Alsace Alsace And Lorraine, France Travel Guide
Explore the Vosges Mountains, enjoy water activities, cycle through vineyards, and seek out thrilling sports.
Vosges Mountains offer a wide network of marked trails, from easy forest walks around villages to challenging summit ascents like the Grand Ballon. Wine Route trails wind through vineyards, connecting villages.
Canoeing/Kayaking is available on the Ill River in Strasbourg and Colmar, and some Vosges lakes. Stand-up paddleboarding is growing in popularity on Vosges lakes in summer. Fishing needs a local permit.
Bring a good hiking map, IGN (Institut Géographique National) for the Vosges Mountains, for route planning and navigation.
Deepen your connection with Alsace through its rich cultural heritage.
Alsatian Folk Dances are often performed at local festivals, especially during summer months, demonstrating traditional music and costumes.
Attend a performance at the Opéra National du Rhin or the Théâtre National de Strasbourg (see Section 8.2 for details). Classical music concerts often happen in churches.
Language schools in Strasbourg offer French courses. The Alsatian dialect (Germanic language) is spoken by some older locals in rural areas, adding to the cultural richness.
Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik is one of Europe's oldest. Running late November through December, it has a festive atmosphere with crafts, food, and mulled wine.
An annual event in July or August, a major highlight for wine enthusiasts. It features wine tastings, concerts, and cultural events.
Throughout the year, especially spring and summer, towns host flower, wine, and traditional village fêtes. These events offer a glimpse into local customs.
Find opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation in Alsace.
Specific yoga and meditation retreats are less common as a main tourist offering. Some hotels or guesthouses might have occasional classes or packages.
Traditional healing practices are not a prominent tourist offering in Alsace. Standard Western medicine is the norm.
Alsace is landlocked, so coastal beaches are not available.
Strasbourg has a varied live music scene with bars and clubs featuring jazz, rock, and pop. Le Molodoï is known for alternative music, La Laiterie is a larger concert hall. Colmar has a smaller scene.
Opéra National du Rhin and Théâtre National de Strasbourg are major venues for opera, ballet, and theatrical productions. Smaller theaters host local and contemporary works.
Nightclubs mainly exist in Strasbourg and Mulhouse. Rue des Tonneliers in Strasbourg's historic center has lively bars. Nightlife is less prominent in smaller towns, which are quieter.
Shopping in Alsace has chances to find local specialties, traditional crafts, and high-end goods.
Alsatian Wine (Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir), Alsace Cider, Kougelhopf Mold, Munster Cheese (strong aroma!), Pain d'épices (Gingerbread, especially Fortwenger), Bredele (Christmas cookies).
Stork Figurines/Symbols (the stork is Alsace's symbol), Alsatian Pottery/Tableware (traditional designs), Traditional Alsatian tablecloth or kitchen linen.
Strasbourg: Rue de la Mésange for high-end fashion, jewelry. Galeries Lafayette is a major department store. Colmar: Old Town has smaller boutiques for crafts and gourmet foods.
