Alsace Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > AlsaceThe Alsace - a mix of France and Germany
The Alsace region is officially French, but it is France as you have never known it before. Lying in the north-eastern corner of the country, right up against Germany, the Alsace has a distinctly Germanic flavour, not only to its towns and countryside, but also in its gastronomy and culture. In fact, the region has historically belonged to Germany as well as to France, so it is hardly surprising to find a strong cross over culture in existence.The Alsace may not be the first region of France that comes to mind when you are thinking of booking a holiday, but it is definitely one to consider. The landscapes are stunning, with lush green pastures, snow-tipped mountains, shimmering lakes and beautiful towns with timbered houses. The gastronomy is unique and delicious, and the opportunities for outdoor sports are among the best in France. The major cities, particularly the capital Strasbourg, are cosmopolitan and dynamic, as well as historically rich.
Top 5 things to see and do in the Alsace
1. Outdoor pursuits and sports
The Alsace region offers a large number of opportunities for taking part in outdoor pursuits and sports. Try skiing in the friendly resorts of Markstein, Le Blanc or Champ de Feu, go hiking in stunning countryside with France's oldest rambling club, Club Vosgien, or enjoy the scenery from the back of a horse. The region has more than 100 dedicated equestrian establishments to choose from. Cycling is also popular, and cycle hire and expert advice is available to you whether you prefer road touring or mountain biking in the rugged mountainous terrain of the Vosges.2. The Christmas markets
The Germanic traditions lend a very special flavour to Christmas spent in the Alsace. The Christmas markets are said to be the best in France, with the Strasbourg market being the oldest of them all. Colmar's Christmas market is magical, with an outdoor skating rink, while Mulhouse too offers a traditional atmosphere in the shadow of the beautiful cathedral.3. Tour the vineyards
The Alsace region is home to some highly respected and distinctive wines. Follow the Alsatian wine route to discover the unique taste of the Alsace. Guided tours and tastings are available with expert guides and you can learn about the methods that produce some of the best white wines in the world while enjoying the scenery and the products!4. Discover the history
The Alsace has had a turbulent history, being passed from German to French rule on a number of occasions, and the past is all there for you to find. The region offers some superb museums in addition to its historic towns and architecture, with the Unterlinden Museum said to be the next most frequently visited after the Louvre. You can also find castles, monuments and even a wartime concentration camp (Le Struthof) to evoke the past.5. Explore the nature reserves and parks
The Alsace, in spite of its densely populated cities, has two regional parks, the Ballons des Vosges and the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park. There are also no less than 21 nature reserves in the region, ensuring the safety of a varied flora and fauna in addition to an awe-inspiring natural beauty. If you want to find utter peace and tranquility, the Alsace is the place for you.Top 5 towns and cities in the Alsace
1. Strasbourg
The capital city of the region, Strasbourg is a treasure trove of monuments and architecture. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, guaranteeing bags of history and culture, but among the monuments and museums you can also find all the bustling activity of any major city.2. Colmar
Colmar is a very well preserved mediaeval river port town with much to recommend it to the sightseer and holidaymaker. Among its most interesting sights is a 13th century Dominican convent, but for those who have had enough of sightseeing there is also a famous wine market in the town!3. Mulhouse
Another fabulously historic city, Mulhouse is packed with art and architecture to marvel at. Included in its list of things to see is a museum which will tempt the often disinterested male or younger members of the family; the Musée National de l'Automobile, with a fantastic collection of Bugattis among its exhibits.4. Kayersberg
Kayersberg is the place to go for an authentic Alsatian atmosphere. Here the half-timbered houses and narrow paved streets make a perfect setting for shopping for traditional arts and crafts.5. Eguisheim
Eguisheim is officially listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, so in spite of its diminutive size it is a delightful place to visit. In fact, it's also a perfect place to stay, having a good array of hotels, bars and restaurants nestling among its traditional streets and colourfully painted Alsatian houses. The village also features on the main wine route.Food and drink in the Alsace
The Alsace is France with a twist, when it comes to food and drink. Frequent travellers in France who may be expecting the creamy desserts and robust red wines for which the country is so renowned may find the gastronomy of the Alsace something of a surprise. The Germanic influences historically imposed on the region have made the food and wines of the Alsace deliciously different.Among the best of the wines are crisp white Rieslings and floral Gewurztraminers, while on the table you will find such delights as Sauerkraut, sublimely stinky Munster cheese, pretzels and Kugelhopf cake soaked in beer brandy. If you are really yearning for a classic French treat, though, don't despair, the region is the home of the finest Foie Gras in France!
Weather in the Alsace
Alsace has a semi-continental climate, which brings fairly hot, dry summers and cold winters. In spite of its northern location, rainfall is actually quite low, which is a boon for those wanting to escape the British murk and damp!How to get to the Alsace
The EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiberg (British Airways, easyJet) and Strasbourg Airport (Air France) operate flights direct to/from the UK. Or there are plenty of other ways to get there. The TGV travels to Strasbourg, and there are plans afoot to increase the rail services making it even easier to get to and around the Alsace by rail. Road travel is just as simple, with the A4 taking you from Paris and linking to the A35, bringing you directly to Strasbourg.Holiday Guides to the Departments of Alsace
Bas-Rhin Holiday Guide
The small but stunning region of Alsace in eastern France has only two departments, one of which is Bas-Rhin. Bas-Rhin is the northern department, and is packed with treasures to discover, from the great city of Strasbourg to a natural heritage of glorious countryside and a fascinating culture.
Haut-Rhin Holiday Guide
The small but stunning region of Alsace, in eastern France, has only two departments, one of which is Haut-Rhin. Haut-Rhin forms the southern part of the region, and in spite of its diminutive size, offers a wealth of attractions which will appeal to all sorts of holidaymakers.
