Whole Earth Guide

Alsace is one of the smallest regions in France and thanks to it's history of being swapped between France and Germany over the centuries retains a slightly Germanic feeling. It consists of the Departments of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin and is a very compact region to explore.

Probably the major attraction for most people is Strasbourg simply because it is so well known but this is a region where the density of lovely scenery is high and there are many medieval villages and castles for you to explore.

Amongst the collection of Les Plus Beaux Villages in this region are Hunspach, Mittelbergheim, Haut-Rhin, Eguisheim, Hunawihr and Riquewihr. The small number reflects the small size of the region rather than an absence of cute villages.

Altough it has a wealth of attractions, it's not particularly easy to reach for the tourist with Strasbourg (SXB) being quite expensive thanks to the many European institutions based there and it's best to check Zweibruken (ZQW), Saarbrueken (SCN) and Luxembourg (LUX) for cheaper flights.

There's a direct TGV service to Strasbourg but, as elsewhere, you'd be best with a car if you want to explore outside the cities and towns of the region.

A selection from Bas Rhin...

Strasbourg - modern and medieval Europe

You'll know Strasbourg for it's European institutions and probably dismissed it as being only for them which is a shame because it has a lot to offer the tourist.

Yes, there are European institutions aplenty including the International Institute of Human Rights, the Central Commission for Navigat...more

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