The Alsace Region of France

The Alsace Region is on the easternmost edge of France bordering Germany.  Pete found out he has relatives in the region.  We had already visited Strasbourg in this area but had been hearing good things about Colmar - about 40 miles south. Our friends Chris and Sue (expats from Detroit) were interested in taking a weekend trip, so we set out for the Alsace.  On our way to Colmar, we found a few small towns that, as Rick Steve's says, are "crackerjack villages."  This region is known for... what else, it's wine... and it's the perfect blend of German and French.  That's saying a lot since mostly, these 2 countries don't get along very well.  The Alsace region is bordered by the Rhine River on the East and the Vosges mountains on the West. 

We came in along the Route du Vin, a 90 miles-long 2-lane highway that connects old villages and fortresses with vineyards that have produced wines since the Roman days.  Roadside vineyards provide wine-tasting of all 7 Alsatian wines from dry to sweet.  We chose a nice cave in Riquewihr, just north of Colmar.  We discovered the affordable sport of wine-tasting (free!) resulting in a purchase of $8 bottles of wine.  Every town has half-timbered buildings and small, winding streets through the market.  It's almost picture perfect!

One of many castles guarding vineyards on the "Route du Vin"

Fall colors in Riquewihr

Classic half-timbered house with window planters draped with flowers

We didn't get too far before finding a great wine cave and chose Pinot Blanc as our favorite

By the time we entered Colmar, we had a great sense of the area from the small towns nearby.  Historic beauty actually saved this area from WWII bombing.  The British and American military realized the history and beauty of these villages and spared them from destruction.  Colmar is the largest city in the area with only 70,000 people.  It's French and it's German...antique shops, croissants, Tarte Flammbe and horse-drawn carriages all make up the old town. 

This was once a walled village in Medieval times.  There is an area called "La Petite Venise" where we took a short boat ride through the canals.  Pete found no obvious relatives here but many friendly people giving him hope for his lineage.   In fact, the creator of our Statue of Liberty is originally from Colmar.  Frederic Bartholdi has a museum and many of his fountains are found throughout the city. 

This place is called "House of Heads" for obvious reasons... creepy.  Wonder what happens here on Halloween?

Part of La Petite Venise

House of Heads

Another beautiful street in Colmar

Chris and Sue with us before our canal journey

Mary and Sue mingling wiht the locals on a side street in Colmar

Traveling under an old stone bridge on our tiny boat/canoe

A view of La Petite Venise from the canal

 

At Dusk, a typical sign in front of local shops

Enjoying the sun and view of the canals



Kaysersberg near Colmar with remnants of the wall and a rushing river coming from the Vosges Mountains



More beautiful flowers in Kaysersberg

Another small village, Ribeauville, with its classic city square... and every sunny table already taken

A great view of the castle just beyond Ribeauville, standing guard

It was hard to leave this beautiful area... A bientot ! (See you later!)