ALSACE HOLIDAY   >   FRANCE  


Lying between the Vosges Mountains to the west and the Rhine to the east, from the German to the Swiss borders, Alsace is France's smallest region.

At the crossroads in the centre of Europe, Alsace has, for better or worse, been at the heart of events since the beginning of time. While still bearing some of the wounds left by history, it is also the site of some of the European civilisation's finest achievements. Come and explore a region that has managed to maintain its traditions, its memories of a eventful past, and its architectural heritage.

Counties in Alsace : Bas-Rhin (67), Haut-Rhin (68)

Urban areas : Strasbourg, regional capital and "Capital of Europe", Colmar, wine-farming capital and Mulhouse, 2nd most important museum city in France

Cities : Ferrette, Haguenau, Obernai, Sélestat, Sarre-Union, Saverne, Wissembourg


holiday homes, hotels, tour operators, travel guides, travel alsace

links


Campsites & Caravanning

  Eurocampings   -   ACSI International Camping Guide  -  Alsace

Holiday Rentals / Cottages / Apartments

   -   Alsace
Cottages4you is the leading UK provider of self-catered holidays.

  Soleara   -   Cottages in France   

   -   La Bresse, Gérardmer
A chalet, a villa, a castle or a mill? A country estate, a farmhouse, a gîte or a cottage? All have been carefully selected for quality, location, friendly welcome and attractive atmosphere. They are all ideal for a special holiday and good value for money.

Hotels in Alsace

  Hotels in Alsace   -   Hotel Guide Alsaces
Hotels in Strasbourg, Colmar, Mulhouse, Ottmarsheim, Saint-Louis, Bartenheim, Blotzheim, Eguisheim, Hagenthal-le-Bas, Bischwihr, Morschwiller-le-Bas, Lingolsheim, and more.



  Hotels in Strasbourg   -   Hotel Guide Strasbourg
In and around the convention center, European Institutions, Parc des expositions de Strasbourg, Exhibition Center- Hall Rhénus, European Parliament, Council of Europe, European Court of Human Rights.

  La Résidence Jean-Sébastien Bach ****, 6, boulevard Jean-Sébastien Bach, 67000 Strasbourg, 67000
Next to the superb "Parc de l'Orangerie" and just a few minutes walk from the European Parliament buildings, the Residence J. S. Bach **** is particularly well-located in one of the best residential quarters of Strasbourg

  Mont Sainte Odile
Located at an altitude of 765 meters , a magic place on the top of a mountain, that towers above the plain of Alsace. 50 km far from Colmar , 40 km from Strasbourg , 25 km from the international airport (Entzheim) and 12 km from Obernai .

 
Hostelbookers.com is one of the worlds largest online booking services for hostels. All hostels you see here are offering realtime prices and availability.

National Parks

  Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges
  Parc Naturel Regional Vosges du Nord

Travel Agents / Tour Operators

 Thomas Cook

  
Create your perfect trip to Alsace.



  Into France  -  Holiday in France

Travel Guides Alsace / Related Books

Tourist Guide Alsace Lorraine Champagne
Paperback: 480 pages; Publisher: Michelin Apa Publications Ltd; 5th edition (1 Mar 2010); ISBN-10: 1906261725; ISBN-13: 978-1906261726.

Strasburg (CitySpots)
This is the savvy city breakers' pocket guide to seeing and doing more in Strasbourg - a city which fuses tradition and modernity, business and pleasure - with a fun-seeking and cost-conscious slant. Features of this title include: practical accommodation, restaurant and nightlife listings to suit varied budgets and tastes; imaginative suggestions that reveal the city's hidden gems; and, compact format that quickly locates the top must-see and do attractions.
Paperback: 144 pages; Publisher: Thomas Cook Publishing (12 Mar 2009); ISBN-10: 1848480601; ISBN-13: 978-1848480605.

Transport / How do I travel to Alsace

  Basel Airport   -   EuroAirport   -   Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

    -   Flight tickets Basel
Book cheap flight tickets to Alsace at ebookers and benefit from discounted airfares. View their latest offers and book your flights, accommodation, car hire and insurance online

  Airline Tickets /  Bargain Flights  
Flight tickets Alsace

   -   Eurostar, TGV and high speed-rail travel across Europe
Rail Europe is the UK's leading supplier of European Rail tickets. Whether you want to take a short break or a fortnight, your train journey by Eurostar, and connection to Europe with the SNCF range of products, are available to book online.

