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"Just
a note to say thanks to all of you for setting up a great tour
in Alsace. All the connections worked out great, and it was exactly
the type of tour arrangement we were looking for, at a very reasonable
price." -R. Petrilli, Alsace |
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Alsace France: After the partitioned empire of Charlemagne in 817 and 843 was organized, Alsace became part of Lotharingia. In 925, Alsace became part of the German duchy of Alemannia and remained German for 800 years. In 1648, with the " Thirty Years War", Alsace was placed under the French sovereignty. After the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), Alsace and Lorraine were incorporated into the German Empire which was when the term Alsace-Lorraine was used for the first time. In 1919, after World War I, Alsace-Lorraine were returned to France by the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. Finally, during World War II, the territory was ceded to Germany but France regained it after Germany's defeat in 1945. What a story!!
In Alsace and in Lorraine, the French language is dominant. In Alsace, a German dialect called Alsatian, is spoken but its use is decreasing. Because of the past, the culture of this region contains both French and German elements which gives a unique place to visit.
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Spread on the plain of the Rhine and on the oriental side of the Vosges mountain range, Alsace offers diversified landscapes. Some old cities include: Obernai, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Colmar. Many nearby vineyards are conserved with their history of cygogne and their sculpted houses, as well as their ancient image/ spirit.
Lorraine
Occidental part of the ancient Lotharingie which has gave the name
of Lorraine. Lorraine include a plateau with vast horizons, with
an subterran rich in charcoal and salt. More toward the west, the
coast of the Meuse and the Moselle frame plateaus and valleys rich
in iron.
Les Vosges
Shared between Lorraine (west) and Alsace (east), les Vosges are
an old mountain range covered with pines and beech forests. It is
a region with numerous lakes testifying to the presence of ancient
glaciers. Les Vosges are also rich in thermal stations with such
famous names such as Vittel, Plombieres, and Contrexville.
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What good "stuff' can you eat?
Cheese specialty: The Munster and the Gerome
Yes, the Munster smells very strong...but is so tasty!!! Quiche Lorraine
( salted pie with ham, cream and eggs) So good!!!
What about a drink?
Alsatian white wines have a distinctive flavor due to the continental
climate. There are white wines of quality especially: Riesling, Traminer,
Riquewihr....