Strasbourg
Colmar
OTHER ACTIVITIES
SPORT and LEISURE:
> Rambling and mountain biking in the Vosges
> Wine trails (Route des Vins d'Alsace), compromising a visit of the villages and wine cellars of the area.
> 9 and 18-hole golf course.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
: Come and discover the magic of Christmas in Alsace, rich with tradition and authenticity. The region is famous for its Christmas Markets, taking place in most large towns and small villages (Strasbourg, Colmar, Kaysersberg, Ribeauville, Riquewihr and many more.)
The markets are rich with regional Christmas specialities like gingerbread, sprengerle, bredele, roasted chesnuts and mulled wine, as well as the everpresent Alsacian wines and the famous Munster cheese.
The Alsace region offers rich and varied geography, from hills and valleys to dense forests. This northern region of France offers an exciting cultural melting pot of art, history and even language, as many places names remain in German despite French being the region's official language.
For visitors looking to really soak up the region's rich culture should head to Strasbourg, the region's cultural and political capital and home to impressive architecture such as the city's cathederal.
Alsace is a region with strong germanic influences, and these are none more evident than at meal times. Tourists looking to sample local or traditional cuisine should try one of the region's many hearty pork-based dishes, such as "baeckeoffe". The Alsace region is also a notable wine-producing area, which are again strongly influenced by the region's Germanic prescence and are typically white wines.
Alsace is well-served by both trains (Strasbourg, Saverne) and airports (Strasbourg, Saverne, Bale/Mulhouse).
Be a guest to one of the world's most exclusive tables. France, land of gourmets and culinary arts, offers a bewildering array of food and wines from delicious simple fare to exquisite haute cuisine. With over 340 sorts of cheese and 450 quality wines France will satisfy every palate.
Beyond gastronomy, from North to South France sparkles with an incredibly rich cultural and historical heritage of famous castles, churches, cathedrals and museums carefully preserved and restored which makes it one the most sought afterand enthralling destination for holidaymakers from around the globe.
France takes prides in the rich and diverse tapestry of its magnificent landscapes which have been celebrated throughout the centuries by its many famous writers, poets and artists in words and creations so many of which have become part of the world's cultural heritage and still inspire today's travellers to discover it for themselves. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or want to commune with Nature, whether you wish to step back into history or are searching for an active sporting adventure, France will welcome you with open arms, seduce you with its warmth and entertain you with its wide range of attractions enabling you to achieve that perfect holiday.
A word of advice from Lagrange: French roads are excellent, but not free, so keep some euros handy.
