Bonjour Alsace

Colmar

Le Petite Venice, Colmar

What could be better than a weekend in France? For me, not much can top a trip to one of my favorite countries in the world. No where else would I rather be where you eat so good, drink fantastic wine and experience beauty so profound. This trip my family and I were so lucky to travel to the world renowned wine region of Alsace, France, which is a short 2 hour drive from my home in Germany. This beautiful well traveled area is famous for it's vineyards, small medieval villages and of course castles that dot the beautiful Les Vosges mountains. This was my second trip to the area but my first time visiting Colmar and the lovely villages that surround it.

Haut-Koenigsbourg

I really love France and how it always surprises me. Every time I visit I'm taken aback by how friendly the people are. I really don't know why they get such a bad rap, but I find the French to be very polite, kind and generous people. I might be imagining this, but I always feel a bit of sincere appreciation and friendship in our interactions. I imagine it is because of my country's assistance in removing tyranny from their country many years ago. I also find myself surprised by how simple their lives seem, and I mean that in a GOOD way. Their love of beauty is evident and their uncluttered, simple and modest lives contribute to this. The french style is so effortless. I think sometimes I have gotten this love of beauty confused and I need to remind myself that beauty is an effortless thing.

Riquewihr

On our weekend getaway, our first stop was the village Riquewihr. This tiny village was so well preserved that it felt like a movie set. I kept waiting for Steven Spielberg to come around the corner and say, "Cut!" We arrived around 10am on Saturday morning and not a creature was stirring, but possibly a mouse. I think we didn't get the after Christmas memo that stated the French were taking it easy this particular weekend. It was very amusing how all the shops VERY slowly opened, almost like they didn't have a set schedule but opened based on convenience. We also found it extremely amusing that throughout all of the villages they still had all of their Christmas decorations intact, garlands, St.Nicholas and flocked Christmas trees were so bizarre to see still hanging around.

One of my favorite experiences was a visit to the castle Haut-Koenigsbourg. This castle sits 800 meters high, the panoramic views were magnificent. It is hard for me to wrap my brain around seeing something standing that is originally from the 12th century. We also spent the afternoon hiking to 2 ruined castles overlooking the village of Ribeauville. We had a great time and enjoyed such a magnificent view. This was a completely unplanned expedition so I was not appropriately dressed, with my knee high boots, black jeans, down coat and wool sweater I was definitely more Posh than Sporty. Not my brightest move, but I was unwilling to miss out on the experience because of a wardrobe error. I wish I knew what the french were thinking each time we passed each other during the hike. Either they were thinking what a fool or how stylish a hiker is she?

 

Riquewihr

I have a love affair with the french culture for so many reasons the least of these is their bread products. I could survive on bread products alone! The smells and sights of each bakery were almost to much for this girl to bear.  Bread weakens my best efforts at willpower, it is definitely my Kryptonite. It is so sweet to me, to watch the French culture moving about with their bread products, it seems either they are always on their way to the bakery or returning with a armful of baguettes. My husband joked he wanted to marry each bakery maiden for her oven. I can't blame him! 

Au Revoir!

Alsace Poster

Riquewihr

Crepes!!



Haut-Koenigsbourg

Haut-Koenigsbourg

Haut-Koenigsbourg

Haut Ribeaupierre & Saint Ulrich Ruins