Our guide to...

Alsace

Once a part of the Holy Roman Empire, the French region of Alsace has passed through many hands and has been influenced by a rich and remarkable history. In fact, even today its an interesting fusion of French, German and Swiss culture thanks to its rocky past. Most recently, Alsace was a part of Nazi Germany. The French took control of the region in 1945. It’s easy to see the varied influences as you travel around the region. Quaint Swiss-style houses stand amongst prime examples of German architecture. There are picturesque towns and villages, and prominent castles standing as evidence of the turbulent times experienced by Alsace’s residents. There’s a real sense of national pride, now that Alsace is in French hands. You’ll see flags flying throughout the region, in medieval towns and villages. Holiday gites and cottages in this area reflect the local building style.

Now, this picture-perfect region is a favourite place for tourists, which isn’t a surprise given that it’s one of the driest parts of France. During the summer months you’ll enjoy a sightseeing trip like no other, and in winter you can visit unforgettable Christmas markets. For this reason, self catering cottages and gites are in demand all year round.

Alsace is definitely a region for lovers of food and grand architecture. You’ll love the old towns with their timber-framed shops and houses, but might be even more interested in the biscuits, cakes, wines, beers, pastries and breads that are produced throughout the region. If you’ve ever been to Germany, then you’ll get to dine on old favourites including sauerkraut and smoked sausages that have been brought across the border. Walk the Alsatian Vineyard Route and stop for samples along the way, or try one of many restaurants where your meals are prepared by five-star chefs.

The Rhine and the Vosges mountain range can be seen in Alsace, in the east and west of the region, though the two departments are defined by a horizontal split with Bas-Rhin in the north and Haut-Rhin in the south.

Bas-Rhin covers the entirety of Alsace down to the town of Selestat with its deer reserve and library. To the west of the department you’ll find rural spaces and the Vosges National Park. To the east, the city of Strasbourg and the river Rhine providing a clear dividing line between French and German land. Castles and monasteries dot the landscape, but a lot of tourists admit that they prefer Strasbourg’s chocolate museum with its Chocolate Secrets’ tour and, of course, its shop. After all, where else can you buy chocolate beer and chocolate pasta, or milk chocolate scented candles to light when you get home?

Gîtes in Bas-Rhin are perfect for honeymoons, and for romantic summer breaks. You won’t find a better place to propose than on a cobbled street in Le Petite France, where medieval buildings and little bridges make a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop. Once your partner’s said yes’, don’t hesitate to try one of the fine dining restaurants that you’ll see on every street.

South of Selestat, the department of Haut-Rhin includes the old town of Colmar which is the ‘Capital of Alsatian Wine’. You won’t find more beautiful buildings anywhere in Alsace, and you’ll want your camera on hand to capture the memories. Colmar was the setting for the animated movie Howl’s Moving Castle, and the intricately detailed Maison Pfister can clearly be seen in the film. Cozy up aboard a gondola, but don’t get too comfortable. After all, throughout Haut-Rhin there’s so much more to see!

Down in the city of Mulhouse you can see some of the most world’s most impressive vehicles at the National Automobile Museum, before visiting the zoo and gardens at Parc Zoologique et Botanique de Mulhouse. If you’ve more time to spare, then the French Railway Museum makes for an interesting day out. Meanwhile, up near Selestat itself you’ll find La Montagne des Singes which is a free-walking safari amongst the Barbary macaques. With other Haut-Rhin attractions including Hunawihr’s Butterfly Gardens and a replica Statue of Liberty, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got plenty of space on your camera.

Use the link below to find self catering holiday gites, cottages, villas and appartments in Alsace.

Areas of Alsace

Bas Rhin
Bas-Rhin covers the entirety of Alsace down to the town of Selestat with its deer reserve and library. To the west of the department you'll find rural spaces and the Vosges National Park. To the east, the city of Strasbourg and the river Rhine providing a clear dividing line between French and German land. Castles and monasteries dot the landscape, but a lot of tourists admit that they prefer Strasbourg's chocolate museum with its 'Chocolate Secrets' tour and, of course, its shop. After all, where else can you buy chocolate beer and chocolate pasta, or milk chocolate scented candles to light when you get home?

Haut Rhin
South of Selestat, the department of Haut-Rhin includes the old town of Colmar which is the 'Capital of Alsatian Wine'. You won't find more beautiful buildings anywhere in Alsace, and you'll want your camera on hand to capture the memories. Colmar was the setting for the animated movie Howl's Moving Castle, and the intricately detailed Maison Pfister can clearly be seen in the film. Cozy up aboard a gondola, but don't get too comfortable. After all, throughout Haut-Rhin there's so much more to see!