Located along the northeastern border of France, the Alsace region is as beautiful as it is culturally diverse and historic.  Bordering Germany along the Rhine River plain, the picturesque region has a storied past with Germany.  Alsace has changed from French to German hands, and then back again, multiple times in history, and the regionâ??s rich cultural blending is a direct result of that symbiotic relationship.  The influence of both countries can be seen in the architecture, food, drink, language, and culture of Alsace.  The region of Alsace is famous for its idyllic towns and villages with half-timbered houses painted in bright colors. 

Strasbourg

The regionâ??s capital, Strasbourg, is notable for being the formal seat of the European Parliament.  Strasbourgâ??s historic city center is located on the Grand Ã?le island on the River Ill and is bordered by canals. Its medieval architecture and cultural significance earned the Grand Ã?le a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. 

Things to do:

One of the main landmarks of Strasbourg is the red sandstone Gothic Notre-Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral and its astronomical clock.  La Petite France is another must-see area, featuring half-timbered houses of the historic leather tanning district, and scenic waterways where the River Ill splits into several smaller channels and riverboat rides are popular. 

Throughout the month of December, Strasbourg also has a Christmas market that dates back to 1570.  The Christkindlmarik, as itâ??s called, is the oldest and biggest traditional style Christmas market in Europe. 

Colmar
This picture perfect town features a treasure trove of well preserved gothic and baroque architecture, as well as a historic city center with narrow lanes and canals.

Things to do:

In addition to taking in the architectural delights of the city center, the canals in the area dubbed â??Petite Veniceâ? are a must-see.  Colmar also has an elaborate covered market with stalls selling local produce, meat and charcuterie, cheeses, seafood, and baked goods.  Try the local speciality, Alsace Flammekueche, also known as tarte flambé: a traditional French â??pizzaâ? made of a thin crust covered in cheese, onions and smoked ham. 

Riquewihr
Riquewihr is a small medieval town surrounded by the Vosges Mountains and renowned French vineyards.

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Part of the oldest wine route in France, Riquewihr is famous for its Riesling wines.  Wine tastings are available year-round, and if you are in Riquewihr in September and October,  tourists are often welcome to join in the grape harvest.  You can also walk through the compact city center to view the abundant half-timbered buildings and local specialty shops.

Ribeauville

Just a few miles from Riquewihr, Ribeauville has a more relaxed feel than some of the other small towns in the Alsace region.  This quaint commune dating back to the Middle Ages has the added bonus of winning the title of one of Franceâ??s â??most beautiful villages.â? 

Things to do:

Walk down Riveauvilleâ??s main street, La Grand-Rue, to take in the historic architecture and many specialty shops selling wares such as foie gras, wines, meats, cheeses, and Alsatian beer, known as the best beer in France.  Pack a picnic with all your goodies from the shops and visit the ruins of Ribeauvilleâ??s three medieval castles in the townâ??s surrounding hills.