Welcome to beautiful Alsace, a region in north-eastern France known for its picturesque villages, historic towns and delicious cuisine. In this in-depth blog post, we take you on an unforgettable journey through Alsace and introduce you to three charming towns: Colmar, Eguisheim and Munster. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, admire the picturesque architecture and taste the delicious specialities of this enchanting region.
Colmar – Historical charm and picturesque canals
Colmar, also known as “Little Venice”, is a town that will enchant you with its colourful half-timbered houses and winding streets. Stroll through the historic centre and discover the well-preserved buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries. The famous district of La Petite Venise offers an idyllic setting with its picturesque canals, small bridges and flower-adorned balconies. Don’t miss the impressive Unterlinden Museum, which houses an extensive collection of medieval artworks. Here you can admire masterpieces such as the Isenheim Altarpiece.
Eguisheim – half-timbered houses and flower-filled alleys
Eguisheim is a charming village that is considered one of the most beautiful in France. Here you’ll be surrounded by narrow streets, flower-filled half-timbered houses and a picturesque market square. Stroll through the cobbled streets and discover the rich history of this town. Eguisheim is also known for its excellent wines, so be sure to take a wine tasting tour in one of the cosy wine cellars and sample the delicious local drops. Enjoy the picturesque atmosphere and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of this village.
Munster – cheese, storks and breathtaking landscapes
Munster, not to be confused with the cheese, is a charming town surrounded by green hills and gentle valleys. The area is ideal for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Head to the nearby Vosges Mountains and explore the breathtaking scenery. Munster itself is also known for its Gothic cathedral and the Maison du Fromage (Cheese House), where you can learn all about the production of the famous Munster cheese. Immerse yourself in the culinary world of Alsace and sample local specialities such as tarte flambée and choucroute (sauerkraut). Also visit the colourful and lively weekly market where you can find fresh regional products and handicrafts. Munster is also home to countless storks and their nests.
Culinary delights in Alsace
A trip to Alsace would not be complete without enjoying the delicious regional specialities. The cuisine of Alsace is a fusion of French and German influences and offers a variety of dishes to please every palate. Here are some typical specialities you should definitely try:
- Flammkuchen: This traditional dish is a type of thin, crispy pastry topped with crème fraîche, onions and bacon. Flammkuchen comes in different variations, for example with mushrooms or cheese. They are an absolute must for every gourmet.
- Choucroute: Choucroute is the Alsatian version of sauerkraut and is often served with different types of sausage such as Alsatian bratwurst or smoked pork. This hearty dish is perfect for those who love savoury flavours.
- Baeckeoffe: Baeckeoffe is a traditional braised dish made with lamb, beef and pork, potatoes, onions and spices. It is cooked slowly in a clay pot and has a delicious taste that will delight you.
- Kugelhopf: This fluffy yeast cake is a well-known sweet speciality of Alsace. Kugelhopf is baked in a characteristic round shape and often decorated with sultanas and almonds. It is perfect for a leisurely coffee break or as a dessert after a hearty meal.
- Alsatian wine: Alsace is also known for its exquisite wines. The region produces mainly white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Sylvaner. A wine tasting at one of the local wineries or wine bars is an absolute must to experience the variety and quality of Alsatian wines. On our trip we drove through countless vineyards and in every town there are numerous small winegrowers offering tastings and experiences in the vines.
Alsace offers not only scenic beauty and cultural richness, but also a culinary tradition to discover. Let yourself be seduced by the aromas and flavours of this unique region and experience an unforgettable journey for all your senses.
