Wonders within Alsace

Alsace is a region in France situated on its north-east corner. The whole eastern side of the region makes up the French-German border. This proximity with Germany has been one of the reasons for its turbulent past.

We can go back to the time Julius Caesar won its first battle on the bank of the Rhine in Alsace. This was the first of many battles that ended with the conquest of Gaul by the Romans. Later, control of Alsace swapped between the French and the Germans with the two world wars playing a decisive role. Today, the land feels peaceful again although the abundance of fortified castles still reminds the visitor of battles and conquests.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg lies on the bank of the Rhine which acts as a natural border between Germany and France. This border town and capital of the Alsace region feels neither German nor French but assumes a European identity. This is strongly felt with the large number of international organisations having their headquarters in this town. In fact, the European Parliament and the Council of Europe both have their head office in Strasbourg.

Visitors will find a large number of museums to capture on their cameras and absorb information, starting from the Alsacian Museum and the Historical Museum of the town of Strasbourg. Architecture is also a prime attraction of the town and the Church Saint-Thomas one of its finest examples. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame is an example of gothic architecture which will delight photographers. Wind up any visit in Strasbourg with a well-deserved rest in one of its numerous parks and gardens such as the Parc de l’Orangerie which is its biggest parc. Those spending the night over might find this holiday home near Strasbourg useful.

Attractions in Alsace

If you are on holidays, you might find this holiday rental in Alsace useful. Then start your sight-seeing in Bergheim, a town still relatively undiscovered by tourist crowds. Bergheim still has its city walls standing, a reminder from the time not so long ago when these where used for her defense against invaders. Be sure to climb up these very walls to enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding region. You will not fail to see the Castle of the Haut Koenigsbourg, your next stop.

The Castle of the Haut Koenigsbourg is perhaps the biggest in Alsace, a region famed for its very high concentration of castles such as the Castle of Holhandsbourg, the Château de la Petite Pierre, the castle of Fleckenstein, of Ferrette and of Haut-Barr. If you don’t have much time to do a castle crawl, be sure at least to visit the Castle of the Haut Koenigsbourg, famous despite so many other castles around.

Mulhouse

Mulhouse is the next biggest town after Strasbourg. There you will find the Railway Museum formerly known as the Train City. The museum was last renovated in 2005 after years of neglect. Now, two large halls host a collection of trains, wagons and engines of all ages and all types. Test yourself and try to guess which ones are steam trains, presidential trains and luxurious trains.

With the rich history and experience that the Alsace region has to offer, travellers will always find something to keep them interested and hopefully come back again.