Northern to Southern Alsace (page 5 of 6)

Unfortunately, some people’s reactions can really crown the effort with ingratitude.

It’s best to ignore the bitter ones, the chronically unsatisfied, those who’ve seen and done it all and know everything about everything, the envious—basically the toxic folks! But yeah, it still stings a little when they pile on. Have a good evening.

I just got back from my hometown in Alsace, where I spent the holidays with family. I was so happy to come across your travel journal. Thanks a bunch! !

Thanks for taking the time to report your visit. When we get the chance to go back, there’s no doubt this travel journal will be filled out with some new photos!

Hello,

So, if we had to choose just one, Riquewihr would definitely be it.

Following your advice, we went to Riquewihr after visiting Haut-Koenigsbourg. (The castle is truly impressive—I was really excited, especially since one of my favorite films was shot there 🙂.) We all loved this charming little town. The weather was mild, and there were more tourists than I would’ve expected for early January.

No way—with Germany right next door, we weren’t about to settle for a step down in quality by drinking French beer. That said, the reviews online are clearly positive.

We also stopped by Brasserie Saint-Pierre. I highly recommend it, even if you’re not a beer lover (which I’m not). The 45-minute tour is educational, lively, and interactive. Plus, it’s a nice change from wine cellars...

Thanks. Looking forward to reading more from you. 😉

It’s really kind of you to come back with an update—sharing your experience will help others make up their minds. I’m glad it went well!

Your photos are gorgeous—they make me want to visit Alsace!! I’m looking at Europe for August for about 12 days. I’m currently checking out travel brochures. Maybe Switzerland or London...

Thanks for sharing!

Hello and thank you, it was a pleasure.

If Alsace tempts you, just remember that Switzerland is right next door.

But given your username, you might well choose London instead...🙂

Gorgeous photos and reportage! Plus, and it's rare, you speak so well about the north, which is too often forgotten. What more can I say? Yes, the Fleckenstein castles—there aren’t just two but three, in addition to Fleckenstein itself. A really beautiful half-day circuit, and as a bonus, the charcoal burners' trail. The region has the highest concentration of castles in Europe, no fewer than 80. From the 12th–13th century to the 17th. All destroyed during the same period by Louis XIV’s troops.

Hi there,

Thanks for your input!

I don’t deserve too much credit—I’m originally from Haguenau and had already biked these routes before driving them. People who don’t visit Alsace don’t know what they’re missing, and in so many ways...

No credit needed—if you’ve at least shared plenty of photos of this gorgeous region, especially the north and the Outre-Forêt. I’m here now, living right where the battle you mentioned took place, known as the "Battle of Reichshoffen" to the French and the "Battle of Woerth" to the Germans.

For a few years now, I’ve been passionate about the rocks and castles of this area. Alsace is often too narrowly seen as just Strasbourg and Colmar. Those who venture north don’t regret it and often come back!

Hi there, Today’s awful weather made me want to browse through travel journals... so here I am with yours in a region where I lived for 12 years (Haut-Rhin). Thanks to your beautiful photos and detailed descriptions, I discovered the area north of Strasbourg. We’re "heading up" in two weeks to Orbey, in the Hautes-Vosges on the Alsatian side. Thanks again for this wonderful guide to Alsace.

Thanks so much for this kind reply! Wishing you wonderful walks! !

Let’s take another little detour to talk about the Alsatians.

Almost everywhere, especially in the countryside, you’ll hear them speak a rather odd and particularly incomprehensible language. That’s the Alsatian dialect, probably older than France itself. In fact, our close German neighbors in Baden, on the other side of the Rhine, understand us perfectly. Alsatian sounds quite folksy and funny. It’s also very colorful and pretty much untranslatable. Those who understand it know it’s probably the best language for comedy. So don’t hold it against them too much. Some older folks struggle so much with French that it’s better they don’t speak it too often. Besides, on that note, many of our fellow countrymen are starting to catch up...

Generally speaking, Alsatians are disciplined, hardworking, and organized. That’s handy for tourists because restaurateurs do a great job, winemakers make excellent wine, and hoteliers are welcoming hosts. Sometimes, you might get the impression that Alsatians seem austere and reserved. It’s just that they’re serious. Those who’ve lived in Alsace realize that behind that first impression, there are people who love to laugh, live life, and who you can count on. In tourist-heavy spots, visitors often remember meeting competent, friendly, and endearing people. Alsatians have always respected their guests. Other than that, Alsatians love it when things are "choli" (nice/pretty). No wonder there’s so much cleaning, painting, and flowers everywhere!

Alsace was German from 1871 to 1919 and again from 1940 to 1945. Imagine the distress of a whole people whose hearts and way of life were tied to France, only to be forbidden from speaking French and giving their children French names. Let’s not hide the despair many felt when they saw France defend them so poorly against the enemy and then abandon them so easily. And what about all those young men, the "malgré nous" (against our will), forcibly enlisted into the German army, many of whom never returned? And for what result? For a long time, especially in the 60s and 70s, those who went on vacation elsewhere in their own country with an Alsatian-registered car were regularly called "boches." It’s good to remember history, but isn’t it better to forget on some occasions?

Thank you... For my grandmother, who was forbidden to speak French. And who was later mocked for speaking French poorly... Being called a "boche" just last year in a village in the south.... French tourists stopping me in a Colmar street to ask for directions, but only after making sure I understood French!!🤪 Anyway... I just wanted to say thank you....this post did me good.

Here’s another post that warms the heart.

Many have felt those little annoyances that history will inevitably erase.

I really enjoyed sharing some truths and promoting this stunning region. Best regards.

Hi Jojoone1,

Thanks for this lovely travel journal—it’ll help me plan our summer vacation. France really does have some beautiful regions!

Northern Alsace, and more specifically the Outre-Forêt region, is a land steeped in history and marked by conflicts between our neighbors and us... This year is exceptional in memory of August 1870, known as the "Battle of Reichshoffen" on August 6th. For the 150th anniversary, there are multiple events commemorating this between Wissembourg, Niederbronn, and Bitche—just to name the main towns. Everything is on the website territoire1870.eu

Thanks Jojoone1 for this really comprehensive and informative travel journal, as well as the gorgeous photos that make us want to visit Alsace. I’m planning to go there next September. Since I couldn’t find anyone to join me, I’ll probably go solo on a 9-day guided trip where we’ll stay in Colmar. I’ll have two full free days in Colmar, and I’m definitely planning to explore the surrounding area.

Hi,

So, did you all end up liking it?

A really beautiful region, where there’s always so much to discover

Hi, Oh yes, we finally went this summer (2020 canceled because of COVID)