On July 4, the Tour de France begins—perfect timing to spotlight northeastern France and the Alsace village of Kaysersberg. Set along the Weiss River, about 12 kilometres northwest of Colmar, this historic town lies on the eastern slopes of the Vosges Mountains.

Kaysersberg's name—Emperor's Mountain—reflects its strategic past, crowned by a hilltop fortress first recorded in 1227, when Emperor Frederick II acquired and refortified the site. Today, that legacy unfolds in every direction: pastel half-timbered houses line cobblestone streets, while a striking fortified stone bridge from the early 16th century spans the river, linking the old town's districts.

Step inside Sainte Croix Church to find architectural layers dating to the 13th century or wander towards vineyard-covered hills that have shaped life here for centuries. Linger a little longer with a glass of crisp Pinot Gris and let this corner of Alsace unfold at its own unhurried pace.