Alsace

The capital of Alsace is Strasbourg, located on the river Ill.  Translated from German, its name means «fortress by the road.» Historical vicissitudes were reflected in the culture of the city in a mixture of German and French heritage. 

From the sights of the city, its center deserves special attention, called the «Grande Ile» and recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage, thanks to its unique architecture. A gothic masterpiece — Strasbourg Cathedral, founded in 1015, decorated with sculptures and stained-glass windows. A monument of half-timbered architecture is the Kammerzel House. The surviving part of the ancient fortifications of the city is covered by bridges with towers built in the 13th century.

In the department of Haut-Rhin is the city of Mulhouse, founded according to legend around a water mill, Mulhouse has long been a city-state. In translation from German, the word «Mühle» means «Mill». Thus, the city got its name.

Reunion Square, the historic heart of the city, forms a harmonious whole with the pink town hall, old houses, the fountain and the Saint-Étienne church, with neo-Gothic stained-glass windows of the fourteenth century. The city is also famous for its botanical garden, zoo and car museum, where almost all famous brands are on display for visitors.

There is the city of Colmar near the Loches River not far from the border with Germany. The local climate, favorable for growing grapes, has contributed to the development of winemaking in Colmar since ancient times. The city is famous for sparkling and white wines, as well as culinary masterpieces of Alsatian cuisine.

Colmar is very picturesque. It is literally an open-air museum. The ancient city successfully combines architectural styles of different eras, ranging from late Gothic to Art Nouveau. The pearl of the city is the Little Venice quarter with small canals and bridges immersed in geranium flowers.

There are many beautiful villages and small towns in the vicinity of Colmar. Here you can admire the endless vineyards, picturesque half-timbered houses, the ruins of ancient castles and fabulous landscapes. Within a radius of literally 15 minutes by car, two of the most poetically beautiful and popular villages of Alsace — Riquewihr and Eguisheim — are waiting for you. 

Eguisheim: The half-timbered homes, which are tastefully ornamented with flowers, are highlighted by the architectural virtues of its concentric, narrow streets, which are surrounded by vines. Your tour then moves on to the picturesque town of Riquewihr following a stroll through the village.

The Alsace Wine Route is one of the most famous wine routes in France and the backbone of the Alsace tourist route. Beautiful vineyards are the main attraction of the region. It is here that some of the best white wines are made: spicy Gewürztraminer and delicately sweet Muscat, refreshing Riesling and Pinot Blanc — each wine is wonderful in its own way and goes well with traditional hearty and delicious dishes. You can try local wine in the wineries generously scattered along the Wine Road. Medieval castles and half-timbered Renaissance houses, decorated with flowers, in picturesque villages have gained great fame for this route.

Reach the fortress of Haut Koenigsbourg. Here, you may take a tour of this massive fortification that looks out over the valley by following your professional guide. The Castle, which was constructed in the 12th century, was strategically located to control the salt route coming from the East, the wine and wheat routes to the North.

The finest place to learn about how cooking came to be so significant in Europe is Alsace. Alsace natural heritage is rich and delicious, including charcuterie, sauces, a huge range of cheeses and meats, organic vegetables, and wines, which come from mountains, vineyards, and the Rhine River. Join your chef for a cooking class using local, seasonal, and organic ingredients while visiting Alsace. A four-hour immersive event that includes a delectable supper and wine tasting.