✓ Handpicked Luxury Stays in Budget on 🏡 booking.com
If you have done the things to do in France, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Neuf-Brisach.
Nestled within the heart of the Alsace region, Neuf-Brisach is a city bursting with charm and history, offering a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors to discover.
From wandering through the winding streets and stunning architecture of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortifications to exploring the region’s world-renowned wineries and indulging in its delicious cuisine, Neuf-Brisach beckons you on a journey of discovery unlike any other.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Neuf-Brisach:
1. Citadelle de Neuf-Brisach
The Citadelle de Neuf-Brisach is a fortified town located in the Alsace region of France. It was built by Vauban, a French military engineer, in the 17th century.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the perfectly preserved fortifications, including ramparts, bastions, and gates. The town also has a number of historic buildings, including a church, town hall, and governor’s residence.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a walk along the ramparts for stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The museum in the governor’s residence is also worth a visit to learn more about the history of the town.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the summer for the annual fête de la musique, a music festival that takes place throughout the town.
And be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as choucroute (sauerkraut), flammekueche (Alsatian pizza), and kugelhopf (a sweet, brioche-like cake).
2. Eglise Saint-Louis de Neuf-Brisach
Eglise Saint-Louis de Neuf-Brisach is a stunning church located in the northeastern region of France.
What to see or do: Visitors can marvel at the impressive Baroque-style architecture and intricate details of the interior décor.
The church is also home to a famous organ built in 1768, which is still played during special concerts and events.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a closer look at the stunning frescoes painted on the ceiling and walls, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Louis.
The striking bell tower and intricate stained-glass windows are also breathtaking.
Insider travel tips: Visit during one of the church’s organ concerts to get the full experience and hear the beautiful music that fills the space.
Don’t forget to dress modestly and speak in hushed tones while inside the church to respect its religious significance.
3. Porte de Bâle
Porte de Bâle is a historic gate located in the town of Neuf-Brisach, France. It is one of the few remaining military structures built by the famous French military engineer, Vauban.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive, well-preserved structure and its intricate details, including the decorative stonework and the impressive archway. The gate houses a small museum with exhibits on the history of Neuf-Brisach and the surrounding region.
Don’t miss: Marvel at the stunning views of the surrounding town and countryside from the top of Porte de Bâle. Be sure to take time to explore the rest of Neuf-Brisach, which is known for its well-preserved Vauban fortifications.
Insider travel tips: For the best experience, plan to visit early in the morning or later in the evening when the crowds are lighter.
Take some time to walk around the town’s ramparts and explore the various gates and fortifications. Additionally, it is recommended to hire a local guide who can provide insights into the history of the area.
4. Musée Vauban
Musée Vauban is a museum located in the fortified town of Neuf-Brisach, in northeastern France.
What to see or do: The museum is dedicated to the life and work of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, a renowned military engineer and Marshal of France who designed the fortifications of Neuf-Brisach and many other sites throughout the country.
Visitors can see exhibits and displays relating to the history of warfare, fortifications, and military engineering, as well as Vauban’s personal life and political career.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is a model of the town and its defenses, which gives visitors a sense of what life was like during Vauban’s time.
You can also see artifacts, maps, and paintings that illustrate how the fortifications of Neuf-Brisach were designed and built.
Insider travel tips: Visitors are encouraged to take a guided tour of the museum and the town, which offers a deeper understanding of Vauban’s legacy and the history of Neuf-Brisach.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays and certain holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.
5. Porte de Colmar
A historic fortified town located in eastern France near the German border.
What to see or do: Walk along the perfectly preserved star-shaped ramparts, visit the two main gates, explore the Vauban Museum, and admire the architecture of the town’s buildings.
Don’t miss: The annual Christmas market held in the town’s main square, which is known for its festive atmosphere and traditional Alsatian crafts and foods.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to take a guided tour of the town to learn about its rich history and unique architecture.
Additionally, visit during the summer months to take advantage of the many outdoor activities available in the surrounding area, such as hiking and cycling.
6. Porte de Strasbourg
A historic fortified gate located in Neuf-Brisach, France.
What to see or do: Porte de Strasbourg is a beautiful example of 17th-century military architecture. Visitors can walk through the gate and marvel at the intricate details of the design.
Don’t miss: Take in the stunning views of the surrounding city walls and the Rhine river.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and get the best lighting for photographs.
Additionally, check out the nearby Vauban Museum to learn more about fortification in the area.
7. Place de la Porte de Belfort
Place de la Porte de Belfort is a beautiful square located in Neuf-Brisach, a fortified town in eastern France.
