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Traveling - Experiencing The Region of Alsace
The region of the
three frontiers where France, Switzerland and Germany
meet is known for its rich artistic delights, cultural
heritage, intellectual history and outdoor activities.
Bordering the Black Forest, the Alsace region has much
to offer and is truly a unique place to live. If you
find yourself traveling in the Alsace region, this is
certainly a part of Europe you should check out.
Alsace, unlike the other French regions,
is rich in French, German and Swiss influences. The
region is situated among the Vosges mountains in the
mid-eastern to north-eastern part of France. Alsace
is the smallest of all French regions with Strasbourg
bordering Germany and the Rhine River. Towards Mulhouse
in the south, the region is bordered by Switzerland
and the region known as Franche-Comte.
Along the Rhine River much of the Alsace
region lies in a fertile plain perfect for vine growing.
Stop to adore the beautiful flowers aligning the small
villages, as well as the culture and architecture from
other centuries. The lower area, which rises from the
Rhine, is checkered with vineyards and is definitely
a hot place to visit for wine tasting. The higher slopes
are sprinkled with monasteries and old castles among
an abundance of trees, especially wonderful if you want
to take an easy hike.
Alsace is unique, among French regions,
due to its dual Franco-Germanic cultures. Its principal
cities are Colmar, Mulhouse and the regional capital
Strasbourg. Most of the population speaks French along
with the Alsatian dialect influenced from the French,
German and Swiss German roots. The cuisine is a unique
blend of French and German cooking always enjoyable
with the ever desirable wines from the region. Many
of the towns of the region have German names with village
architecture honoring the pronounced Germanic influence.
A visit to the Alsace area is always
a delightful experience. The Alsace region provides
an enjoyable and relaxing escape from the hustle and
bustle of city life. One can drive or take a train ride
along the Rhine and watch the beautiful scenery unfold
before your eyes. The word 'magnifique' describes this
beautiful region as you escape city life into a peaceful
solitude.
Stay in mountain slopes at a bed and
breakfast, known as a 'zimmer', to enjoy the local cuisine
and people. With Strasbourg just nearby, take a day
trip to the headquarters of the European Parliament,
and experience all its wonderful architecture and diverse
culture the city has to offer. Despite its international
flavor, Strasbourg is a somewhat laid back city compared
to larger cities in Europe.
Home of the capital of art wines of
Alsace, Colmar is a city in another world whose identity
represents the entire Alsace region. Appreciate the
cities half-timbered houses, and view the Unterlinden
Museum which is housed in a former monastery housing
the well known 'altar piece of Issenheim'. You can see
a little of everything Alsace has to offer in the Unterlinden
Museum, including archeological objects, sculptures
and paintings from the middle ages, Renaissance art,
as well as popular Alsatian art.
Just two hours south of Strasbourg is
Mulhouse. Since the 12th century, Mulhouse has reflected
an ever changing industrial city. Known for its astonishing
diversity, Mulhouse has 12 of the most prestigious museums
in the world, including eight of which are devoted to
technologies. The most popular include the Museum of
the Car, the Museum of the Railroad and the Museum of
the Impression of Fabric.
In August, Mulhouse is host to a large
automobile parade while in December feast yourself on
its popular Christmas market. The Eco Museum of Alsace,
pronounced 'L'ecomusee' in French, boasts something
to do for the entire family. Walk along its grounds
to tour this imaginary Alsatian village and experience
stories and workshops of how people lived before modern
times. Flashback in time and view the silversmiths and
goldsmiths at work. You might even try it yourself before
the kids dash off to games and rides in a carnival atmosphere.
A culturally diverse city just 45 minutes
south of Basel, visit the German town of Freiburg. Meaning
Green city, the college town of Freiburg spreads onto
the foot of the Black Forest where you can explore its
wonders. Freiburg is famous for its secular history,
cathedrals, museums, and shopping. As many of the towns
in this region, Freiburg boasts an incredibly festive
atmosphere during Christmas and Carnival which cannot
be missed.
During the summer months visit Basel,
where you can enjoy many outdoor pubs and restaurants
which adorn the downtown corridor along with shopping,
and night life full of many travelers from abroad. Venture
to 'les trois frontieres' and you will be standing where
France, Germany and Switzerland all meet together at
one point.
Clearly Alsace was recognized the most
for its artistic, cultural and intellectual works. French,
German and Italian influences met and enriched the region
with Gothic art followed by Roman art. The region is
so rich that there is definitely something to offer
for the entire family.
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