Of all the picture-postcard villages in Alsace, this is perhaps the most photogenic - witness the hordes of camera-toting tourists that throng its cobbled streets by day. Hence it is probably best to stay overnight so that the wonderfully-preserved 16th and 17th century buildings, the little courtyards and the atmospheric winstubs can be enjoyed in relative peace when all the coaches have departed.
Tucked away down a side street at the top of the village is the quaint Hotel le Sarment d’Or. While Mirianne Merckling runs the front of house, her equally charming husband takes care of the restaurant. Gilbert Merckling’s menus have earned him a Michelin Bib Gourmand for their excellent quality and outstandingly good value. Everyone rates his cuisine very highly – he will tempt you with specialities that change with the seasons, always keeping a firm eye on the local terroir. The cosy, beamed dining room has a huge stone fireplace which crackles away on cooler evenings.
The pleasant, comfortable accommodation is reached by a spiral staircase. The rooms are small but decorated with panache to enhance the natural character (more beams) of the medieval building. There is a garage although public car parks (also payable) are about 5 minutes’ walk away just outside the ramparts.
Good value, friendly people and first-rate food – the Sarment d’Or is a restaurant with rooms that’s hard to fault.