 
Ferries to France & Ireland from Dover ( cross-channel ferry ).

   -   fantastic fares from all of the UK's major ports 
 

Links 

  Alsace   -   Tourist Board Alsace
With its characteristic distinctiveness and its time-old traditions, Alsace is a region sure to be mentioned whenever the French talk about their gastronomy, art, history and culture. This is a land of adventure, not so far away, a land of colour and warmth, with a surprise around every corner.

  Strasbourg   -   regional capital and "Capital of Europe"
Stroll along the romantic banks of the River Ill, discover the famous cathedral, bask in the unique atmosphere of the picturesque old quarter with its narrow streets, stop for lunch in the convivial surroundings of a winstub…explore the city on foot, by bike or by bateau-mouche, at your own pace and in your own time !
Strasbourg has a central position that places it close to other European metropolises: at a few hours drive or less than one hour by airplane from Paris, Lyon and the big German cities. Strasbourg is easily accessible by freeway network, plane or train.

  Bas-Rhin [ 67 ]   -   Voyage to the heart of the Alsace
With its beautiful landscapes, fascinating heritage and fine gastronomic delights, the Northern Alsace is undoubtedly the perfect destination. Whether you fancy a gourmet weekend or a romantic break, exploring the Wine Route , or hiking and biking, you will find a tempting choice of short all-in breaks !
* L'Alsace du Nord
* Le massif des Vosges
* Strasbourg et sa région
* Le vignoble
* La plaine d'Alsace et le Ried

  Haut-Rhin [ 68 ]   -   South Alsace
A region of history and emotion, Upper Rhine offers visitors the multiple facets of contrasting natural features and the wealth of an impressive human and technological heritage.
For walkers, there is no shortage of trails across the plains and fields, the hills and their vineyards, the Vosges and their pine plantations. Our landscapes offer rival attractions for your greatest delight.
Upper Rhine is above all an authentic region where the life is good. Good food is a solidly entrenched tradition which keeps the past alive and ensures an always generous welcome.

  Colmar   -   wine-farming capital
Colmar is renowned for its Unterlinden Museum which houses the famous Issenheim Retable, and for its picturesque old quarters including the "Little Venice".
  Mulhouse   -   2nd most important museum city in France
In Mulhouse, European crossroads, the Motor, Railway and Printed Fabric Museums demonstrate major industrial developments

