You can visit gorgeous 'real-life Disneyland' that inspired the legendary films
Two picture-perfect cities rumoured to be inspiration for Disney settings have been revealed - but they won't stay under-the-radar for long. If you're keen to avoid overcrowded tourist hotspots, a trip to one of these picturesque destinations should be the next stop on your travel itinerary.
French River cruise operator European Waterways has revealed two lesser-known destinations that supposedly inspired Disney animation. Located 20 minutes from the tourist hotspot Colmar, both Eguisheim and Riquewihr are worth exploring.
Located in the wine-making region of Alsace, both destinations are members of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France - or The Most Beautiful Villages in France. Formed in 1982, Les Plus Beaux Villages de France is an independent body that promotes must-visit rural locations. As of 2024, it numbers 176 member villages. This comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.
Maryanne Sparkes, French Rivercruise expert at European Waterways, explains their distinct charm. 'Eguisheim's secret lies in its unique layout — concentric circles of narrow lanes surround a central château, each lined with meticulously preserved half-timbered houses.
'This design, dating back to the 13th century, is rare in Europe and creates a magical village atmosphere, amplified by vibrant window boxes bursting with blooms in spring and summer,' she explains.
The village also institutes regulations to ensure the preservation of its distinct layout. According to Maryanne: 'Local laws strictly protect the village's architectural heritage, meaning no building facade can be changed without official permission.
'This careful preservation maintains Eguisheim's medieval character, which helped it win the title of 'France's favourite village' in 2013.' Similar to Eguisheim, Riquewihr is 'frozen in time' to preserve its atmosphere and architecture.
Maryanne explains: 'A slightly different, but equally beautiful Riquewihr is a medieval fortress frozen in time by local experts. Only five kilometres from Eguisheim, Riquewihr charms visitors with its intact defensive walls, cobbled alleys, and medieval watchtowers.'
She says that Riquewihr's houses — some dating as far back as the 16th century — are notable for their traditional painted wooden facades decorated with geometric patterns and floral motifs. Walking through its narrow streets feels like 'entering a living museum' and is particularly magical during Christmas time when fairy lights adorn the walls.
Maryanne says that despite Riquewihr and Eguisheim's proximity to the popular destination of Colmar, both towns remain 'delightfully undervisited'.
'They provide the perfect alternative for travellers wanting fairytale charm without the crowds, plus easy access to world-class Alsace wines and local gastronomy,' she says.
Colmar has achieved notoriety on social media for its pastel-hued traditional homes and picture-perfect canals. With its relatively small population of 67,000, Colmar maintains a "country town" vibe, drawing visitors into its quaint atmosphere amplified by centuries of dedicated preservation.
Disney fans might even mistake Colmar for Belle's hometown from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The area's distinctive architecture, including timber-clad homes, supposedly served as the direct inspiration for the movie's fictional setting in Alsace.
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