Alsace

Although Alsace, FR is the smallest metropolitan région in France, it is big on culture and gastronomy. Strolling down the streets of one of the numerous picturesque villages, you will see Germany’s architectural influence as it shares a northern border with this tiny région in Northwest France. Alsace real estate as a result has a definite Germanic feel to it with its vibrant steep roofed homes and wooden construction which are common in this region.

 

Step into a local Brasserie to discover the influence Germany has played on Alsatian cuisine, with sauerkraut, pork dishes, and foie gras as stars of the menu. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a tall glass of locally-brewed beer.

 

Then, take a bike tour of the famed vineyards, imagine life in the medieval castles, go on a hike through the thick green forests of the Vosges Mountains, and end your day relaxing by one of the many sparkling lakes.

 

Strasbourg is the region's capital and is deeply rooted in history. Remnants of times past can be seen through its outstanding Gothic cathedrals. The city also features an annual Christmas market, an event which attracts visitors from all over Europe.

 

 

Départements: Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin

Capital: Strasbourg

Regional Culinary Specialties: Sauerkraut, pot of pork and cabbage, baeckeoffe (an Alsatian casserole with potatoes, meats, and other veggies, with a “rope” of dough around the rim), tarte flambée (resembles thin crust pizza), choucroute (sauerkraut with sausages and potatoes), fleischnacka (minced beef rolled in fresh noodle dough, cut into slices, and cooked in stock), foie gras (fattened goose liver), and ginger spice bread.

Regional Wines: They are mostly white, made with mainly Germanic grapes, such as Gewürztraminer and Riesling.

 

• Alsace is located next to Germany and Switzerland and is situated between the Rhine River and the Vosges Mountains.

• Half of all French beer (including Heineken International) is produced in Alsace, mainly in its capital, Strasbourg.

• The cold, dry winters and hot summers make the perfect environment for growing the grapes used in Alsatian wines.

Airports Nearby	Train Stations Nearby
Strasbourg (SXB) Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL)	Dachstein Gare de Molsheim Strasbourg-Ville