  Altkirch [ Sundgau ]   -   Office de Tourisme
  Haguenau   -   Ville de Haguenau   -   capital city north Alsace
  Landser   -   Ville de Landser
  Obernai   -   Ville d'Obernai
 At the crossroads of the three large regions of Alsace : the vineyards with the wine route, the Vosges and the large rural plain starting right at the town gates, appears and spreads out the proud city of Obernai. Located at 25 km south west of Strasbourg where the little valley of the Ehn river opens out, Obernai used to bear the name of "Ehenheim" precisely because of the Ehn river. Obernai is so attractive that it is the most visited city of the Bas Rhin after the capital of Europe.
  Ottrott   -   Tourist Office Ottrott
A village in flower, surrounded by forests and vineyards is among the most important places for Alsacian gastronomy. You will be easily conquered by the spell of its old houses and lanes, by the shadow of the once mighty castles and by its exceptional situation at the foot of the Mont Sainte Odile.
From the Vosges mountains and their beautiful forests to the rich agricultural plain through the orchard-lined foothills and, of course, its famous vineyards, the Ottrott region possesses exceptionnaly diverse landscapes , and its 200 kilometres of public footpaths are a pleasure for hikers and nature-lovers alike.
  Rosheim   -   Ville de Rosheim
History has left its mark here in Rosheim, a typical alsatian little town, located at the foot of Mont Ste Odile,
between the Piemont of the Vosges and the plain of Alsace.
  Saint Jean Saverne  [ Bas-Rhin ]
  Sélestat   -   Ville de Selestat   -   Selestat Tourist Office
Crossroads at the heart of Alsace, between plain and mountains, past and present. You will fall under the charme of this town of art and tradition, with its fascinating heritage and hospitality.
  Saverne   -   Ville de Saverne   -   Tourist Office Saverne
  Wintzenheim
  Wissembourg   -   Communauté des Communes du Pays de Wissembourg
  Molsheim Mutzig Refion   -   Office Tourisme Région Molsheim Mutzig
At the heart of Alsace, just twenty kilometres or so from Strasbourg, the Molsheim-Mutzig Region welcomes you to the foothills of the Vosges mountains and the gateway to the Bruche Valley.
Destinations : Altdorf, Avolsheim, Dachstein, Dinsheim / Bruche, Dorlisheim, Duppigheim, Duttlenheim, Ergersheim, Ernolsheim / Bruche, Gresswiller, Molsheim, Mutzig, Soultz les Bains, Wolxheim
  Sierentz County
In the south of Alsace, between Mulhouse, Basle and Altkirch nests a nice little area: Sierentz County.
Mainly rural, it extends from the plain of the Rhine to the hills of the Sundgau..
Beautiful flowered villages make it possible to benefit from nature, fresh air and peace: excursions, cycling, horsemanship... Ideal base to discover Switzerland, Germany, Sundgau, the Jura, the Vosges... and Alsace.
  Sundgau   -   area east of France covering the south part of Alsace [ Haut-Rhin ]
Regional centre = village of Kleinstadt Altkirch.
  The Ried  [ around the town of Selestat ]
The term Ried comes from the german word "Rieth" which means reed."Ried" also refers to the landscape which is covered in easily flooded meadows and forests. In you will find the Protected Nature Reserve of Sélestat's "Ill'wald". The "Ill'wald » shelter the biggest herd of wild deer in France and a great variety of rare plants and wildlifes.
  Vosges Mountains
The "blue ridge" of the rounded "ballons" (mountain tops), the forests of fir trees, blueberry carpeted thatches , and a regional cheese. From the the Vosges Mountains, one can remember these images of softness and nature. These mountains have a thousand faces. One is always within two steps of a curious medieval village, a fortified castle, or an abbey, discreetly nested at the bottom of a small valley, or a waterfall descending from the steep rocks.
Surprisingly varied, this mountain blends together all its landscapes. Deep forests, glacial lakes, and damp meadows alternate with industrial valleys, cultivated plains, eroded plateaus, peat bogs, cliffs and fallen rocks.

  Adventure Parc Lac Blanc  [ Orbey ]   -   adventure park with climbing tracks in the trees
Located in a green forest, the 'Lac Blanc Parc d'Aventures' is aimed at developping sport activities and in the mean time, respecting the environment.  Come with your friends and family to enjoy moments of pleasure, emotion and sensations. Eight courses of growing difficulties will take you higher and higher to the fir top...
  Alsace Wines   -   Vins d'Alsace   -   Wine Trails   -   from April till October
The vines [ Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Muscat, Tokay Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Gewurztraminer ] and the areas and soils they are grown in, Work in the vineyard and the winemaking process, The Wine Route, The Alsace Wine Trails, Tourist events (festivals, fairs)
  Ecomusee Alsace   -    the largest outdoor museum in France
Traditional village of Alsatian houses with farmers and tradesmen
  EDF Electropolis Museum   -   the Adventure of Electricity in Mulhouse
Largest museum in Europe dedicated to electrical energy. In a futuristic architectural setting and a dynamic scenography, the EDF Electropolis Museum displays objects and models, holds audio-visual projections and events which retrace the fascinating saga of electricity.
  Le Château of Haut-Koenigsbourg 
Haut-Koenigsbourg, one of the most visited castles and monuments in France. Perched on a summit , it was restored from ruins by the architect Bodo Ebhardt, between 1301 and 1908 for Kaiser Wilhelm II. An imposing vision of the architecture and daily life in a stronghold of the 15th century. See for more Monum  -   French National Center of Monuments
  Maginot Line   -   underground installations used during the Second World War
History of Fort Schoenenbourg, The historic photos, Discover the fortress Schoenenbourg, Discover the casemate Esch
  Montagne de Singes   -   a great number of monkeys living in liberty
Come and visit "Monkey Mountain", an exciting walk amongst 280 free roaming Barbary Macaques. You will enjoy direct contact with the monkeys and will be able to observe this amazing species.
  Nautiland   -   great swimming-center
  Parc Alsace Aventure   -   adventure park 
  Parc des Cigognes   -   Cigo land   -   Park with a great number of storks  
  Parc des Labyrinthus 
  Parc les Naïades   -   Freshwater and sea water Aquarium 
Water cycle, life cycle, the themes of the Naiads' aquarium park do not neglect nature. Two hectares are dedicated to stroll, to leisure while following the botanical path. 5 km from Obernai, at the foot of mount Saint Odile
  Ski Holiday   -   Comité Régional de ski du Massif des Vosges
  Ronde des Fetes
  Volerie des Aigles   -   site of free living eagles
In Alsace, at the top of a black pine hill, very near Haut-Koenigsbourg and the wine route, stand the ruins of the medieval château of Kintzheim.
Above the old, mossy walls you can see large, dark wings flying around: The Park provides visitors with a unique opportunity to admire the biggest and most beautiful birds of prey high up in the sky or a few centimetres away from the spectators
  Zoo   -   Mulhouse Zoo & Botanical Gardens   -   Garden of Discovery
The Mulhouse Zoo is not only a place for sight-seeing and recreation, but is also an important center of animal breeding, scientific research, and education.

