Katzenthal(France) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Cattartha, the standout choice is Hotel de la Poste, a boutique hotel blending Alsatian architecture with modern comfort. Located steps from the Church of Notre-Dame and the Town Hall, it offers panoramic views of the Rhine Valley from its private balconies. Rooms feature handcrafted wooden furnishings and local textiles, while the on-site restaurant specializes in regional dishes like choucroute garnie and Alsatian sauerkraut stew. Guests enjoy personalized service, including free walking maps and wine pairing suggestions. The hotel’s historic charm and authentic atmosphere make it ideal for cultural travelers seeking an immersive stay.

The historic town center of Cattartha is the most convenient and charming place to stay. It's within walking distance of key attractions such as the 15th-century bell tower and the medieval market square, offering a peaceful, picturesque setting. The area features quiet cobblestone streets, bike rental stations, and easy access to public transport. Many guesthouses and family-run inns here provide warm hospitality, including breakfast baskets and local tour tips. Its compact size makes exploring on foot effortless, perfect for travelers who value authenticity and tranquility.

Visitors to Cattartha should attend the annual Alsace Folk Festival, held each summer. Locals don traditional costumes, play Alsatian bagpipes, and host craft markets featuring handmade pottery and textiles. You can participate in workshops to bake Kougelhopf, a sweet almond bread using age-old methods. The Old Mill Museum also hosts regular artisan sessions in glassblowing and wool weaving, allowing guests to engage directly with local craftsmanship and heritage traditions.

Must-try dishes in Cattartha include Alsatian sausage with sauerkraut, made from locally raised black pork and served with a crisp white wine. Another highlight is Kougelhopf cake, a honey-almond sponge baked in a fluted mold, commonly enjoyed at breakfast. For a hearty meal, try choucroute garnie, a rich stew of smoked meats, sausages, and fermented cabbage simmered slowly. Many restaurants source ingredients from nearby farms, emphasizing farm-to-table sustainability and regional authenticity.

Yes, Cattartha is highly suitable for families. The town features child-friendly attractions like the Nature Discovery Garden and interactive exhibits at the Medieval Castle Museum, where kids can explore mock fortifications. The Rhine River Trail is safe and stroller-friendly, with birdwatching spots and wildflower fields. Several hotels offer family suites and welcome packs with toys and books. During summer, the folk festival includes children’s stages and mask-painting activities, ensuring fun and engagement for all ages.

Despite being a small town, Cattartha boasts excellent connectivity. The town bus hub links directly to Strasbourg (30 min), Colmar (45 min), and Basel (1 hour). The Cattartha Train Station connects to France’s national rail network, with frequent services to Paris and Lyon. For drivers, the A35 Highway provides quick access, with multiple free parking zones available. The town enforces a car-free zone in the center, encouraging walking and cycling via well-maintained bike paths—ideal for short excursions.

Top photo locations in Cattartha include the Notre-Dame Church Tower and the colorful half-timbered houses. The church’s red-brick spire and Gothic arches create dramatic shadows in morning light, perfect for architectural photography. The colorful timber-framed houses, painted in deep blue, crimson, and lemon yellow, form a vibrant backdrop ideal for street photography. Don’t miss the Rhine River Viewpoint, which offers sweeping vistas of the river and distant mountains—especially stunning during golden hour. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the town’s layered charm.

Cattartha has a temperate continental climate with distinct seasons. Spring (March–May) brings mild weather and blooming flowers—ideal for hiking. Summer (June–August) averages 20–25°C with occasional showers; pack a light raincoat. Autumn (September–November) displays brilliant foliage, perfect for photography. Winter (December–February) is cold with snowfall, but festive Christmas markets add charm. Travelers should bring windproof jackets and waterproof footwear, especially in fall and winter months.

For authentic souvenirs, visit the weekly farmers’ market at Old Market Square, where you can buy organic jams, rye bread, and lavender essential oil. Local artisans sell hand-blown glassware and traditional Alsace embroidery handkerchiefs at small studios throughout the town. Look for handmade clay figurines and bagpipe-shaped keychains—each piece reflects regional heritage. All goods are locally sourced, supporting sustainable tourism and preserving traditional crafts.

Evening highlights in Cattartha include illuminated town square festivals with live classical music and nightly light displays. In summer, open-air cinema screenings take place at the old mill ruins, where guests relax on lawn chairs under the stars. Local taverns often host live Alsatian folk music nights, featuring traditional songs in dialect. For a serene experience, stroll along the Rhine River promenade, listening to the gentle flow of water and distant church bells—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.