ALSACE
Situated on the border of Switzerland and Germany and separated by the river Rhin the region of Alsace consists of two departments – the Bas-Rhin and the Haut-Rhin, the administrative centre being the town of Strasbourg. Ammerschwihr, Colmar, Guebwilleer, Turckheim and Ribeauvillé are amongst a few of the popular towns to visit and venues for many of the wine festivals and fairs. This variety of influences have developed rich traditions and varied culture over the years.
The area between the River Rhine and the Vosges enjoys good rich agricultural land where vineyards cover thousands of acres in the area rising up from the Rhine towards the Vosges. Here the vineyards lining the slopes of the Vosges are speckled with fortified chateaux and medieval villages.
Alsace is noted for its white wines some of the best known being the Gewurtztraminer, Le Sylvaner, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling and the sparkling Cremant d’Alsace. Gewurtztraminer is accompanied often by choucroute. This is one of the local gastronomic treats as is the Kugelhopf (a rich cake). These delights can be sampled in the many restaurants and auberges in the area.
Beer is another thriving industry in Alsace. Wine and Beer tourism is enormous with millions of people flocking to Alsace each year to experience the Routes des Vins d’Alsace and to visit the wine and beer tasting cellars. This 170 km route winds through some breathtakingly pretty villages, 67 in all.
The region is proud of its architectural heritage, feudal chateaux in their dominating positions in the mountains of the Vosges, half timbered villages and brightly coloured houses in towns such as Colmar.
DEPTS IN REGION
These departments are in this region, click on the department name to explore.
Bas Rhin
Haut Rhin