Walking around the cute towns of Alsace.
Located in the center of Europe, the Alsace region has long been influenced by Latin and Germanic cultures. Surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, this area is dotted with numerous charming towns, from international cities that have flourished as crossroads of culture and commerce to small villages where you can sense the atmosphere of traditional life. If you visit Alsace, first enjoy a stroll around the town and experience the unique charm that lives in this region.
When you think of a city that symbolizes the Alsace region, the first one that comes to mind is Strasbourg. This city, which can be accessed from Paris in about 2 hours and 20 minutes by TGV Eastern Europe Line, is the central city of Alsace with a population of about 270,000. It is a place where people have lived for over 2,000 years and where the unique culture of Alsace has been woven.
If you enjoy walking around Strasbourg, head to the island on the River Ill, which was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1988 as the Grande Ile of Strasbourg. This area is dotted with historical buildings that convey the city's medieval splendor, such as Notre Dame Cathedral and Palais Rohan, beloved symbols of the city. In Petite France, which spreads out in the southeast of the island, traditional Alsatian houses known as Colombage stand side by side. The white-walled, wooden-framed houses that line the waterway give a sense of the influence of German culture. Take your time to enjoy this unique landscape that you won't find anywhere else in France.
Colmar, located about 70km south of Strasbourg, is another city worth exploring. The unique scenery of the old town's cobblestone streets and the Colombage is also known as the setting for "Beauty and the Beast." In particular, the area known as "Petite Venise," reminiscent of Venice in Italy, is a must-see, as it is a romantic area lined with pastel-colored houses along the canals! Walking through this beautiful town, where streetscapes from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance have been preserved, is sure to make you feel as if you have wandered into a fairy tale world.
Eat traditional Alsatian cuisine.
One of the great pleasures of traveling to Alsace is the food that is so deeply rooted in the region. The exquisite gourmet cuisine, which combines the boldness of German cuisine with the delicacy of French cuisine, is full of Alsatian tradition.
Alsace has many local dishes, one of which is the most representative, "Tarte Flambée". Alsace-style pizza topped with onions and bacon is a soul food of Alsace that can be enjoyed casually at cafes. Also, "choucroute", salted cabbage stewed in white wine, is well known in Germany as sauerkraut. In addition to the standard recipe using ham and sausage, some restaurants also offer "choucroute" with ingredients such as white fish and goose, so you can enjoy comparing different types. In addition, there are many local dishes in Alsace, such as "Kugelhopf", a brioche-like bread with a subtle sweetness, "Munster", a specialty cheese of Alsace, "Beckhof", an oven dish made by layering potatoes with pork or lamb marinated in white wine, and "Matelote", river fish stewed in white wine and onion sauce. You will surely find a taste you like.
If you want to taste local Alsatian cuisine, head to one of the casual izakayas known as "Winstubs" scattered throughout the region. Enjoy "choucroute" or "munster" with a glass of wine in a restaurant bustling with locals... Relax and enjoy a gourmet experience that is full of Alsace flavor.
Enjoy it however you like! Have fun in Alsace.
Alsace, with its unique traditions and culture, offers a variety of activities that will pique the curiosity of travelers. For example, the Alsace Wine Route, which stretches for about 170 km from Marlenheim in the west of Strasbourg to Thann in the south, is a must-visit for wine lovers.
※The photograph is an image.
If you rent a car and travel around the majestic land of vineyards, you will come across beautiful rural towns such as Obernai, Bar, Ribeauvillé, and Colmar. Of course, there are also many tasteful izakayas and wine cellars where you can enjoy tastings, so we recommend taking your time and traveling.
Also, if you're a car lover, you should definitely visit Mulhouse, home to one of the world's largest automobile museums, the French National Automobile Museum - Schlumpp Collection. The vast 25,000 square meter site is home to an impressive display of over 400 vintage cars and racing cars! Every July, the Mulhouse Automobile Festival is held over three days, attracting many car enthusiasts from all over the world.
Furthermore, in Alsace, we recommend touring small villages such as Inspach, Eguisheim, and Riquewihr, which are registered as "The Most Beautiful Villages in France." In this way, the depth of Alsace may be in the fact that it shows various faces according to the interests and curiosity of its visitors!
Comment
The summer, when pretty flowers bloom in abundance, the lively summer when wine festivals and music events are held all over the country, the autumn when the vineyards shine beautifully, and the winter when the towns are filled with a Christmas mood... The charm of the Alsace region is that it shows different charms depending on the season. Find your favorite town or village and visit Alsace many times!
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
