Alsace, France

Living in Europe, smack dab in the middle here in Switzerland, affords great opportunities to explore it on the weekends.  Typically we check the flights and trains to the main cities but this can get expensive. 

 

Also, we have both been busy with work so we were looking for something different.  Something close and somewhere we could drive.  A quick trip leaving Saturday morning and heading back Sunday afternoon.  That's when I realized that Alsace, France is only 2 hours drive from Zurich!

 

Its a lovely area...country roads, rolling fields on vineyards, and trails of quaint little villages (plus French food and great white wine!).

 

 

We went in late fall and it was perfectly chilly and crisp out for walking around the villages, stopping at the cafes, and of course wine tasting!  Of course, Colmar is classic.  It definitely has some cute parts but I preferred the smaller villages...some so perfectly dressed in cobblestone, colourful cottages and fragrant flowers.  My favorites:  Riquewihr (although a little touristy), Ribeauville and Equisheim.

 

The best part (at least in my view!) is that the wineries set up shop in town so its an easy stroll from one to another.



 



I can imagine it would also be great in spring for some cycling between towns and wineries.  Perfect little weekend getaway.