A part of France with a hint of Germany, this region’s forests and hills shelter beautiful cities and villages, superb vineyards and cosy restaurants and hotels
Alsace runs west to east from the pine-clad Vosges mountains through some of the most beautiful vineyards in France, to the mighty Rhine river and the border with Germany. Changing hands several times over the centuries between France and Germany has only strengthened the independent character of this fiercely traditional region, where a unique dialect is still the most popular spoken language.
I don’t think I have ever travelled through any other part of France where visitors are given such a genuinely warm welcome, both in the vineyards (Alsace is one of the world pioneers of wine tourism) and the mountains, where an outdoor holiday can take in biking, boating, trekking and fishing. The food is out of this world and distinct from other French regions. A foaming beer is just as popular as a glass of wine, and specialities include not just foie gras and escargots but juicy ham hock with steaming choucroute, pike-perch poached in riesling and spicy gingerbread.
Continue reading...