Cuisine  -   Alsatian recipes

Alsatian cuisine is strongly influenced by the Germanic culinary traditions [ marked by the use of pork in various forms ]. Traditional dishes include baeckeoffe, tartes flambées [ flammeküche ], choucroute and fleischnackas. The south of Alsace, also called Sundgau, is characterized by carpe frite.

  Etoiles d'Alsace

  Hugel    -   Official web site of the winery Hugel & Sons (Hugel & Fils).
Founded in 1639 in Riquewihr and one of the leading names in Alsace and on the Internet. Photo gallery, forum, many links, wine suggestions by Serge Dubs. Quality wines from Riquewihr, France, and Alsace.

  Regions along the Alsace Wine Route
From Thann to Wettolsheim, from Colmar to Ribeauvillé, from Bergheim to Bernardswiller, from Obernai to Marlenheim.

History  -  Alsace

  History of Alsace   -  Wikipedia

  French National Railway Museum [ Mulhouse ]
  Société d'Histoire du Sundgau

Music, Art & Culture, Events

Historically part of the Holy Roman Empire, the region has passed between French and German control numerous times, resulting in a rich cultural blend. It traditionally belongs, however, to the German Kulturkreis, as any glance at traditional buildings in the towns and villages and at place names will confirm.

  Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg
Founded in 1855 and one of the oldest symphonic orchestras in western Europe.
  Opéra national du Rhin 
Opera company performing in Alsace, which incorporates the Opéra in Strasbourg, the company's ballet in Mulhouse [ since 1985 a national centre for choreography ], and the 'Opéra Studio' [ former Jeunes Voix du Rhin'/ Young voices of the Rihen ], a training center for young singers, in the City of Colmar.

  Percussions de Strasbourg [ classical percussion ensemble ]
A contemporary music ensemble made up of six percussionists.

  Museum of Printed Textiles in Mulhouse   -    Musée de l'impression sur étoffes
In 1833, a group of textile manufacturers based in and around Mulhouse formed an Industrial Society known as the "Societé Industrielle". They decided to collectively archive the designs they produced. In order to complement their own personal collections they added designs from other countries, and from earlier times. This collection grew in importance to become what is today the premier collection of printed textiles in the world.

  Cultural Association of Landser   -  l'Association Culturelle de Landser
  Culture in Alsace [ Strasbourg ]

  Théâtre national de Strasbourg
  Théâtre du Maillon

  National and university library   -   Bibliothèque nationale et universitaire  (BNU)
With its collection of more than 3,000,000 titles. It's the second largest library in France after the Bibliothèque nationale de France.

  In the Footsteps of Goethe in Alsace

  Christmas Events and Christmas Markets in Alsace

  Medieval Festival of Ferrette   -   Fête médiévale de Ferrette
  Les Dominicains de Haute-Alsace [ Guebwiller ] 
  Strasbourg Music Festival
The Festival de Musique de Strasbourg is a prominent annual two-week festival of classical music.


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