An Introduction to Alsace

Alsace

Alsace is situated on the bank of the River Rhine and lies between the Rhine and the Vosges mountain ranges. Bordered by both Germany and Switzerland, Alsace has a distinctive cultural heritage.

The Alsacian dialect is widely spoken in the region and closely resembles Swiss-German. Alsace's German heritage can be seen in the towns and villages of the region. Buildings appear much more German than French and you could be forgiven for forgetting you're actually in France at all.

The pretty, half-timbered houses are painted in bright colours and wouldn't look out of place in the Swiss or German towns just over the border. There are many charming gites in Alsace and, like the rest of the buildings in the region; these tend to be much more German in style than those in other parts of France.

The largest city in the region is Mulhouse, which is so close to Switzerland that it shares its airport with the Swiss town of Basel. Mulhouse is probably best known for its museums and the largest automobile and railway museums in Europe are located here. A great town for shopping, Mulhouse is home to many wonderful little independent shops and is a great place to spend a day or two of your holiday.

The cafes and bistros in the city serve a tempting mix of French and German food. The other major city in Alsace is Strasbourg and this is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Strasbourg is one of the most visited cities in France and is home to one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world.

The city attracts visitors all year round and hosts summer festivals and markets as well as a huge Christmas market in the winter. Alsace is known for its beer, with the Kronenbourg brewery located in the region. Sticking with its German roots, the region is also known for sauerkraut and its own white wines.

Riesling is widely produced here and is a very popular local drink. If you're staying in one of the beautiful Germanic gites in Alsace, be sure to stock up on some of the local food and drink to enjoy back at your accommodation. As with all the French regions, Alsace has a very strong cultural and culinary identity which is just one of the reasons a holiday here is so special.