Travel and Vacations

Vacation Destination: The Alsace region, France

Story Published on October 8, 2008 ⋅  Email this Story ⋅  Print this Story ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

When it comes to a vacation in France, it can be easy to get stuck in the proverbial tourist trap. To avoid this, you should get out in the country. The Alsace region is pretty hard to beat if you are up for seeing France beyond Paris.

If you love French cuisine, you will love Alsace. From wine to cheese, this region has the freshest cuisine in a stunning rural setting that snuggles up the borders of Germany and Switzerland.

Visiting small towns is a great way to get a real feel for a country. There are plenty of such towns in Alsace. Neuf Brisach, Rebeauville and Riquewihr are three that are worth checking out.

Following the Alsatian wine route, travelers will stumble upon Riquewihr, which is often referred to as the grand old lady of Alsatian vineyards. A gourmet glutton’s delight, Riquewihr is bursting with culinary delicacies waiting to be savored. Next up is the town of Obernai…famous for mystical creatures.

If you want to see a quaint, eccentric little town, try Obernia. Surrounded by a stone wall, the interior design looks like a collection of gingerbread homes. And then there are the birds. A giant flock of storks make the town their home.

While Obernai is a marvel unto itself, the town of Neuf-Brisach is so impressive it once prompted Louis the 14th to speak of it as a sparkling jewel. Neuf-Brisach is unlike any town that you have ever laid eyes on before thanks to the fortress that outlines the town in an octagonal shape.

An aerial view of Neuf-Brisach would reveal the town’s best kept secret – this entire area is surrounded by stone walls that make it impossible to penetrate. Of course, as a visitor you’ll have no problem walking through the town…but intruders are an altogether different story.

Kayersberg, La Petite-Pierre, Equisheim, Hunawihr, Hunspach, Ribeauville, and Wissembourg all have a distinct allure that should not be missed. Nothing can quite compare with these little towns that want nothing to do with the bright lights of the big city.

The big city of France, Paris, is certainly a place worth seeing at least once, but getting caught up-in it is a mistake. There is much more to France and the rest of the country is a lot cheaper. Try Alsace and you will not be disappointed.

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