When it comes to vacationing in France, the first thing that comes to mind is, of course, Paris. But there is more than one tourist destination in this country, which is visited by millions of tourists every year. And today we will tell you about Alsace. Even though this is not the largest French region, it conceals a lot of interesting mysteries and secrets, which are exciting to unravel. Most often people come here to taste wines in local wineries (it is worth it), enjoy the unusually beautiful nature, and, of course, see real historical monuments with their own eyes. It is a picturesque province with a rich history, beautiful nature, and numerous tourist attractions. 

Strasbourg

This city is the capital of the region. It is located at the crossroads of major trade routes, so those who love shopping will have something to do here. There are a huge number of shopping centers and markets here. Strasbourg is also considered one of the most beautiful European cities. Everything here is very neat and prim – beautiful houses, landscaped areas, a lot of greenery, and friendly locals. The historic part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is there that you can practically touch history. 

The most famous landmark of the city is the Notre Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral. It often takes tourists as much as two hours to visit it, as many agree to climb 332 steps to get to the observation deck. Unfortunately, Strasbourg doesn’t have any gambling venues and many nightclubs, so if you are a fan of gambling such games as andar bahar online game or clubbing, you should visit the Casino Baden-Baden located only 70 kilometers away from Strasbourg.

Colmar

People often call Colmar the “city of romance”. Incredibly beautiful and cozy narrow streets and old buildings built in the valley of the Rhine River will remind you of Venice. Cultural attractions of the city are Unterlinden Museum with a collection of medieval art objects and Bartholdi Museum, dedicated to the famous sculptor Auguste Bartholdi. He was the author of the American Statue of Liberty, which was presented to America by France. Moreover, Colmar is located right in the middle of the famous wine route between Colmar and Strasbourg. 

Mulhouse

Mulhouse is also one of the largest cities in Alsace. Despite its small size and almost no historical charm, it attracts travelers with its modernity. There are many industrial sites on the outskirts, and the 100-meter-tall European Tower is located in the center of the city. One of the most interesting places in Mulhouse is also a museum of retro cars. The mecca for lovers of modern architecture is the building of the Cultural Center, erected in 2013.  In addition, there are about 20 castles in Alsace that you can visit. These buildings date from the 12th to 19th centuries. 

Last but not least, we would like to mention the culinary traditions of Alsace. Alsace is a very “tasty” region and is a great place for food tours. This is an undoubted plus of a trip to France.

In local cafes and restaurants, you can try things you won’t be treated to anywhere else. For example, choucroute. At first glance, this is such a complicated dish that you can hardly repeat the process of its preparation at home. But in fact, under this mysterious name lies a dish made of potatoes and sauerkraut, generously seasoned with wine sauce, with the addition of various types of sausages and meat. Alsace is also famous for its fish dishes. The region is located near rivers where trout, pike, and carp are found. The simplest variant of their preparation is baked with lemon.

But the main product of any meal locals consider is not fish at all, but bread. Gourmets from all over the world come to Alsace also to taste cheeses, the most famous of which is Muenster cheese with a pleasant spiciness. The French especially like to serve it hot with a side dish of potatoes. Another delicacy that has been produced in this region since the 17th century is the world-famous foie gras. It is served as a separate dish and also used as a filling for pies and rolls.

As you can see, Alsace is a beautiful province where you can enjoy modern cities and authentic villages, see historical monuments, and plunge into the atmosphere of the historical past of the province. Whether you are interested in culture or a foodie, you should add Colmar, Strasbourg, and Mulhouse to your bucket list!