Alsace
The Alsace Region includes the Departments of Bas Rhin (67) with the city of Strasbourg and the Deparment of Haut Rhin (68) with the city of Colmar. The dialect and archtecture of Alscace are different from other areas of France. We toured this Region of France in the 90's. It is scenic and has very good food. It was in the 17th Century the Region was placed under French rule.
Strasbourg
It was in the 90's that we visited the town of Strasbourg, drawn to the town by the canals and the river that run through it. Would this be the Venice of France?
Two arts of the Ill River and a number of canals run through Strasbourg so if you are interested in water, this is one of the French towns to visist. There are quays with 16th Century houses covered in flowers so there is plenty to see.
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Walk along Rue Mercière to view numerous half-timbered houses and this will lead you to the cathedral. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame stands out and can been seen from various locations in the town. With the spire, the Notre-Dame was the highest building of Christendom until 1800's. Made of red Vosges sandstone the cathedral has large proportions. The stained glass , from the 14th Century,is stunning when the sun shines through. This is due to the unique clear hues that the glass makers of Strasbourg used at the time. |
The astronomical clock is still in operation. Plan your time to be there at 12:30 noon to see the show. If you are rushed, there is an event on the 15 minute cycle.
The Palais Rohan is the palace of the Prince-Archbishops and it was built in 1732.
Do take on of the boat rides down the canals and river. We found it be be worth while and you do get a good perspective of the architecture and the city.
La Petite Pierre
We stopped here on the way to Strasbourg. We had flagged the town as it was one of the many named as "The Most Beautiful Village in France". Some of our stops based on that declaration were disappointments, but Petite Pierre was not. Worth a slight deviation and we spend a short time here enjoying our stop.
Obernai
This town was the birthplace of St. Odile, the patron saint of Alsace. We found the stop here to be worthwhile. Its a pretty little town with fine old buildings, in good condition. There are flowers hanging off every possible option.
Colmar
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After Obernai we headed up to see Colmar which is located about 71 km from Strasbourg. Colmar is the Capital of the Haut=Rhin Department and it is a busy town. The charm of this town inspired the work of french illustrator Hansi who became a leader of the French Resistance during World War I. There are lots of great buildings to see, a canal runs through the town for the scenic water shots. The town has great food. We have a great picnic here. The cathedral is rather bare with the exception of artwork. I am sure it was all famous but at the time it was kind of a blur! We just were doing too much at the time and we will have to return as the Colmar Museum is the most popular museum in France, outside of Paris! The altarpiece is reported to be stunning. It was created for the Issehheim hospital chapel. |
Neuf-Brisach
We also plan to return so that we can visit Neuf-Brisach. It has a fortress built in the 17th Century by Louis XIV. Octagonla in shape it has canals, bastions and forts. Two of the four gates remain. Always have a reason to return!