Bon Jour. One of my favorite regions in Europe is located in the Eastern part of France, next to Germany. This region is actually pretty small, but it is full of great sites. Here are five reasons I love spending time in Alsace France.
Reason #1 – Colmar
Colmar is one of my favorite small cities in Europe. I have been here five times and enjoyed every single visit. It has many beautiful half-timbered houses, multiple museums, and several churches. Colmar is a wonderful place. Be sure to visit here if you are in the area.
Reason #2 – Villages
The Alsace region contains wonderful medieval villages all over it. Many of them are full of stunning half-timbered houses. If you wonder where Walt Disney animators got the idea for the French village in the opening scene of the movie Beauty and the Beast, it is here. Be sure to say Bon Jour to everyone as you visit these cute villages.
Reason #3 – Strasbourg
Strasbourg is the capital city of this region. It is wonderful. I consider it a hidden gem. Be sure to tour the Cathedral. You can see it from miles away. Climb to the top to get magnificent city views. Wander around the old part of the city. Make sure you explore the Petite France area and consider taking a river cruise.
Reason #4 – Castles
This region sits on the border between France and Germany. It has been fought over for centuries. Of course, there are castles all over the place. Some are small, put in place to protect a specific village. There is also a large castle, Haut-Kœnigsbourg, located on a mountaintop overlooking the region. This castle is definitely worth visiting to see how it was built and experience the wonderful views of the valley it sits above.
Reason #5 that I love visiting Alsace- The wine
I am smart enough to know that you should drink wine when visiting this region. Alsace is especially known for the white wine they make here. The area is full of vineyards. Many of the villages in this region are populated with vintners with plenty of wine tasting bars. Go to these family-run places, sample the wines, and buy what you like. Many Europeans visit this region in the summer and go home with the wine they need for the next year.
Bonus reason for loving Alsace – food
Because Alsace sits on the border of Germany and France, you get the best of both worlds. They serve huge portions like the farmer’s plate which includes sausages, brats, potatoes, and sauerkraut. They also bake fine french pastries, loaves of bread, and desserts. I like a king when I am in this region, and you should too. Because in this region they start a conversation with Bon Jour and finish by saying Auf Wiedersehen.
Three quick questions about the region of Alsace France
- What is my favorite place – the wine road. Great way to spend a day exploring the wine villages.
- What is my favorite site – Unterlinden Museum. It contains my favorite altar piece.
- What is the best hidden gem – Kaysersberg. Not far from Colmar, this village is magnificent.
I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to sons.