Buzz
In Beauty and the Beast, Belle dreamed of faraway lands while living in her quaint village, unaware that her own home was a place of magic. The real-life villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé in France's Alsace region served as the inspiration for her idyllic town. Fans of the animated classic can now step into Belle's world, exploring the charming streets and castles that fueled her imagination. With the live-action remake reigniting interest, the desire to visit these picturesque locales has never been stronger.
Riquewihr
Riquewihr's fairy-tale charm made it the perfect muse for Disney's animators. Its colorful houses and towering steeple create a scene straight out of a storybook, explaining Belle's love for enchanting tales. Adventures by Disney has added Riquewihr to its Beauty and the Beast-themed Rhine River cruise for next year. For those eager to experience this magical town sooner, it's just a 45-minute drive from Strasbourg Airport.
Vieille Ville
Bonjour, bonjour! Meandering through this medieval gem—Riquewihr's Old Town—feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Brightly colored houses in shades of blue, yellow, and pink line the cobblestone streets, creating a labyrinth ideal for avoiding Gaston-like characters. The iconic Dolder Tower stands watch over the village square, a charming spot to chat about "eccentric old Maurice." And let’s not forget the baker, who may have ignored Belle’s love for books but mastered the art of baking delicious baguettes. Today, you can savor these treats at Au Petit Délice, a quaint pastry shop on Rue du Général de Gaulle.
Brocante Collections
For your own Lumières and Cogsworths, visit Brocante Collections (2 Rue Latérale), an antique shop in Riquewihr brimming with treasures like dolls, dishes, clocks, and candlesticks. Just don’t expect the décor to speak French.
Though not as grand as the Beast’s library, Riquewihr boasts its own treasure trove of over 8000 books at the local Bibliothèque. To fully channel Belle’s love for reading, venture six hours to Paris’s Shakespeare & Company, a haven for bibliophiles. Once frequented by literary giants like Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce in the 1920s, this iconic bookstore would have been Belle’s paradise.
Château d’Isenbourg
For a truly magical experience, spend your day exploring the town and retire to a castle for the night. The Château d’Isenbourg, located just 30 minutes from Riquewihr, is a luxurious five-star castle hotel in Alsace. While you might not encounter a Beast, the onsite spa, Jacuzzi, and nearby wineries make up for the lack of enchanted princes and their lavish estates.
Ribeauvillé
Ribeauvillé, about twice the size of Riquewihr, also inspired Disney’s animators. Just a 10-minute drive north of Riquewihr, this town is framed by three cliffside castles and radiates the fairytale charm synonymous with the Alsace region. Key highlights include:
Wistub Zum Pfifferhus
Could this be the spot where Gaston and his crew plotted their assault on the Beast over beers and clumsy moves? Maybe. The rustic wooden ambiance and robust dishes (like sausages and steaks) at Wistub Zum Pfifferhus would certainly fuel that boisterous group for a castle raid.
Ribeauvillé’s Castles
Castle Saint Ulrich, Girsberg Castle, and Haut-Ribeaupierre Castle offer a stunning backdrop to this charming village. Dating back to the 13th century, these castles are reachable by foot, though the steep hour-long hike might require Gaston’s infamous "five dozen eggs" stamina. (But seriously, skip the crazy diet—no one needs 5000 calories of raw eggs.)
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Located just a 20-minute drive from Ribeauvillé, the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is the Alsace region’s closest resemblance to the Beast’s grand castle. Complete with a drawbridge ("Kill the Beast!"), a medieval garden (perfect for an emotional snowball fight), and surrounding forests, this castle welcomes visitors daily and offers special tours year-round. While the actual inspiration for the Beast’s castle is the Château de Chambord, as revealed in a Screen Rant interview with animator Glen Keane, the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is a fantastic alternative without the six-hour drive to the Loire Valley.
One essential element missing from this list—and a highlight of any Alsace visit—is wine. The region is renowned for its Pinot gris, Riesling, Muscat, and Gewurztraminer, with Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé restaurants showcasing some of the finest vintages. Though wine wasn’t a major theme in Beauty and the Beast, one Disney fan site points out that Alsace wine made a cameo during the failed wedding scene. That’s reason enough for us to toast to the beloved tale of beauty and her beast!
