As overtourism prompts locals in Europe’s hotspots to hang “closed” signs to deter crowds, savvy bleisure travellers are turning to destinations that blend visual allure with under-the-radar charm.
Increasingly, the perfect getaway must contain not just beauty — but a sense of quiet discovery.
In fact, more than half of global travellers say they’ve planned a trip purely based on an image or video seen on social media, according to Contiki. A holiday is now only “perfect” if it includes a hidden gem.
Enter Eguisheim and Riquewihr — two medieval Alsatian villages just 20 minutes from viral Colmar, both basking in Disney-level enchantment without the tourist crush. Revealed by French river cruise specialist European Waterways, these wine-region retreats combine fairy tale visuals with protected cultural heritage.
Eguisheim — Often named France’s most beloved village, Eguisheim is built in rare concentric circles around a central château. Its 13th-century half-timbered homes bloom with flower boxes in spring, while local heritage laws fiercely protect its postcard-perfect façades. The result: a village that feels preserved in time, yet alive with colour.
Riquewihr — Just five kilometres away, Riquewihr is a fortified town with cobbled lanes, watchtowers, and decorative wooden homes dating back to the 1500s. During the festive season, its alleys twinkle with lights as its Christmas markets weave between floral-patterned facades and historic wine shops.
These twin gems, members of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France — the national register of the country’s 176 most beautiful villages — also inspired Disney animators. But they remain delightfully under-visited, offering bleisure travellers authentic access to Alsace’s acclaimed wines, gastronomy, and storybook atmosphere — without the selfie sticks.
For business travellers seeking a pause that feels like magic, Eguisheim and Riquewihr invite you to swap crowded cathedrals for a quieter kind of wonder.