Fodor's Expert Review Place de l'Hôtel de Ville

Ignore the guides herding around French and German tour groups, and head straight for the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. Its town hall contains a famous collection of silver-gilt, 16th-century tankards and chalices, and the place itself is a pretty place to perch. It is particularly lively the first Sunday in September, when the town hosts a grand parade to celebrate the Fête des Ménétriers (Festival of the Minstrels)—a day when at least one fountain here spouts free Riesling. Headlined by medieval musicians, the party begins midafternoon. Entrance tickets cost €8, and the best street seats go for €20 (contact the tourist office for details).