What to see or do: The square itself is an attraction, with its well-manicured lawns and gardens and beautifully painted buildings. It is also a great place to take a stroll and take in the sights of the surrounding area.
Don’t miss: The real highlight of Place de la Porte de Belfort is the Porte de Belfort itself, a stunning gate that marks the entrance to the fortified town.
The gate is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features intricate stone carvings and a beautiful clock tower.
Insider travel tips: – If you’re visiting Neuf-Brisach, be sure to take a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the town.
8. Pont Tournant de Neuf-Brisach
Pont Tournant de Neuf-Brisach is a historic turning bridge located in the town of Neuf-Brisach in eastern France.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the engineering and architectural feat of the turning bridge, which was built in the late 17th century to connect the fortified town of Neuf-Brisach to the rest of France.
The bridge spans across the river, allowing boats to pass through, and can be turned horizontally to facilitate this.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the bridge in action – it’s a unique spectacle to see the bridge turn and pivot to allow boats to pass through.
Insider travel tips: There are walking tours available in Neuf-Brisach that provide visitors with a history of the town and the bridge.
The best time to see the bridge is during the summer months when boat traffic on the river is at its highest.
9. Ramparts and Fortifications
Neuf-Brisach is a walled town located in the Alsace region of France.
It was built in the 17th century by the military architect Vauban, who was enlisted by King Louis XIV to fortify France’s borders.
What to see or do: Explore the star-shaped walls and fortifications of Neuf-Brisach, which have been well-preserved and remain an impressive example of military architecture. Walk through the town’s gates and enjoy the picturesque streets and colorful buildings.
Don’t miss: The views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the ramparts are breathtaking. The town’s central square, Place d’Armes, is also a must-see, with its beautiful fountain and historic buildings.
Insider travel tips: Visit the town during the annual Fête Vauban, which celebrates the town’s history and includes reenactments and other events. It’s also worth taking a guided tour to learn more about the town’s history and construction.
10. Jardins de l’hôtel de ville
A picturesque garden located in the heart of Neuf-Brisach, France.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll through the well-manicured lawns and flower beds, admire the sculptures and fountains, and relax on the benches.
Don’t miss: The impressive view of the fortified town walls that surround the garden, and the historic Town Hall building that sits adjacent to the garden.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the summer months when the flowers are in full bloom, and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the shade of the trees.
Consider taking a guided tour of the town to learn more about its fascinating history and unique architecture.
11. Place de la République
Historic town square in the fortified city of Neuf-Brisach, France.
What to see or do: Stroll around the charming square and appreciate the 17th century architectural design of Vauban. Visit the towering statue of Marianne, the French national symbol of liberty and reason.
Take in the vibe of the weekly farmers market and enjoy local produce.
Don’t miss: The impressive city walls that surround the Place de la République and the rest of Neuf-Brisach.
They are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and offer a unique insight into the fortified architecture of the 17th century.
Insider travel tips: Head to the square early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
Bring a picnic and enjoy it on the grassy area in the center of the square, or grab a drink at one of the cafes and watch the world go by.
12. Maison des Têtes
Maison des Têtes is a historic building located in the town of Neuf-Brisach in northeastern France.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the ornate facade of the building, which is decorated with more than 100 sculpted heads. The interior features a beautiful spiral staircase, as well as several rooms that can be explored.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a close look at the intricate details of the sculpted heads on the building’s facade, which depict a variety of human and mythological figures.
Insider travel tips: – Maison des Têtes is open to the public from April to October each year.
13. La Plage Bleue
La Plage Bleue is a man-made beach situated in the heart of the historic town of Neuf-Brisach in Alsace, France.
What to see or do: Enjoy a day of sunbathing and swimming in the crystal clear waters of the beach. There are also several water sports activities like pedal boats and kayaks available for rent.
Take a stroll along the promenade and admire the stunning scenery of the surrounding countryside.
Don’t miss: Make sure to catch the daily sunset over the Rhine River and the Vosges Mountains. It’s absolutely breathtaking!
Insider travel tips: Bring your own food and drinks as there are no restaurants or cafes on-site. The beach can get quite crowded during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot.
If you’re visiting with kids, there is a designated play area with swings and slides.
14. L’Île aux Fleurs
Beautiful island in the heart of Neuf-Brisach, France.
What to see or do: Walk or bike along the scenic paths, enjoy the stunning flower gardens, and explore the charming architecture.
Don’t miss: The stunning views of the Rhine River and the medieval walls surrounding the town.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the spring and summer to see the island’s flowers in full bloom. Don’t forget to venture into the town to sample delicious Alsatian cuisine and enjoy the local culture.