr (at the top of the Rue Principale), take the rue des Juifs on the right, up to the very end. The staff of Trotthus will be glad to receive you. For more information, particularly about banquets and shows, feel free to call us at 33 (0) 3 89 47 95 47. Trotthus can also arrange tours of Riquewihr. A trained guide with an irresistible sense of humour will point out the most unusual aspects of the ancient winemaking village.

 
     

Daniel Ehret, writer, author of Drôles d’histoires d’Alsace, 1998, Editions Pierron.